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 June 19, 2025 for a work session at the STC Middle School, Toledo, Iowa at 5:00 p.m. The Board members took a tour of the new middle school prior to the work session at 4:30 p.m.
On call of the roll the following were present: Elizabeth Dolezal, Rick Hopper, Joe Hanus, and Beth Wiese. Megan Thiessen was absent. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Mary Mixdorf, Ben Adams, Chelsea Ahrens, Janelle Pirkl, Jon Huebner, Sam Peska, Jennifer Nelson, Joe Otten, Brad Schweppe, Lou Gvist, and Michael Guanci.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the agenda. All Ayes. The motion carried.
The South Tama County Board of Education held a work session with Iowa Association of School Board staff and district administrators to address key topics: student discipline, chronic absenteeism, and student cell phone usage. The discussion focused on guiding future board policy, with board members emphasizing the importance of fairness, safety, student accountability, and creating supportive learning environments. For cell phone usage, priorities included staff authority, reducing distractions, supporting mental health, and promoting respectful behavior.
Administrative staff shared implementation considerations, such as enforcement, potential learning impacts, and the importance of clear expectations and family involvement. The group also reviewed legal requirements related to chronic absenteeism and explored areas where policy could be tailored to local needs. The session was noted for its collaborative and proactive approach to leadership and policy development.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hanus to adjourn the meeting at 8:11 p.m.
Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President Mary Mixdorf, Acting Board Secretary