PUBLIC HEARING, REGULAR, AND CLOSED SESSIONS
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 March 9, 2026 for a Public Hearing on the 2026-2027 Calendar at the Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa beginning at 5:00 p.m. with some members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.
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, Steve McAdoo, Ashley Raue, Tasha Becker, Dawn Henley, Cheryl Husak, Gerald Husak, Kelli Smith, Livia Smith, Maylee Rucker, Paisley Bro, Jason Arp, Deb Hoskey, Brad Schweppe, Dixie Forcht, Missy Jesina, Brooks Baier, Shawn Baier, Levi Kaufman, Kelsey Bro, Amanda Wobeter, Brintley Elsbury, Chelsea Ahrens, Jon Huebner, Jenn Nelson, Amy Stotts, Kristi Miranda, Levi Bro, Dustin Schuett, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hopper to approve the agenda of the first Public Hearing. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Hearing - 2026-2027 Calendar: President Dolezal opened the Public Hearing for the 2026-2027 School Calendar at 5:00 p.m. President Dolezal asked for public comments. Hearing none, President Dolezal asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to close the Public Hearing at 5:02 p.m.
The Regular Session was called to order at 5:03 p.m.
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, Steve McAdoo, Ashley Raue, Tasha Becker, Dawn Henley, Cheryl Husak, Gerald Husak, Kelli Smith, Livia Smith, Maylee Rucker, Paisley Bro, Jason Arp, Deb Hoskey, Brad Schweppe, Dixie Forcht, Missy Jesina, Brooks Baier, Shawn Baier, Levi Kaufman, Kelsey Bro, Amanda Wobeter, Brintley Elsbury, Chelsea Ahrens, Jon Huebner, Jenn Nelson, Amy Stotts, Kristi Miranda, Levi Bro, Dustin Schuett, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Hopper, second by Thiessen to approve the agenda. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Comment - Gerald Husak commented that he liked the railing installed on the south side of the building.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to approve the following consent agenda items: February 11, 2026 Work Session minutes; February 23, 2026 Regular Session minutes; bills for payment; Relay Services Agreement and License; AEA Purchasing Agreement 2026-2027; and the following donations: $993 from the South Tama Activity Boosters for a new high jump stand and bar, $4,750 from the South Tama Activity Boosters for 16 team golf bags, and $819.95 from the South Tama Activity Boosters for stage LED lights and a controller. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Brooks Baier was recognized for being selected to the IHSMA All-State Festival for the third consecutive year, including his second year participating in orchestra.
Eight South Tama County girls qualified for the 2026 IGHSAU State Wrestling Championships: Ava Hendricks, Ava Perkins, Livia Smith, Maylee Rucker, Paisley Bro, Autumn Elsbury, Kinley Jimenez, and Brooklyn Mitchell. The team placed 9th overall, with Autumn Elsbury (1st), Maylee Rucker (5th), Kinley Jimenez (6th), and Livia Smith (8th) earning podium finishes. Elsbury is a back-to-back state champion and the program’s only four-time state place winner.
Levi Kaufman recognized Marcus Bear for qualifying for the state wrestling tournament and noted his strong commitment to the program over the past four years. Kaufman shared that Marcus fully bought into the team’s system and what the coaches were working to build. Marcus finished the state tournament with a 2-2 record, and Kaufman expressed appreciation for his dedication and the emotion he showed representing South Tama.
Hopper expressed appreciation to the coaches for their efforts in developing student-athletes into leaders of tomorrow.
The elementary team provided a presentation highlighting recent initiatives and “Great Things at the Elementary.” Updates included the phonics learning library presented by Dawn Henley, a preview of upcoming parent night activities shared by Tasha Becker and friends, and an overview of LETRS implementation by Missy Jesina and Ashley Raue. The presentation focused on engaging and impactful work taking place within the elementary.
The middle school team provided a presentation highlighting several initiatives, including the 95% Group reading interventions presented by Amy Stotts, LETRS implementation shared by Ashley Raue, and an overview of the middle school Social Committee by Kristi Miranda.
Superintendent Cain provided updates on March meetings, a recent middle school situation, the old middle school building, and insurance/Cash in Lieu discussions related to negotiations. The Board was informed that two personnel matters would be addressed in closed session, and brief updates were shared on potential high school improvements and legislative items.
An asbestos inspection confirmed materials requiring abatement prior to demolition of the old middle school. The district received a Professional Services Agreement from Eocene Environmental Group for bidding support, air monitoring, and project closeout. The district is preparing to repost property listings, including the former middle school, and will update demolition cost estimates for full project review in April.
The Board discussed employee benefit contributions, including Benefit Bucks and Cash in Lieu, both currently set at $857 per month. Information regarding district costs and potential savings, including IPERS implications, was reviewed. The Board acknowledged the topic is sensitive and emphasized the importance of thoughtful consideration while focusing on what is best for students.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to approve the following personnel requests. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Hires: Rina Jane C. Lopez - High School Science (August 2026) and Richelle Beasley - Middle School Special Education Paraeducator
Resignations: Ryan Cassady - 9th Grade Basketball Coach, Ryan Cassady - 8th Grade Track Coach, and Alexis Huff - High School Spanish Teacher (End of 2025-2026 School Year)
Officials: High School Soccer - Cameron Cantrall, Michael Fisher, Dustin Hughson, Kurt Slouha, Dan Cawley, Kyle Clark, Phil Watson, Boumedien Kasha, Jeffrey Blanchard, Mark Odor, Sawyer Loger, Chris Weber, Tyler Strickler, Richard Hudnut, Rudolf de Jon; High School & Middle School Soccer - Jose Placencia and Juan Gonzalez; High School & Middle School Track Starter - Bob Murphy, Jim Stanson, and Greg Blank; Middle School Wrestling - Kaden Timm and Livia Smith; and Middle School Basketball - Joe Otten.
Volunteers: Troy Balderas - High School Girls Soccer
Motion by Hopper, second by Thiessen to approve the 2026-2027 School Calendar. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the Iowa Local Government Risk Pool Commission Program Participation Agreement, in the amount of $122,977.83, for premiums for enrolled gas meters. This will come out of the management fund. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve the following JMC invoices for the student information system: $8,614.91(high school), $8,076.44 (middle school), and $9,761.33 (elementary). All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to approve the additional fundraiser for the Folklore Dance Group to be held on Monday, March 30, during Parent/Teacher Conferences. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the Stein-Hrabak Floor Coverings estimate, in the amount of $86,455.92, for the replacement of the 3rd and 4th grade pod carpet. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to approve the SCI Communications proposal, in the amount of $15,785.69, for the high school paging system installation. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Thiessen to approve the Panther Vending (PBS) quote, in the amount of $9,990.00, for the purchase and installation of two snack vending machines (one in the high school and one in the middle school). All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to approve the first reading of the following policies: 213 - Public Participation in Board Meetings (updated), 902.01 - News Media relations (FKA 1001.00), 903.01 - School Community Groups (FKA 1002.01), 903.02 - Community Resources and Volunteers (FKA 1002.02), 903.03 - Visitors to School District Buildings & Sites (FKA 1003.01), 903.04 - Public Conduct on School Premises (FKA 1003.02), 904.02 - Advertising and Promotion (FKA 1003.05), and 908 - Blue Card (FKA 1005.01). All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the second reading of the following policies and moving policy 905.03 - Weapons in the School District (FKA 502.06): 804.07 - Radon Mitigation (updated), 804.07 R1 - Radon Mitigation - Regulation (new), 900 - Principles and Objectives for Community Relations (updated), 901 - Public Examination of School District Records (new), 902.02 - News Conference and Interviews (FKA 100.02 R1), 904.01 - Transporting Students in Private Vehicles (updated), 905.01 E1 - Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment - Application Form (new), 905.01 E2 - Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment - Indemnity and Liability Insurance Agreement (new), 905.01 R1 - Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment - Regulation (new), 905.01 R2 - Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment - Fees Schedule (new), 906 - Unmanned Aircraft/Drones (new), 907 - District Operation During Public Emergencies (new), 907 R1 - District Operation During Public Emergencies - Regulation (new). All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to approve the third reading of the following policies: 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). All Ayes. The motion carried.
Superintendent Cain provided an update on upcoming events and community activities, including the 6-12 All Choir Concert and Elementary Fun Night (March 10), Dodgeball Fundraiser (March 12), Individual State Speech (March 14), Wartburg Indoor Track Meet (March 17), Board Meeting (March 23), WaMac Indoor Track Meet in Grinnell (March 24), IHSMA Solo/Ensemble Festival (March 28), Parent-Teacher Conferences (March 30-31), and no school on April 1 for Professional Development.
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 enter Closed Session at 6:51 p.m. pursuant to Iowa Code subsection 21.5(1)(i) To evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when a closed session is necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session. All Ayes.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to come out of closed session at 7:56 p.m.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to terminate said employee's contract effective immediately. Ayes: Dolezal, Hopper, Keahna, and Thiessen. Nays: Hanus. Motion carried. Pursuant to board action, employee Dustin Schuett's contract is terminated effective immediately.
Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to enter Closed Session at 8:03 p.m. pursuant to Iowa Code subsection 21.5(1)(i) To evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when a closed session is necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session. All Ayes.
Motion by Hopper, second by Thiessen to come out of closed session at 8:14 p.m.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hopper to terminate said employee's contract effective immediately. Ayes: Dolezal, Hopper, Hanus, and Thiessen. Nays: None. Keahna abstained. Pursuant to board action, employee Dina Keahna's contract is terminated effective immediately for the reasons that were set forth in the Superintendent's Notice and Recommendation.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., at the Partnership Center, Tama, IA.
Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to adjourn the meeting at 8:16 p.m.
Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President Katie Mathern, Board Secretary