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 September 21, 2026 for 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. Michael Avis and Danya Keahna were absent. Quorum present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Cheryl Husak, Gerald Husak, Nate Boyer, Ben Adams, Brad Schweppe, Jill Kienzle, Taylor Brown, Rachel Asche, Jenny Mora, Levi Kaufman, Cassie Sokol, Heather Wanatee, Natasha Becker, Hana Kucera, Andy Mazano, Steve Chyma, Jon Huebner, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the agenda with moving action item #4. Additional Elementary Fundraiser to action item #1. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Forum - No Comments
Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to approve the consent agenda as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.
The Board recognized Iowa Premium for its continued partnership and generous support of STC schools, including contributions to the Koplin Open Golf Tournament, more than $6,600 in donations to the High School Shop program, and support for FFA/agriculture, shop/automotive, and work-based learning programs.
Brad Schweppe and the elementary team presented Fall 2026 student achievement data, implementation of the 95 Core Phonics program, and efforts to support continued student growth and learning.
The Board received updates on the District’s insurance review with Gallagher, student GPA data, measles communication, IASB BoardCon, and the Middle School Campus Renovation award.
The Board reviewed the arbitrage rebate report for the Series 2023 bonds. No payment or IRS filing is required at this time.
The Board reviewed updates on professional learning, District action plans, student achievement data, and upcoming professional development.
The Board reviewed and discussed the superintendent search firm options.
The Board reviewed the new board binders.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the additional elementary and middle school fundraiser, Artsonia. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to approve the following personnel requests. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Hires: Todd Schoolman - Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach, George Musgrave - Head 7th Grade Girls Basketball Coach, Deanna Zmolek - Assistant 7th & 8th Grade Girls Basketball Coach, Derek Kemper - Head 7th Grade Boys Basketball Coach, Jocelyn Osburn - Preschool Paraeducator, Stacy Williamson - Preschool Paraeducator, and Andy Moran - Weekend Special Education Van Driver
Resignations: Shellbyanne Brown - Elementary Special Education Paraeducator
Transfer: Dave Nitz from Head Varsity Baseball Coach to Head Middle School Baseball Coach, Myles Eick from Head Middle School Baseball Coach to Head Varsity Baseball Coach, and Crystal Propp from Middle School Special Education Paraeducator to Elementary Special Education Paraeducator
Officials: High School Football - Scott Zahnle, Tom Velky, Jenna Averhoff, Tim Zaputil, Chuck McNally, and Richard Stockner and High School Volleyball - Missy Bullock
Motion by Hopper to approve Grundmeyer Leader Services as the search firm for the Superintendent search. The motion died for a lack of a second.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the Cengage Learning quote, in the amount of $6,920.32, for English Learner instructional materials. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to approve the request for Modified Allowable Supplemental Aid for LEP Allowable Costs, in the amount of $259,721.82. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to approve the First Amendment to Real Estate Purchase Offer. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the 12-month CD, with WCF Financial, at the rate of 4.27% for the reserve fund for Revenue Bonds. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the first reading of the following policies: 100 - Legal Status of the School District, 101- Educational Philosophy of the District, 102 - Equal Educational Opportunity, 102 E1 - Equal Educational Opportunity - Annual Notice of Nondiscrimination, 102 E2 - Equal Educational Opportunity - Continuous Notice of Nondiscrimination, 102 E3 - Equal Educational Opportunity - Notice of Section 504 Student and Parental Rights, 102 E4 - Equal Educational Opportunity - Discrimination Complaint Form, 102 E5 - Equal Opportunity - Witness Disclosure Form, 102 E6 - Equal Opportunity - Disposition of Complaint Form, 102 R1 - Equal Educational Opportunity - Grievance Procedure, 103 - Long Range Needs Assessment, 103 R1 - Long Range Needs Assessment - Regulation, 104 - Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy, 104 E1 - Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy - Complaint Form, 104 E2 - Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy - Witness Disclosure Form, 104 E3 - Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy - Disposition of Complaint Form, 104 R1 - Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy - Investigation Procedures, 105 - Assistance Animals, 106 - Title IX - Discrimination and Harassment Based on Sex Prohibited. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to approve the second reading of the following policies: 509 - Essential Oils, Herbs or Supplements and 510 - Bed Bugs. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Superintendent Cain provided an update on upcoming District events and community activities.
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, October 5, 2026, at 5: 00 p.m., at the Partnership Center, Tama, IA.
Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to adjourn the meeting at 7:05 p.m.
Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President Katie Mathern, Board Secretary