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 26, 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, Joe Hanus, Danya Keahna, and Megan Thiessen. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Dixie Forcht, Victoria Hamilton, Brianna Derrick, Kenadie Geiger, Maggie Jesina, Gerald Husak, Cheryl Husak, Kenny Mayo, Sam Peska, Dustin Peska, Amanda Husak, Berleen Wobeter, Shylin Buffalo, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to approve the agenda. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Comment - Dixie Forcht spoke on behalf of the teachers’ union and as a parent and district resident, urging the Board to adopt the proposed resolution. She stated STC should urge the Governor to fully fund education at 5% SSA, maintain the income cap, and phase out vouchers, noting Cedar Rapids passed a similar resolution at their last meeting, and encouraged the Board to support the resolution and send a message to legislators.
Berleen Wobeter spoke on the same topic, expressing support for the school board signing the resolution. She stated there are clear benefits to funding at the 5% level and noted that uncertainty in funding influences major decisions, including those related to the middle school, creating an atmosphere of fear and hesitation. She stated the work is only half done and encouraged the Board to sign the resolution, adding the students deserve the district’s best effort.
Motion by Hopper, second by Thiessen to approve the following consent agenda items: January 12, 2026 Regular and Closed Session minutes; bills for payment; monthly financials, and donations from the following: STC Rec donation of $250.00 to high school girl’s basketball, STC Rec donation of $250.00 to high school boy’s basketball, and STC Activity Booster donation of $1,500.00 towards the purchase of an upright bass for jazz band. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Sam Peska provided an update on Student Services work, including preschool inclusivity planning, Special Education and English Language Learner supports, staff professional development, student credit progress, reintegration efforts, and expansion of work-based learning opportunities.
Katie Mathern reviewed the Certified Budget information previously provided to the Board at the earlier January meeting. The Board was invited to ask questions, as this information will help inform upcoming financial decisions
The Board discussed a resolution submitted by Public School Strong and Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (CCI) regarding public school funding, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), and related legislative priorities. A copy of the resolution and supporting information was previously shared with the Board.
Superintendent Cain provided updates on district news and notes, including support efforts for a South Tama family, upcoming workshop and meeting planning, calendar development, legislative updates, negotiations preparation, Board training requirements, and general district operations.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to approve the following personnel requests. All Ayes. The motion
Transfers: Dave Cantonwine from Assistant Varsity Softball Coach to Head Middle School Softball Coach
Officials: High School/Middle School Basketball - Wesley Privett, Roger George, Seth Koch, Ed Madlock, and Joe Nelson and High School/Middle School Wrestling - Josh Gervey, Cami Judisch, and Seth Shatto
Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve the Tanager Place invoice, in the amount of $7,500.00, for mental health support services. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to approve the Public School Strong and Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement resolution urging the Iowa Governor and state legislature to fully fund our public schools and phase out the education savings accounts (ESAs). All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to approve the Eide Bailly invoice, in the amount of $26,250.00 for advance fee for Section 48 Energy Credit Analysis. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hopper to approve the first reading of the following policies, excluding 410.03 - Truancy Officer: 408.02 - Licensed Employee Publication or Creation of Materials (new), 410.02 - Summer School Licensed Employees (new), 505.07 - Commencement (FKA 504.10), 507.02 E4 - Administration of Medication to Students - Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration of Voluntary School Stock Over-the-Counter Medication to Students (new), 701.02 - Transfer of Funds (FKA 801.07), 701.03 - Financial Records (FKA 801.08 or 801.08 R1), 701.04 - Governmental Accounting Practices & Regulations (FKA 801.08 or 801.08 R2), 702 - Cash in School Buildings (new), 703.01 - Budget Planning (new), 704.01 - Local-State-Federal - Miscellaneous Revenue (FKA 802.01), 704.02 R1 - Debt Management - Post-Issuance Compliance Regulation for Tax-Exempt Obligations (new, supports 704.02). All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hopper to approve the second 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), 504.01 - Student Government (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.
Superintendent Cain shared upcoming district events, including JV Boys Wrestling at Independence (1/26), middle school basketball and wrestling and high school basketball at Vinton (1/27), District Professional Development Day with no school (1/28), middle school basketball and boys wrestling events (1/29), early release and Girls District 2A Wrestling hosted by the district and girl’s basketball at Benton (1/30), and WAMAC Conference Boys Wrestling at Marion (1/31).
Each Board member presented a “positive” they have witnessed in the District or their role as a Board member.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to adjourn the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
The Board entered into Exempt Session following adjournment of the Regular Session for purposes allowed under Iowa Code section 20.17(3) related to negotiations.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., at the Partnership Center, Tama IA.
Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President Katie Mathern, Board Secretary