REGULAR 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 April 2, 2024 in regular session at the STC Partnership, Tama, Iowa 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, Jackie Ellenbecker, Rick Hopper, and Megan Thiessen. Absent: Beth Wiese Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Allison Graham with the Tama-Toledo News Chronicle, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Ellenbecker, second by Thiessen to approve the agenda with the removal of the word “not” in Item 8. Exempt Session per Iowa Code 21.9 to discuss strategy in matters relating to employment conditions of employees not covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement . All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Ellenbecker to approve the following consent agenda items: minutes from the March 18, 2024 regular session, bills for payment, WC Financial School Spirit Check Permission Agreement, and early graduation request - Larry Davenport, Jr. (April 2024). All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Comment - None.
Motion by Hopper, second by Ellenbecker, to approve the following personnel requests. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Hires: Carlie Herdlicka - Assistant Middle School Boys Soccer Coach, John Loos - 7-12 Music Teacher, Janelle Pirkl - Director of Curriculum, Jayden Terrill - Health/Physical Education, and Shawn Arey - Bus Driver
Resignations: Chris Drummer - Varsity Football and Wrestling Cheer Coach, Rashell Mendoza - High School Paraeducator, Rashell Mendoza - Concessions Manager (End of 23-24 School Year), Irene Benda - Transportation Paraeducator, and Kerry Kucera - Elementary Kitchen Staff (End of 23-24 School Year)
Officials: Middle School Boys and Girls Soccer - Ashley Castanon, Jesus Castanon, and Brooklyn Dvorak; Middle School Track and Field - David Lee; and High School Soccer - Kurt Slouha, Rich Hudnut, and Xander Wellman
Volunteers: Amanda Husak - MS/HS Soccer Coach
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hopper to approve the 100 Series Policy review, and the first reading of Policy 106 - Title IX - Discrimination and Harassment Based on Sex Prohibited and Policy 501.03 - Compulsory Attendance. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Ellenbecker to approve the 5-2-1-0 Grant Funding Proposal. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Ellenbecker to accept the donation from Iowa Premium Beef, in the amount of $5,000, to use towards the high school gym sound system. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hopper to approve the Apple Inc. Education Price Quote, in the amount of $163,257.00, for a staff device refresh. This will be paid for by ESSER funding. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Ellenbecker to approve the Garling Construction Pay Application #07, in the amount of $1,176,929.82, for construction services. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Ellenbecker, second by Hopper to approve the Pan-O-Gold bread bid for the 2024-2025 school year. All Ayes. The motion carried.
The Board reviewed the current Iowa Works postings.
The Board discussed the Local Government Risk Pool and what benefits it could provide.
Superintendent Cain briefly spoke about the continuation of restructuring the budget and explained the last few items will be brought back to the Board on April 15th for approval.
Superintendent Cain reported the Middle School project is moving along nicely.
Mr. Cain explained he applied for two grants this week, totaling $160,000 to support summer school and after school programming next year for students in grades K-6th. We will learn if we qualify and receive the funding in mid-April. A very good meeting was held with 12 teacher leaders this week in regards to the revisions to the District Teacher Leadership & Compensation program. Prior to this, the coaches and the administrative team have spent a considerable amount of time on revisions.
Jackie Ellenbecker clarified her reasoning for being on the Board and what drives her passion. She stated she chose to be on the Board because of her advocacy and passion for kids.
Motion by Ellenbecker, second by Thiessen to adjourn the meeting at 6:14 p.m. The Board went into an exempt session per Iowa Code 21.9 to discuss strategy in matters relating to employment conditions of employees covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President Katie Mathern, Board Secretary