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 January 12, 2026 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa beginning 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 Joe Hanus. Danya Keahna and Megan Thiessen were absent. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Acting Board Secretary Amber Robson, Mary Mixdorf, Gerald Husak, Cheryl Husak, Kathy Wilkerson, Dixie Forcht, Audrey Roth, Victoria Hamilton, Sam Peska, Steve McAdoo and members of the community through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the agenda with the removal of action item #13. ACM Survey (duplicate). All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Comment - Dixie Forcht spoke on behalf of the teachers’ union and urged the Board to consider adopting a resolution supporting 5% school funding. She stated that such a resolution would help limit funding for private school tuition and that funding below the rate of inflation has a greater impact on rural districts. Dixe noted that insufficient funding could result in program and staffing reductions and offered to share a sample resolution with the Board.
Victoria Hamilton requested clarification on the 406 series policies and emphasized the importance of consistency in policies related to contractual matters. She expressed hope for fiscally responsible decision-making and encouraged consideration of retention and recruitment.
Audrey Roth commented on the language in the 406 policies, stating it may limit salary advancement opportunities for teachers. She encouraged maintaining salary advancement, emphasized the value of experience, and requested consideration of a resolution seeking a 5% increase to address inflation.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the following consent agenda items: December 8, 2025 Public Hearing and Regular Session minutes; December 12, 2025 Special Session and Work Session minutes; bills for payment; Trane Controls Proposal, in the amount of $4,590.00, for temperature controls; American Boiler & Mechanical Proposal, in the amount of $4,695.17, for replacement of mod motor, ball joints, and pilot solenoid valve; Classroom Clinic Software License Agreement; and the following donations from STC Activity Boosters: $2,500.00 for one Clevertouch Board, $2,056.78 for piano cover and casters, $705.36 for Boys Wrestling Hotel Accommodations in Independence, $935.40 for Girls Wrestling Hotel Accommodations in Coralville, $2,727.40 for Activity Trailer Wrap, and $3,488.65 for Esports. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Kathy Wilkerson presented on the high school’s new “Level Up” time, a daily 35-minute period designed to support students through academic assistance, enrichment, clubs, and study hall. She noted the initiative was made possible through the RTI scheduler and began on September 23. Data on failing and incomplete grades is being collected, and future evaluation will include reviewing overall impact and student feedback.
The Board discussed the Certified Budget calendar. It was noted that a meeting date and time will be set at the next meeting to allow for increased Board member availability. Board members were encouraged to review the budget materials in advance of the next meeting.
Superintendent Cain shared an ASSA article and provided updates on preschool program alignment efforts, including site visits to neighboring programs. An update was given on discussions with county supervisors regarding the former middle school. Board members were reminded of required online training for new members due by March 1, and the Board was advised that expulsion-related policies would be provided in advance if needed.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the following personnel requests. All Ayes. The motion
Hires: Dawn Henley - Elementary Migrant Tutor, Janelle Unkrich - Elementary Migrant Tutor, Myles Eick - 7th & 8th Grade Assistant Boys Basketball Coach, Myles Eick - Assistant Varsity Boys Track Coach, and Myles Eick - Head Middle School Boys Baseball Coach
Resignations: Cassie Kissinger - Middle School/Partnership Paraeducator and Chelsea Ahrens - Middle School Head Softball Coach
Officials: Joe Nelson - High School/Middle School Basketball
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the 2026-2027 At-Risk/Dropout Prevention Plan. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the request to the School Budget Review Committee (SBRC) for the Modified Supplemental Amount (MSA) in the amount of $164,412.00 for the 2026-2027 At-Risk/Dropout Plan. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to approve the Cornelius Seed booking confirmation, in the amount of $6,116.00, for corn. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to approve the Special Education Delivery Plan. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the updated Big Rigger Builders quote, in the amount of $6,192.83, for work being done on bus 13-2. The school board previously approved of the quote in the amount of $5,787.04. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the 4 Seasons Fundraising invoice, in the amount of $5,375.50, for fundraising items. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to approve the Eocene Professional Services Agreement, in the amount of $11,400.00, for ACM Survey and Report. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hanus, second by Dolezal to approve Rick Hopper to continue his position on the Tama County Conference Board. All Ayes. Hopper abstained. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the IVCCC Dual Enrollment invoices, in the amounts of $117,602.80 for college courses and $10,934.00 for instructional access. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve 2026-2027 Native American Policies and Procedures. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to approve the Setpoint Mechanical proposal, in the amount of $12,870.00 per year for a period of three years, for SMARDT Chiller Scheduled Maintenance and Service Agreement. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the first reading of the following policies: 206.03 - Secretary, 206.04 - Treasurer, 406.02 - Licensed Employee Compensation Advancement (FKA 406.01), 406.03 - Licensed Employee Continued Education Credit (new), 406.04 - Licensed Employee Compensation for Extra Duty (revised), 406.05 - Licensed Employee Group Insurance Benefit (new), 406.06 - Licensed Employee Tax Shelter Program (new), 410.04 - Education Associate (new), 502.01 - Student Appearance (revised), 502.02 - Care of School Property/Vandalism (revised), 502.04 - Student Complaints and Grievances (revised), 502.05 - Student Lockers (revised), 503.05 - Corporal Punishment, Mechanical Restraint and Prone Restraint (new), 504.04 - Student Performances (revised), 505.02 - Student Promotion - Retention - Acceleration (revised), 505.03 - Student Honors and Awards (new/revised), 507.07 - Custody and Parental Rights (new), 506.03 - Student Photographs (new), and 507.01 - Student Health and Immunization Certificates (FKA 507.03). All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the second reading of the following policies: 501.14 - Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Sending District (update), 501.15 - Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Receiving District (update), 502.03 - Student Expression and Student Publications Code (FKA 504.02), 502.03 R1 - Student Expression and Student Publications Code - Regulation (FKA 504.02 R1), 502.08 - Search and Seizure (FKA 502.10), 502.08 R1 - Search and Seizure - Regulation (502.10 R1), 502.08 E1 - Search and Seizure - Checklist (new), 503.03 E1 - Fines-Fees-Charges - Standard Fee Waiver Application (new), 503.03 R1 - Fines-Fees-Charges - Standard Fee Waiver and Reduction Procedures (new), 503.04 - Good Conduct Rule (FKA 502.02), 503.06 E3 - Physical Restraint and Seclusion of Students - Debriefing Meeting Document (new), 504.02 - Student Organizations (FKA 504.01), 504.06 - Student Activity Program (FKA 504.04), 505.01 - Student Progress Reports and Conferences (FKA 607.02), and 505.06 - Early Graduation (FKA 607.05 R2). All Ayes. The motion carried.
Superintendent Cain reviewed upcoming activities, including multiple middle school and high school athletic events, the Middle School Marion Junior Honor Band on January 17, WaMac Large Group Speech on January 19, and High School boys and girls basketball versus Meskwaki on January 19, including “Jam the Gym.”
Each Board member presented a “positive” they have witnessed in the District or their role as a Board member.
Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to enter Closed Session at 6:45 p.m. pursuant to Iowa Code subsection 21.5(1)(i) to evaluate the professional competence of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.
Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to come out of closed session at 7:35 p.m.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., at the Partnership Center, Tama, IA.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to adjourn the meeting at 7:36 p.m.
Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President Amber Robson, Acting Board Secretary