PUBLIC HEARING, REGULAR, AND EXEMPT 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 23, 2026 for a Public Hearing on the 2026-2027 Certified Budget 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, and Danya Keahna. Megan Thiessen joined the meeting 6:35 pm to 6:52 and 7:44 pm to 7:52 pm via Google Hangouts. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Brad Schweppe, Jon Huebner, Melissa Jesina, Tyler Fulks, Gerald Husak, Cheryl Husak, Emma Johnson, Samantha Boldt, Rhonda Ricker, Alexis Huff, Janelle Pirkl, Maggie Jesina, Elyse Clapp, Keely Upah, Nathan Doran, Jill Dilly, Victoria Hamilton, Dixie Forcht, Anne Michael, Karen Murty, Amy Stotts, Ashley Raue, Dawn Henley, Trudy Suchanek, Deanna Zmolek, Sam Cantonwine, Joy Schirmer, Sam Peska, Kelli Smith, Heather Wanatee, Dustin Peska, Mel Davenport, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve the agenda of the Public Hearing. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Hearing - 2026-2027 Certified Budget: President Dolezal opened the Public Hearing for the 2026-2027 Certified Budget at 5:00 p.m. The maximum tax rate published was 15.08474. 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 5:03 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, and Danya Keahna. Megan Thiessen joined the meeting 6:35 pm to 6:52 and 7:44 pm to 7:52 pm via Google Hangouts. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Brad Schweppe, Jon Huebner, Melissa Jesina, Tyler Fulks, Gerald Husak, Cheryl Husak, Emma Johnson, Samantha Boldt, Rhonda Ricker, Alexis Huff, Janelle Pirkl, Maggie Jesina, Elyse Clapp, Keely Upah, Nathan Doran, Jill Dilly, Victoria Hamilton, Dixie Forcht, Anne Michael, Karen Murty, Amy Stotts, Ashley Raue, Dawn Henley, Trudy Suchanek, Deanna Zmolek, Sam Cantonwine, Joy Schirmer, Sam Peska, Kelli Smith, Heather Wanatee, Dustin Peska, Mel Davenport, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Hanus, second by Keahna to approve the agenda with the correct quotes added to item #5. Tennis Court Quotes and the tabling of item #8. Special Education Caseload Matrix. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Comment - Joy Schirmer, Tama resident and district staff member, expressed concern that changes to cash-in-lieu could impact morale and retention and encouraged the Board to consider effects on staff and the district.
Dustin Peska raised concerns about fairness in reallocating resources between staff groups and encouraged equitable decision-making.
Missy Jesina highlighted staffing challenges and questioned cost savings, noting eliminating cash-in-lieu could create animosity and suggesting it phase out naturally.
Deanna Zmolek emphasized the importance of valuing and retaining staff and encouraged honoring commitments to avoid losing experienced employees.
Karen Murty discussed some economic challenges, encouraged budget responsibility and fairness, and emphasized teaching core academics and work ethic.
Dixie Forcht expressed concern that benefit change may impact staff retention and encouraged consideration of employee and family impacts.
Anne Michaels voiced support for public education and encouraged the Board to value teachers and continue investing in schools.
Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to approve the following consent agenda items: March 9, 2026 Regular and Closed Session minutes; March 16, 2026 Work Session minutes; bills for payment; financials as presented; EMS LINQ quote; the following donations: $1,646.81 from STC Activity Boosters to cover expenses to purchase a keyboard used for show choir, musical, etc., $594.00 in free will donations collected at the Activity Banquet Meal, and $763.20 from STC Activity Boosters for Tennis Rackets; and an early graduation request from Lydia Tovar - December 2026. 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.
Sam Peska, along with the preschool team, presented a proposal to move from half-day to four full days of preschool, with three-year old students integrated into classrooms with supports. The plan includes additional staffing, classroom modifications, and coordination with services. The goal is to improve kindergarten readiness and expand instructional and intervention time.
Staff from each building shared highlights from the PLC Summit, noting the experience affirmed current work and identified areas for growth. Key themes included collaboration, use of data to drive instruction, and continued focus on team development. Participants plan to implement strategies and continue the work through follow-up collaboration.
Sam Cantonwine presented updates to the TAG program, including a revised identification process using assessment data and teacher nominations, with annual committee review to determine student eligibility.
Superintendent Cain shared updates on his April 13 evaluation, upcoming discussion on benefit contributions, preschool program changes to a full-day model, and personnel adjustments. Additional updates included the March 25 insurance workshop, April 8 negotiations, and distribution of the staff newsletter and legislative updates.
The Board discussed cash-in-lieu, including fairness, sustainability, and potential impacts on staff and insurance costs, and will continue discussion with the action item.
The district received an additional one-time $54,000 in Title I, Part A carryover funds and will meet with the state to review and approve the spending plan.
Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve the following personnel requests. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Hires: Guadalupe Garcia - High School Special Education Paraeducator and Eric Haughey - 8th Grade Boys Track Coach
Resignations: Richelle Beasley - Middle School Special Education Paraeducator, Nina Tasipit - High School Math Teacher, and Nate Doran - 8th Grade Boys Basketball Coach
Transfers: Leah Fonua - From Elementary Counselor to High School Counselor (26-27 School Year), John Purk - From Driver to Transportation Paraeducator, and Troy Wanatee - Transportation Paraeducator to Driver
Volunteers: Clint Schlabaugh - High School Boys Golf
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the 2nd Public Hearing publication of the 2026-2027 certified budget at a tax rate of 14.86796. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hanus, second by Keahna to approve the following course proposals: International Foods 1, International Foods 2, Geography, and World History. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve the Push Pedal Pull purchase recommendation, in the amount of $7,108.00, for two treadmills. This will be paid for by the STC Activity Boosters. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hanus, second by Keahna to approve the Pro Track and Tennis project proposal, in the amount of $57,900.00, for tennis court resurfacing and repairs. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve updated Panther Vending (PBS) quote, in the amount of $10,590.00, for the purchase and installation of two snack vending machines. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve Premier pay application, in the amount of $5,153.68, for furniture at the new middle school. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve the overnight request for the Varsity Baseball Team on Friday, June 19th and Saturday, June 20th. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve the preschool expansion and early childhood teaching positions. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to approve the 2026-2027 Wellmark Health Insurance Renewal with a 4.9% decrease. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Thiessen to approve the 2026-2027 single benefit bucks at $831.30. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to approve the 2026-2027 family benefit bucks (administration option only) at $2,359.17. Ayes: Dolezal, Hopper, Keahna, Thiessen Nays: Hanus The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to approve the 2026-2027 cash-in-lieu amounts to be the same as the benefit bucks: $831.30 single and $2,359.17 family for administration. Ayes: Dolezal, Keahna, and Thiessen Nays: Hopper and Hanus The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the SHI proposal, in the amount of $38,995.86, for a 3-year iBoss renewal. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the first reading of the following policies: 102 - Equal Educational Opportunity (updated), 102 E1 - Equal Educational Opportunity - Annual Notice of Nondiscrimination (updated), 102 E2 - Equal Educational Opportunity - Continuous Notice of Nondiscrimination (updated), 102 E3 - Equal Educational Opportunity - Notice of Section 504 Student and Parental Rights (updated), 102 E4 - Equal Educational Opportunity - Discrimination Complaint Form (updated), 102 E5 - Equal Educational Opportunity - Witness Disclosure Form (updated), 102 E6 - Equal Educational Opportunity - Disposition Complaint Form (updated), 102 R1 - Equal Educational Opportunity - Grievance Procedure (updated), 104 - Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy (updated), 208 - Board Committees (updated), 208 R1 - Board Committees - Regulation (updated), 211 - Open Meetings (updated), 501.03 - Compulsory Attendance (updated), 501.09 - Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy (updated), 503.09 - Students Use of Personal Electronic Devices (updated), 503.09 R1 - Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices - Regulation (updated), 710.01 E1 - School Nutrition Program - School Nutrition Program Notices of Nondiscrimination (updated), 710.01 E2 - School Nutrition Program - Child Nutrition Programs Civil Rights Complaint Form (updated), and 710.01 R1 - School Nutrition - School Nutrition Program Civil Rights Complaints Procedure (updated). All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hanus, second by Keahna to approve the second 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 third reading of the following policy and moving policy 905.03 - Weapons in the School District (FKA 502.06). All Ayes. The motion carried.
Superintendent Cain provided an update on recent and upcoming district events, including various high school activities, conferences on March 30-31, and professional development on April 1. The District Insurance Meeting and Board Workshop will be held March 25th. Easter break is scheduled for April 2, 3, and 6, and negotiations will take place April 8 at 4:00 p.m.
Each Board member presented a “positive” they have witnessed in the District or their role as a Board member.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., at the Partnership Center, Tama, IA.
Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to adjourn the meeting at 8:08 p.m. The Board went into an exempt session per Iowa Code 20.17(3) - Negotiating Session.
Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President Katie Mathern, Board Secretary