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 April 28, 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, Beth Wiese, and Megan Thiessen. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Dixie Forcht, Jonathan Myer, Jackie Ellenbecker, Keely Upah, Rob Boley, Todd Anderson, Heather Wanatee, Emily Chyma, and members of the community in person and through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Wiese to approve the agenda. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Comment - Todd Anderson voiced his concern about a recent communication issue involving transportation logistics. Jackie Ellenbecker expressed concerns and encouraged the Board to approach issues with individual thought, continued inquiry, and open expression.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the following consent agenda items: minutes of the April 3, 2025 Special Session, minutes of the April 4, 2025 Special Session; minutes of the April 14, 2025 Regular Session, bills for payment as presented; financials; Trane Scheduled Service Agreement; Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) - Teacher/Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship (TPRA) Program Amendment between Western Governors University and STC Community School District; and the donation from STC Activity Boosters of $2,633.20, for a 5-man football sled. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Rob Boley gave a high school 2nd semester update on items such as attendance, discipline referrals, early graduates, and school safety.
Superintendent Cain gave the Board a middle school construction update. The project is moving right along, and many things are completed. They are making progress on punch lists and the substantial completion is targeted for May 16, 2025. We are working on getting a date for the middle school staff to visit the location in small groups to identify any particular room needs.
Superintendent Cain clarified that the Kuder Committee recommended the shift from “I Happy” to Kuder. He also shared updates from RSAI and SAI regarding pending 2025 legislative changes. Mr. Cain reviewed the April 28th strategic planning events and noted he will step out at 6:30 p.m., with Brad Schweppe leading the community session. Mr. Cain responded to the April 14, 2025 public comment by clarifying information, and emphasizing a continued focus on school improvement.
Superintendent Cain touched on the WIGU (When I Grow Up) Partnership Pilot Program and what that looks like.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Wiese to approve the following personnel requests. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Hires: Jayden Terrill - Head 8th Grade Football Coach, Ramona Ray - Middle School Special Education Paraeducator, Missy Jesina - .25 FTE Instructional Coach Middle School, and Rhonda Ricker - .25 FTE Instructional Coach Elementary School
Resignations: Danny Mayo - High School Science Teacher and Varsity Boys Track & Field Coach, Cami Vajgrt - 5th Grade Teacher, Gretchen Taylor - High School Special Education Teacher (Level 3), Zachary Pfantz - 4th Grade Teacher, and Samantha Cantonwine - Head High School Volleyball Coach and Summer Weight Room Supervisor
Transfers: Nadia Jimenez from Middle School ELL Paraeducator to High School ELL Paraeducator, Paula Graves from High School Science Teacher to 1.0 FTE Middle School Instructional Coach, Bailey Chyma from High School Assistant Boys Wrestling Coach to High School Co-Head Boys Wrestling Coach, Levi Kaufman from High School Assistant Boys Wrestling Coach to High School Co-Head Boys Wrestling Coach, and Amy Stotts from 7th Grade Literacy Teacher to Middle School Academic Interventionist
Officials: Seayea Joseph - High School Soccer
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the SHI pricing proposal, in the amount of $11,780.00, for the iBoss filtering solution. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Wiese, second by Thiessen to approve the SHI pricing proposal, in the amount of $18,966.61, for the JAMF mobile device management. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve new course proposal of Advanced Employability Skills. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to approve Iowa Association of School Boards invoice, in the amount of $5,455.00, for membership dues for FY26. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve setting the public hearing for FY25 Certified Budget Amendment for Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hopper to approve the middle school roadway plans and set the public hearing date for the roadway for Monday, May 19, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Wiese to table the approval of the FY24 audit until the correct information is included. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the D&N Fence Co., Inc. quote, in the amount of $7,905.00, for fencing at the new middle school. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Wiese, second by Thiessen to approve restructuring of cross country coaches on the extra-curricular schedule and adding a middle school cross country coach position. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Mr. Cain reviewed the following upcoming events with the Board: Wednesday, April 30th is the High School Fine Arts Banquet, May is Board Appreciation Month, and we have Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week beginning May 5th.
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, May 12, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., at the Partnership Center, Tama IA.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to enter into closed session at 6:21 p.m. pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i): To discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate, but only when premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the board would have to pay for the property, or in case of a sale reduce the price the board could receive for the property.
Motion by Wiese, second by Thiessen to come out of Closed Session at 6:30 p.m.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to adjourn the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President Katie Mathern, Board Secretary