PUBLIC HEARINGS AND 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 February 24, 2025 for a regular session at the Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m. with some members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.
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, Megan Thiessen, and Beth Wiese (via Google Hangouts). Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Jennifer Nelson, Jill Kienzle, Dixie Forcht, Sam Peska, Joe Otten, Rob Boley, Amy Karg, Heather Wanatee, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the agenda. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Hearing - 2025-2026 School Calendar: President Dolezal opened the Public Hearing for the 2025-2026 School Calendar at 5:01 p.m. President Dolezal asked for public comments. Hearing none, President Dolezal asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hopper to close the Public Hearing at 5:02 p.m.
The regular session was called to order at 5:03 p.m.
On call of the roll the following were present: Elizabeth Dolezal, Rick Hopper, Joe Hanus, Megan Thiessen, and Beth Wiese (via Google Hangouts). Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Jennifer Nelson, Jill Kienzle, Dixie Forcht, Sam Peska, Joe Otten, Rob Boley, Amy Karg, Heather Wanatee, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.
Public Comment - Dixie Forcht inquired about where the costumes for the plays/musicals would be stored when/if the Partnership Center is sold. She also shared with the Board that the short film, “Beyond This Point,” directed by Jesse Ordaz was selected to be honored with a banner at the Iowa High School Speech Association’s Large Group Speech All-State Festival as a non-performing entry. The film’s performers include Alex Babinat, Ryden Forcht, Jerome Kapayou, Jesse Ordaz, and Ryder Shefchik Hill.
Motion by Hopper , second by Hanus to approve the agenda. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to approve the following consent agenda items: minutes of the January 29, 2025 work session, February 10, 2025 regular session, February 19, 2025 work session, bills for payment as presented, financials, the Cooperative Agreement between the University of Northern Iowa and Cooperating Educational Agencies, and early graduation request for Isabella Munoz Temich (April 2025). All Ayes. The motion carried.
Rob Boley and Amy Karg presented the Board with data on the high school’s early graduates, attendance/discipline, curriculum changes, academic successes, and thanked their ESSA team members: Nate Doran, Dixie Forcht, Dustin Peska, Audrey Roth, and Deanna Zmolek for their hard work.
Public Hearing - Furniture Bids: President Dolezal opened the Public Hearing for the Furniture Bids for the new middle school at 5:15 p.m. President Dolezal asked for public comments. Hearing none, President Dolezal asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing.
Motion by Hopper, second by Thiessen to close the Public Hearing at 5:16 p.m.
Superintendent Cain gave the Board a middle school construction update. Change order request 121 was reviewed. The roadway through the new middle school property is rough and the next steps are being considered for it. Mr. Cain went over the furniture bid process and what that entailed.
Superintendent Cain expressed the potential for a middle school staff work session in the near future. At this point in the year, 12.2 student hours are needed to be made up. The makeup plan will be finalized in late March/early April.
Director of Finance, Katie Mathern, reviewed the PPEL/SAVE plan with the Board in accordance with the 5-year district plan.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to approve the following personnel requests. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Hires: Rachel Roen - Middle School Art Teacher, Rizza Lyn Salvador - High School English Teacher, Jennifer Nelson - Middle School Principal, and Joseph Otten - Middle School Assistant Principal
Transfers: Rhonda Ricker - From Elementary Interventionist to Elementary Title I Teacher
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hopper to approve the reimbursable benefits addition of continued work visa in the handbook. Ayes: Hopper, Thiessen, and Wiese Nays: Hanus The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to approve the final maximum property tax rate to be published for the taxpayer notice at 14.86201. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to approve setting the 1st Public Hearing for the Certified Budget on March 24th, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve setting the 2nd Public Hearing for the Certified Budget on April 14th, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Thiessen to approve the furniture award as recommended by ISG, for the total amount of $284,095.96. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Wiese, second by Thiessen to approve the Career Connected Learning Position. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to table the special education bonus by caseload. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to approve the 2025-2026 calendar as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to approve the second reading of the following policies with headings to align with previous policies: 502.09 - Interviews of Students by Outside Agencies (FKA 502.12) and 506.01 E1 - Education Records Access - Request of Nonparent for Examination or Copies of Education Records (FKA 505.01 E2). All Ayes. The motion carried.
Mr. Cain reviewed the following upcoming events with the Board: Thursday (2/27) 7:00 p.m. 6 - 12 All Choir Concert @ the HS; Friday (2/28) Coe College Jazz Summit; Saturday (3/1) Individual District Speech; Monday (3/3) 5 - 12 Parade of Bands @ the HS ; Thursday (3/6) 6:30 p.m. Community Night for Individual Speech @ the Wieting; Saturday (3/8) NEIBA Jazz Band Festival @ Independence
Each Board member presented a “positive” they have witnessed in the District or their role as a Board member.
The next Board meeting will be on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., at the Partnership Center, Tama IA.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to adjourn the meeting at 6:25 p.m.
The Board went into exempt session following regular session per Iowa Code 21.9 to discuss strategy in matters relating to employment conditions of employees not covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President Katie Mathern, Board Secretary