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 October 5, 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, Michael Avis, and Joe Hanus. Danya Keahna was absent. Quorum present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Cheryl Husak, Gerald Husak, Dixie Forcht, Karen Murty, Tara Hansen, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the agenda. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Forum - Karen Murty addressed the Board regarding the importance of carefully considering the selection of the next superintendent, emphasizing strong moral character and serving as a positive role model for students.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the consent agenda as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Superintendent Cain provided an update on the proposed 2027 IASB Legislative Platform and Public Policy Agenda, Delegate Assembly priorities, annual board training points, preliminary September ParentSquare data, and community business survey results, including potential opportunities for work-based learning and future district goals.
The Board discussed superintendent search firm proposals and rankings, including the timeline for selecting a firm and moving forward with the superintendent search process.
The Board discussed taking an updated board photo for the district website and social media following the meeting.
The Board received an update on measles preparedness, including the district nurses’ coordination with Tama County Public Health, communication with staff and families, and vaccination requirements. The potential impact of a measles exposure on unvaccinated students and staff was discussed, including possible exclusion from school for 21 days, verification of immunization records, and efforts to protect vulnerable individuals.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the following personnel requests. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Hires: Dawn VanHamme - Bus Driver, Miles Eick - Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball Coach, and Tanner Large - Head 8th Grade Boys Basketball Coach
Officials: Jamie Hoffert and Jeff Hoogensen - High School Football
Motion by Hopper, second by Avis to approve Grundmeyer Leader Services as the search firm for the Superintendent search. Ayes: Dolezal, Hopper, and Avis. Nays: Hanus. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Avis to approve the Alliant Energy Invoice, in the amount of $11,299.66, for relocating gas main and services due to the street project. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Avis, second by Hopper to approve the 95 Percent Group quote, in the amount of $20,800.00, for professional learning onsite. All Ayes. The motion carried. This will be paid with Early Intervention funding.
Motion by Hopper, second by Avis to approve the first reading of the following policies: 200.01 - Organization of the Board of Directors, 200.01 R1 - Organization of the Board - Organizational Meeting Procedures, 200.02 - Powers of the Board of Directors, 200.03- Responsibilities of the Board of Directors, 200.04 - Board Member Social Media Engagement, 201 - Board of Directors’ Elections, 202.01 - Qualification, 202.02 - Oath of Office, 202.03 - Term of Office, 202.04 - Vacancies, 202.05 - Student School Board Representatives, 203 - Board of Directors’ Conflict of Interest, 204 - Code of Ethics, 205 - Board Member Liability, and 206.01 - President. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Avis to approve the second reading of the following policies with the changes discussed: 100 - Legal Status of the School District, 102 - Equal Educational Opportunity, 102 E2 - Equal Educational Opportunity - Continuous Notice of Nondiscrimination, and 104 R1 - Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy - Investigation Procedures. All Ayes. The motion carried.
The Superintendent shared upcoming district events, athletic competitions, student field trips, school pictures, STEAM Day, marching band competitions, conference tournaments, senior application completion day, and the end of the first quarter.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 5: 00 p.m., at the Partnership Center, Tama, IA.
Motion by Avis, second by Hopper to adjourn the meeting at 6:24 p.m.
Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President Katie Mathern, Board Secretary