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 August 11, 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, and Beth Wiese. Quorum Present. Joe Hanus and Megan Thiessen were absent. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Dixie Forcht, Angie Bair, Brad Schweppe, Keely Upah, Lynette Benda, Jenn Nelson, Chelsea Ahrens, Ben Adams, Jonathan Meyer with the Tama-Toledo News Chronicle, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the agenda. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Comment - Brad Schweppe, Jenn Nelson, and Ben Adams all expressed support for the new Employee Code of Conduct. Brad highlighted its role in promoting consistency and clear expectations around attendance, complaints, and dress code. Jenn appreciated how it improves communication and ensures fair treatment of employees. Ben emphasized that clear, consistent standards are essential to maintaining trust and a positive workplace culture.
Dixie Forcht, representing the STCEA, expressed concerns that the Employee Code of Conduct’s language might lead to unfair targeting and create fear over minor infractions. She emphasized the need for clear warnings and prioritizing employee well-being while addressing consistent violations.
Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to approve the following consent agenda items: July 28, 2025 Regular Session minutes and bills for payment as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Chelsea Ahrens shared the End of Year Activities Report and outlined goals to boost participation, improve athlete development, and update coaching evaluations. Efforts include better communication with families and expanding the summer REC program. She welcomed questions from the board.
The Board reviewed the 2025-26 Certified and Classified Handbook drafts with minor suggestions added and plans to approve it at the next meeting. Superintendent Cain stated though some concerns were raised, the handbook allows for future adjustments. The Employee Code of Conduct within the handbook provides guidance, and a timeline for issues was discussed.
The Board discussed a request from a former assistant principal who served as Student Council sponsor during her tenure and is seeking back pay for those two years. She inquired about the role impacting her outside contract hours. It was noted that meetings were held during the school day and planning did not significantly interfere with her other duties. It was clarified that extracurricular roles typically involve responsibilities outside contract hours and are compensated accordingly.
The Board reviewed the proposed School Board District map and accompanying Facebook graphic outlining the election steps. The graphic is intended to clearly inform the community about election procedures and important dates. Feedback was requested to ensure accuracy and clarity before public posting.
The Board received a middle school update noting progress toward the original community vision. Planning continues for the August 19th open house and celebration. The building looks sharp, with some remaining issues like HVAC adjustments, signage, minor damages, and elevator approval. Vendors are addressing concerns, and the school is on track for the new year.
Superintendent Cain reviewed August meetings, reminded the Board to submit legislative surveys, noted upcoming House File 706 training, and ongoing handbook updates.
The Board was provided an outline of a scheduled presentation for the 2025-2026 school year. It was suggested that the Employee Code of Conduct presentation be scheduled for October or November, with a target date of November 24th.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the following personnel requests. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Hires: Michelle Davis - Configuring Traversa Transportation Program, Allyson Killian - Preschool Paraeducator, Nina Tasipit - High School Math Teacher, Justin Suchanek - Transportation Coordinator, and Kalee Gomez - K-8 Behavior Interventionist
Resignations: Josie Purk - PHS Behavioral Interventionist
Transfers: Tristan Henle from Elementary Kitchen Staff to Elementary Special Education Paraeducator and Janet Rivers from High School Kitchen Staff to Elementary Kitchen Staff
Sarah Klopping - Mentor Contract
The Board discussed the 2024-25 Student Council Sponsor pay request; no motion was made.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve Garling Construction pay application 23, in the amount of $8,015.15, for general construction services. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to approve the noredink order, in the amount of $5,800.00, for a writing and grammar instructional platform at the high school, licensed for up to 350 students. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to approve the Premier pay application 001, in the amount of $105,519.94, for middle school furniture. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to approve Office Concepts pay application, in the amount of $112,809.83, for middle school furniture. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to approve the Eastern Iowa Excavating & Concrete pay application #02, in the amount of $185,869.73, for the South Center Street roadway improvements. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the IXL Learning renewal quote, in the amount of $9,987.50, for IXL Complete (Math, ELA, Science, and Social Studies) site license (Grades 5-8). All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the CDW Amplified estimate, in the amount of $7,785.00, for one year licenses for Google Workspace for Education Plus - students and staff. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to approve the Tyler Technologies quote, in the amount of $5,750.00, for five (5) tablet kits. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to approve the Phillips’ Floors invoice, in the amount of $6,415.00, for the maintenance contract for the high school wood gym floor. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to approve the Cambium Assessment invoice, in the amount of $7,878.50, for ELPA screener testing. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Wise, second by Hopper to approve the first reading of the following policies: 104 - Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy, 104 E1 - Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy - Complaint Form, 104 E2 - Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy - Witness Disclosure Form, 104 E3 - Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy - Disposition of Complaint Form, 104 R1 - Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy - Investigation Procedures, Rescind 106 - Title IX - Discrimination and Harassment Based on Sex Prohibited, Rescind 106.01-E1 - Title IX - Discrimination and Harassment Based on Sex Prohibited - Notice of Non-Discrimination, Rescind - 106.01-R1 - TITLE IX - Discrimination and Harassment Based on Sex Prohibited - Education on Title IX Purpose and Requirements, Rescind 106.01-R2 - Title IX - Discrimination and Harassment Based on Sex Prohibited - Nondiscrimination in Pregnancy and Related Conditions, Rescind 106.01-R3 - Title IX - Discrimination and Harassment Based on Sex Prohibited - Responding to Complaints of Sex Discrimination, Rescind 106.01-R4 - Title IX - Discrimination and Harassment Based on Sex Prohibited - Grievance Procedure, Rescind 106.01-R5 - Title IX - Discrimination and Harassment Based on Sex Prohibited - Informal Resolution Procedure, and 401.07 - Employee Travel Compensation. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Superintendent Cain announced the District welcomed new teachers today, outlined plans for back-to-school activities, and noted the upcoming District open house.
Each Board member presented a “positive” they have witnessed in the District or their role as a Board member.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to enter Closed Session at 6:40 p.m. pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(a) To review or discuss records which are required or authorized by state or federal law to be kept confidential or to be kept confidential as a condition for that governmental body’s possession or continued receipt of federal funds. All Ayes.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to come out of Closed Session at 7:03 p.m.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to enter Closed Session at 7:04 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. All Ayes.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to come out of Closed Session at 7:27 p.m.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to publish requests for proposals for three (3) District properties: old football field, tennis courts/green space, and the corner lot. All Ayes. The motion carried.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., at the Partnership Center, Tama IA.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to adjourn the meeting at 7:29 p.m.
Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President Katie Mathern, Board Secretary