Board Minutes - 2026.1.12
Board Minutes - 2026.1.12Public Hearing
January 12, 2025
The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a public hearing on January 12, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office, Forest City, Iowa.
After a quorum was established the meeting was called to order President Troy Thompson. Members present: Cody Hennigar, Beth Clouse, Troy Thompson, and Andrew Fedders.. Absent: David Reese, Rick Wiley and Kim Severson.
The Bolstoff Field Turf construction project was presented. There were no written or oral comments. The 2026-27 school calendar was presented. There were no written or oral comments. Kim Severson entered the meeting at 6:31 p.m.
President Thompson declared the public hearings closed at 6:32 p.m.
_________________________ ____________________________
Troy Thompson, President Sara Meinders, Board Secretary
Regular Meeting
January 12, 2026
The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a regular meeting on January 12, 2026 at 6:32 p.m. at the District Office, Forest City, Iowa.
After a quorum was established the meeting was called to order by the President Troy Thompson. Members present: Cody Hennigar, Beth Clouse, Troy Thompson, Andrew Fedders, and Kim Severson. Absent: David Reese and Rick Wiley. Beth Clouse moved to approve the agenda. Andrew Fedders seconded the motion Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried.
Administrative Reports:
- High School Principal, Ken Baker, gave the Board an update on teacher professional development, work based learning initiatives, and recently hosted archery tournament applauding coach Zach Raulie for organizing the competition;
- Elementary School Principal, Brad Jones, presented on pre-holiday events in the elementary, Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum, 2nd semester new routines, and 1st semester attendance;
- Sec’y Meinders presented the monthly financial reports, upcoming budget dates along with anticipated financials for the 2026-27 fiscal year budget, and potential lane changes with estimated costs for the 2026-27 budget year;
- Sup’t Lehmann provided information on potential facility projects being considered for the summer of 2026, a new speed sign at middle school/high school, and IASB’s Day on the Hill event in January.
The following consent agenda items were reviewed: minutes from the December 8, 2025 regular meeting, open enrollments, employee contracts and resignations, donations, sick leave bank request, unpaid leave request, early graduation request, financial statements, and bills for payment. After discussion, Kim Severson moved to approve all consent agenda items. Beth Clouse seconded the motion. Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried.
- Open Enrollment Out: Onya Frausto to Iowa Connections Academy;
- Open Enrolled In: Vada Roberts and Gabriela Lawson from Lake Mills, Anastyn Casey and Hadley Farland from North Iowa, Zadee Martin from Garner-Hayfield-Ventura, Layne Lowell and Michael Lowell from West Hancock; Mackenzie Spatafora and Skyler Spatafora from Mason City;
- Employee New Contracts: Shelby Umbaugh, Elementary Paraprofessional; Ty Sopko, HS PE Paraprofessional; Alison Patenaude, HS Student Council Advisor; Anna Stene, Mentor; Emily Walker, Mentor; Andrew Eastvold, Assistant Wrestling Coach;
- Employee Resignations at the end of the 2025-26 School Year: Mary Espelien, Paraprofessional; Liz Gann, Administrative Assistant; Danielle McCormick, Paraprofessional; Carolyn Strait, Food Service;
- Unpaid Leave Request: Trish Hall
- Donations: Landus Cooperative, FFA; Negative Lunch Accounts: Darlene Sheldon, Mary Harms, Barb Lovick, Crystal Lake UMC Trustees; Arylyn Midtgaard, Mitten Fund; and Dorthy Lynde, HS Band Department;
- Early graduation request, Itzayeli Ramirez.
In old business, Kim Severson moved, Andrew Fedders seconded to approve the plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated total of $600,000 for the Bolstorff Field Turf Replacement construction project. Ayes: five. Nays: None. Carried.
Sup’t Lehmann presented the Board with the submitted bid for the Bolstorff Field Turf Replacement project, in partnership with Waldorf University. As recommended by the District architect, Cody Hennigar moved, Beth Clouse seconded to accept the bid submitted by Midwest FieldTurf with a base bid of $456,760 and only approving alternative number 2 (mid-field logo) for $19,800. Alternative number 1 (removal of existing nailer board and installation of composite nailer board) and 3 (endzone color) will not be accepted. Total construction cost as bid is $503,360. Ayes: five. Nays: None. Carried.
In new business, Beth Clouse moved, Cody Hennigar seconded to approve board policies 710.1, 710.1E1, 710.1E2, 710.1R1, 710.2, 710.3, 710.4 as presented. Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried.
Kim Severson moved, Cody Hennigar seconded to approve the 2026-27 school calendar as presented with the first day of school as August 24, 2026 and 180 student attendance days concluding on May 28, 2027. Up to eight e-learning days may be used during the year. Ayes: five. Nays: None. Carried.
Supt’t Lehmann addressed the Board on the condition of the football uniforms. After discussion, Kim Severson moved, Andrew Fedders seconded to purchase new middle school and high school uniforms for a total cost of $24,750 from Decker Sports. Ayes: five. Nays: None. Carried.
The February 9, 2026 board meeting was discussed.
Cody Hennigar moved, Beth Clouse seconded to enter into closed session to evaluate the superintendent and school business official pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i). Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried. The time was 7:53 p.m. At 8:11 pm, Kim Severson moved, Andrew Fedders seconded to return to regular session. Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried.
Beth Clouse motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. Cody Hennigar seconded the motion. Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
_______________________ _____________________________
Troy Thompson, President Sara Meinders, Board Secretary