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 February 9, 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, Danya Keahna, and Megan Thiessen. Rick Hopper and Joe Hanus were absent. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Dixie Forcht, Gerald Husak, Cheryl Husak, Jill Kienzle, Jimmie Post, Jon Surman, Steve McAdoo, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to approve the agenda. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Comment - None
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to approve the following consent agenda items and also thanking the Koehler family for their donation: January 26, 2026 Regular Session minutes; bills for payment; City of Toledo Reinig Center Rental Agreement; and a memorial donation in honor of Dick Koehler, in the amount of $1,025.00, for the STC Archery Club. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Jill Kienzle presented Iowa Premium Beef with a PIE (Partners in Education) plaque in recognition of their continued support of the district and student internship opportunities. Jon Surman, General Manager, was recognized for his leadership, and an update was shared that Jimmie Post is transitioning into that leadership role. The Board expressed appreciation for Iowa Premium Beef’s partnership and support of students.
Board members were asked to begin preparing for the upcoming Board/Administration Workshop by developing a list of topics they would like to discuss with the administration team on Wednesday. The workshop will include an activity where the Board will review, sort, and prioritize discussion topics to create a unified, prioritized team list. Discussion will also connect to the STC Strategic Plan and reinforce the district’s shared purpose and “Our Why.”
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.
Dixie Forcht shared updates on Speech. Superintendent Cain shared updates on Speech and Girls State Wrestling results, new middle school project progress, the upcoming Board/Administration Workshop, and Draft #3 of the 2026-27 district calendar. Legislative updates noted SSA discussions between approximately 1.75% and 2%, and negotiations preparation is underway.
Director of Finance, Katie Mathern, provided updates on current financial planning, including review of FY 2026-27 budget and tax rate scenarios under multiple SSA assumptions. Current projections show total tax rates ranging approximately from 14.85% to 15.08% depending on SSA outcomes.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to approve the following personnel requests. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Hires: Ramona Ray - Elementary Special Education Paraeducator, Andrew Walton - Assistant Varsity Softball Coach, Amanda Husak - Assistant Middle School Boys Soccer Coach, and Tanner Large - Assistant Middle School Baseball Coach
Officials: Rick Swan - Middle School Wrestling, Brad Lake - High School Wrestling, and Richard Kunc - High School Wrestling
Other: A $500 stipend for Taylor Devig for successful completion of a 90-day probationary period.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to approve the SCI Communications, Inc. invoice, in the amount of $11,006.48, for paging system install and upgrades. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to approve the following resolution: RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of SOUTH TAMA Community School District, will levy property taxes for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the regular program budget adjustment as allowed under section 257.14, Code of Iowa. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to approve the first reading of the following policies: 800 - Objectives of Building & Sites (updated), 801.01 - Building & Sites Long Range Planning (new), 801.02 - Building & Sites Survey (new), 801.03 - Education Specifications for Buildings & Sites (new), 801.04 - Site Acquisition (new), 802.01 - Maintenance Schedule (FKA 902.01), 802.02 - Request for Improvements (new), 802.04 R1 - Capital Assets-Regulation (new regs), 802.04 R2 - Capital Assets-Management System Definitions (new regs), 802.05 - Buildings and Sites Adaptation for Persons with Disabilities (FKA 901.07), 802.06 - Vandalism (FKA 906.01), 803.01 - Disposition of Obsolete Equipment (FKA 903.02), 803.02 - Lease, Sale or Disposal of School District Building & Sites (FKA 903.03), 804.01 - Facilities Inspections (updated), 804.02 - District Emergency Operations Plans (updated), 804.04 - Asbestos Containing Material (FKA 904.01), and 804.06 R1 - Use of Recording Devices on School Property - Use of District Owned Recording Devices Regulation (new regs). All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to approve the second reading of the following policies and bringing 507.02 E4 back next meeting for a third reading: 408.02 - Licensed Employee Publication or Creation of Materials (new), 410.02 - Summer School Licensed Employees (new), 505.07 - Commencement (FKA 504.10), 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.
Superintendent Cain shared upcoming district activities scheduled February 10-14, including middle and high school basketball games, middle school and varsity wrestling events, and High School UNI Honor Band participation on February 12. All of these events will take place at various locations including Williamsburg, Solon, Marion, Vinton-Shellsburg, South Hardin, Benton, Tipton, and South Tama (home events).
Each Board member presented a “positive” they have witnessed in the District or their role as a Board member.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to adjourn the meeting at 6:13 p.m.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., at the Partnership Center, Tama IA.
Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President Katie Mathern, Board Secretary