PUBLIC HEARINGS, REGULAR, AND CLOSED SESSION
OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE
SOUTH TAMA COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met on May 26, 2026 for a Public Hearing on the proposed conveyance of an interest in real property (Corner Lot in Tama) at the Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa beginning at 5:00 p.m. with some members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.
On call of the roll the following were present: Elizabeth Dolezal, Rick Hopper, Joe Hanus, Danya Keahna, and Megan Thiessen. Quorum present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, district staff, community members, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to approve the agenda of the Public Hearing. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Hearing - Conveyance of an Interest in Real Property (Corner Lot in Tama): President Dolezal opened the Public Hearing at 5:00 p.m. on the proposal to convey an interest in real property (Corner Lot in Tama). Hearing no public comments, President Dolezal asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing.
Motion by Hanus, second by Thiessen to close the Public Hearing at 5:02 p.m.
The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met on May 26, 2026 for a Public Hearing on the proposed conveyance of an interest in real property (Tennis Courts and Green Space) at the Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa beginning at 5:02 p.m. with some members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.
On call of the roll the following were present: Elizabeth Dolezal, Rick Hopper, Joe Hanus, Danya Keahna, and Megan Thiessen. Quorum present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, district staff, community members, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to approve the agenda of the Public Hearing. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Hearing - Conveyance of an Interest in Real Property (Tennis Courts and Green Space): President Dolezal opened the Public Hearing at 5:02 p.m. on the proposal to convey an interest in real property (Tennis Courts and Green Space). Discussion included the proposed purchase price of $100.00, future use of the property, maintenance expectations, and potential recreational uses of the tennis court area. Community members raised questions regarding property upkeep, compliance with local codes, potential liability concerns, and future development plans. It was noted that the property had been advertised for sale three times and no other bids had been received. President Dolezal asked for additional comments. Hearing none, President Dolezal requested a motion to close the Public Hearing.
Motion by Hanus, second by Thiessen to close the Public Hearing at 5:10 p.m.
The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met on May 26, 2026 for a Public Hearing on the proposed conveyance of an interest in real property (Old Football Field) at the Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa beginning at 5:10 p.m. with some members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.
On call of the roll the following were present: Elizabeth Dolezal, Rick Hopper, Joe Hanus, Danya Keahna, and Megan Thiessen. Quorum present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, district staff, community members, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to approve the agenda of the Public Hearing. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Hearing - Conveyance of an Interest in Real Property (Old Football Field): President Dolezal opened the Public Hearing at 5:10 p.m. on the proposal to convey an interest in real property (Old Football Field). Discussion included potential future residential development, preservation of green space, zoning, housing market conditions, and the purchaser’s experience with rental property ownership and development. President Dolezal asked for additional comments. Hearing none, President Dolezal requested a motion to close the Public Hearing.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to close the Public Hearing at 5:16 p.m.
The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met on May 26, 2026 for a Public Hearing on the 2025-2026 Certified Budget Amendment at the Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa beginning at 5:16 p.m. with some members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.
On call of the roll the following were present: Elizabeth Dolezal, Rick Hopper, Joe Hanus, Danya Keahna, and Megan Thiessen. Quorum present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, district staff, community members, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to approve the agenda of the Public Hearing. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Hearing - 2025-2026 Certified Budget Amendment: President Dolezal opened the Public Hearing at 5:16 p.m. for the 2025-2026 Certified Budget Amendment. Director of Finance Katie Mathern reviewed the budget amendment for $400,000. Mrs. Mathern explained the amendment was to reflect increased support service expenditures including special education, transportation, operations, and purchased services Mrs. Mathern stated the budget amendment would have zero impact on property taxes. Hearing no public comments, President Dolezal requested a motion to close the Public Hearing.
Motion by Keahna, second by Hopper to close the Public Hearing at 5:18 p.m.
The Regular Session was called to order at 5:18 p.m.
The Board and guests stated the “Pledge of Allegiance” and the District’s mission statement.
On call of the roll the following were present: Elizabeth Dolezal, Rick Hopper, Joe Hanus, Danya Keahna, and Megan Thiessen. Megan Thiessen left the meeting at 6:35 p.m. Quorum present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Dixie Forcht, Jonathan Meyer, Brad Schweppe, Gerald Husak, Cheryl Husak, Mary White, Robert White, Patience Petty, Layla Vest, Sabrina Vest, Stacy Johnston, Steve Emerson, Jimmie Post, Kristen Donald, Jeanette Stacey, Logan Hoskey, Nathan Rasmussen, Stella Sawyer, Kenley Koster, Devin Hoskey, Kalista Koster, Jamie Koster, Leticia Babinat, Justin Suchanek, Sloan Mauskemo, Amy Medina, Ryan Cassady, Abbi Sieck, Cody Taylor, Steve McAdoo, Katherine Ollendieck, Karen Murty, Sam Cantonwine, Dave Cantonwine, Marissa Flores, Missy Axler, Chase Axler, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve the agenda. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Forum - Students, parents, staff, and community members addressed the Board regarding student safety, discipline, communication, administrative practices, staff support, school climate, fundraising activities, and workplace culture.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to approve the consent agenda as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Steve Emerson presented a concept for redeveloping the former South Tama Middle School into multifamily housing, shared examples of similar redevelopment projects, and answered questions regarding housing needs, project funding, security, parking, and community involvement. Community and city representatives expressed support for further exploration of the proposal.
Elementary staff and students expressed appreciation to the Board for its service and leadership. The Board was presented handmade cards and a thank-you card signed by staff members. First-grade students, led by Phoebe Osgood, performed a song on video for the Board.
Superintendent Cain reported that a purchase agreement is being finalized with Steve Emerson for the former middle school property and recommended continuing to move forward with the redevelopment opportunity. The Board discussed potential next steps.
Superintendent Cain provided updates on communication initiatives, administrative compensation discussions, the former middle school property, legislative developments, upcoming SAVVAS/SIOP staff training, and potential impacts of proposed property tax changes on district finances.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the following personnel requests and table the hiring of high school maintenance/custodial position. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Hires: Tommy Mathes - Bus Route Driver
Resignations: Robert Earles - Middle School Custodian, Jenn Gross - High School Paraeducator, Mike Carnahan - High School Band/Music/Esports, and Alexis Huff - High School Migrant Education Tutor
Transfers: Myles Eick from High School Science Teacher to High School Physical Education Teacher, Jaydan Terrill from 8th Grade Head Football Coach to 7th Grade Assistant Football Coach, and Eric Haughey from 8th Grade Assistant Football Coach to 8th Grade Head Football Coach
Officials: Bryan Foster - High School Soccer
Other: Raul Bolanos - Musician for spring musical, Addison Krueger - ESSA, Kristi Miranda - ESSA, Kristi Miranda - Literacy PLC Lead, and Levi Klopping - Math PLC Lead
Motion by Hanus, second by Keahna to approve the 2026-2027 Adult Lunch Meal Price at $5.15. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the ISG invoice, in the amount of $5,278.46, for Commissioning - First Year Occupancy + Operational Support. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve the 2026-2027 Work-Based Learning Coordinator Contract with Central Rivers Area Education Agency, in the amount of $29,298 for 38 days of service. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve the Work Experience Coordinator Contract with Central Rivers Area Education Agency, in the amount of $29,298 for 38 days of service. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve the 2026-2027 English Language Consultant Services Contract with Central Rivers Area Education Agency, in the amount of $15,420 for 20 days of service. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve the Services Agreement for Technology Services with Central Rivers Area Education Agency, in the amount of $14,335.00. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hanus, second by Keahna to approve the Resolution for Conveyance of Real Property authorizing the sale of the corner lot property to H&H Housing, LLC. Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Dolezal, Hanus, and Keahna. Nays - None. Abstain - Hopper. The motion carried.
Motion by Hanus, second by Keahna to approve the Resolution for Conveyance of Real Property authorizing the sale of the tennis courts and green space property to H&H Housing, LLC. Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Dolezal, Hanus, and Keahna. Nays - None. Abstain - Hopper. The motion carried.
Motion by Hanus, second by Keahna to approve the Resolution for Conveyance of Real Property authorizing the sale of the former football field property to H&H Housing, LLC. Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Dolezal, Hanus, and Keahna. Nays - None. Abstain - Hopper. The motion carried.
Motion by Hanus, second by Keahna to approve the 2025-2026 Certified Budget Amendment as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve the 2026-2027 Board Meeting Dates and Times as presented. The meetings will be held on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month at 5:00 p.m. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hanus, second by Keahna to accept the resignation of Board Member, Megan Thiessen, effective June 30, 2026. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the first readings of the following policies: 704.06 R1 - Fundraising Within the District - Regulation, 705.03 - Payment for Goods and Services, 706.01 - Payroll Periods, 706.02 - Payroll Deductions, 706.03 - Reduction in Employee Pay, 706.03 R1 - Reduction in Employee Pay - Regulation, 707.01 - Presentation and Publication of Financial Information, 707.05 - Internal Controls, 707.06 - Audit Committee, 709 - Insurance Program, 710.02 - Free or Reduced Cost Meals Eligibility, 710.03 - Vending Machines, 711.01 - Student School Transportation Eligibility, 711.02 - Student Conduct on School Transportation, 711.02 R1 - Student Conduct on School Transportation - Regulation, 711.03 - Student Transportation for Extracurricular Activities, 711.04 - Summer School Program Transportation Service, 711.05 - Transportation of Nonresident and Nonpublic School Students, 711.06 - Transportation of Non-school Groups, and 711.07 - School Bus Safety Instruction. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve the second readings of the following policies and bringing back policy 604.06 - Instruction at a Post-Secondary Education Institution (new) for a third reading: 604.01 - Private Instruction (new), 604.02 - Individualized Instruction (new), 604.03 - Program for Talented and Gifted Students (FKA 602.10), 604.04 - Program for At-Risk Students (new), 604.05 - Religious-Based Exclusion from A School Program (new), 604.07 - Dual Enrollment (new), 604.08 - Foreign Students (new), 604.10 - Online Courses (new), 604.11 - Appropriate Use of Online Learning Platforms (new), 605.03 E1 - Objection to Instructional and Library Materials - Instructions to the Reconsideration Committee (revised), 605.03 E2 - Objection to Instructional and Library Materials - Reconsideration of Instructional and Library Materials Request Form (revised), 605.03 E4 - Objection to Instructional and Library Materials - Request to Prohibit a Student from Checking Out Specific Library Materials (revised), 605.06 E1 - Internet - Appropriate Use - Internet Access Permission Letter to Parents (new), 605.06 E2 - Internet - Appropriate Use - Internet Access Permission Letter to Parents (new), 605.06 E2 - Internet-Appropriate Use-Violation Notice (new), 605.07 - Use of Information Resources (new), 605.08 R1 - Artificial Intelligence in the Educational Environment-Regulation (new), 606.01 - Class size-Class Grouping (FKA 606.1), 606.02 - School Ceremonies and Observances (new), 606.03 - Animals in the Classroom (new), 606.04 - Student Production of Materials and Services (FKA 605.08), 606.05 - Student Field Trips and Excursions (FKA 504.08), 606.06 - Insufficient Classroom Space (FKA 606.6), and 607.01 - Student Guidance and Counseling Program (FKA 602.09). All Ayes. The motion carried
Superintendent Cain provided updates on the revised school calendar, the last day of school, the upcoming retirement tea, flex day activities, and SAVVAS professional development training scheduled for June 1 and 2.
Each Board member presented a “positive” they have witnessed in the District or their role as a Board member.
Motion by Hanus, second by Keahna to enter Closed Session at 7:59 p.m. pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i) to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when a closed session is necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation, and that individual requests a closed session. Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Dolezal, Hopper, Hanus, and Keahna. Nays - None. The motion carried.
The Board returned to open session at 8:54 p.m.
Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve Administrator, Director, and Coordinator raises, ranging from $1,250 to $2,250, totaling $26,500. Ayes - Dolezal, Hopper, and Keahna. Nays - Hanus. The motion carried.
Motion by Hanus second by Keahna to table action item N. Grinnell Operational Sharing Agreement. All Ayes. The motion carried.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 5: 00 p.m., at the Partnership Center, Tama, IA.
Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to adjourn the meeting at 8:56 p.m.
Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President Katie Mathern, Board Secretary