Regular Meeting

                                                                                                  August 10, 2026

The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met at the Middle School Building at 5:15 p.m. for a tour highlighting recent construction projects. They then transitioned to the High School and Elementary Buildings.

The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a regular meeting on August 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office, Forest City, Iowa.

After a quorum was established the meeting was called to order by President Troy Thompson. Members present: David Reese, Beth Clouse, Troy Thompson, Rick Wiley and Kim Severson. Absent: Andrew Fedders and Cody Hennigar.  Beth Clouse motioned to approve the agenda,  Rick Wiley seconded the motion. Ayes: five.  Nays: none. 

Administrative Reports:

• President Troy Thompson shared a thank-you from the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) recognizing the District’s continued membership.
• High School Principal Ken Baker provided an update on summer building improvements, including new carpet in six classrooms, epoxy flooring in three classrooms, and new graphics in the recently renovated choir rooms. Mr. Baker also reported that fall activities are underway, including football, volleyball, marching band, and other student activities.
• Elementary School Principal Brad Jones expressed appreciation for the recently completed kindergarten playground, new basketball hoops in the gymnasium, and new lighting throughout the building. Mr. Jones also recognized Winnebago Industries for its donation of backpacks and school supplies to be made available to students and families during back-to-school conferences. He also introduced and welcomed new elementary staff members.
• Director of Teaching and Learning Zach Dillavou provided an update from the recent School Administrators of Iowa (SAI) conference, noting a significant focus on artificial intelligence. Mr. Dillavou also reviewed the schedule for new teacher training and back-to-school activities for all staff.
• Secretary Meinders presented the monthly financial reports and provided updates regarding the recent financial audit and upcoming deadlines.
• Superintendent Lehmann provided updates regarding the beginning-of-the-year schedule, IASB BoardCon 2026, VPPEL timeline, SF 2428, HF 2676, in-town bus stops, 2027 legislative priorities, and a thank-you received from the Forest City Chamber of Commerce.

The following consent agenda items were reviewed: minutes of the July 13, 2026 regular meeting, open enrollments, employee contracts, employee contract adjustments, employee resignations, teacher unpaid leave request, financial statements, and invoices for payment.  After discussion, Kim Severson motioned to approve all consent agenda items. Rick Wiley seconded the motion.  Ayes: five.  Nays: none.  Carried.

• Open Enrollments (Out): Alivia Pedelty and Brooklyn Pedelty to Mason City, Adaline Ziesmer and Caslyn Ziesmer to Clear Lake, Jayden Hanna to North Iowa, Tauriel Benjegerdes and Karie Knudson to Clarinda.
• Employee Contracts - Jason Provenzano, construction and facilities support; Steve Hall, paraprofessional; Michael True, assistant football coach.; Kent Jorgensen; 8th Grade Football Coach; Murray Anderson; 8th Grade Assistant Football Coach; Michael Bohl, 7th Grade Football Coach;
• Employee Contract Adjustments: Jamie Troe, Paraprofessional; Ethan Weiss, Cell Phone Stipend; Rebecca Heyer, Paraprofessional; Lea Fruhwirth, Paraprofessional;
• Employee Resignations:  Kent Jorgenson, 8th Grade Assistant Football Coach; Hope Steinberger, JJV Girls Basketball Coach; Becky Schnebly, Food Service;
• Unpaid Leave Request: Jennifer McQuown,  4 Days;

There was no old business. In new business, David Reese motioned, Beth Clouse seconded to approve the review of the following board policies: 100, 101, 101.FC, 102, 102.R1, 102E1, 102E2, 102E3, 102E4, 102E5, 102E6. New Policies-Second Readings: 503.11, 503.11R1, 503.11R2, 604.3R1, 605.4E1.  Annual Policy Review: 200.3FC, 701.5R1. Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried.

Kim Severson moved, Rick Wiley seconded to approve the 2026-27 Employee Handbook and Business Procedures manual as presented.  Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried.

Beth Clouse moved, Kim Severson seconded to approve the Administration of Federal Education Programs Policy and Procedures as presented.  Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried.

Sup’t Lehmann explained the necessary repairs needed for the District Office building and the proposal prepared by ISG for their professional services for air handling unit replacement.  Rick Wiley moved, David Reese seconded to approve the proposal as presented at an estimated total of $97,000 for ISG to design, administer bidding, and administer the construction of the project. Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried.

Rick Wiley moved, Beth Clouse seconded to approve the annual North Iowa Community Action  Organization (NICAO) Head Start program agreement as presented.  Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried.

An open enrollment transportation request was reviewed as submitted by West Hancock Community School District.  David Reese moved, Kim Severson seconded to deny the request and continue with the up to two miles limit as have been allowed in the past.  Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried.

Sec’y Meinders and Sup’t Lehmann detailed the advantages of reallocating teacher salary supplement (TSS) costs to specific categorical funds, a move authorized by Iowa statutes and Department of Education directives to ensure the district’s ongoing financial stability.  David Reese moved, Rick Wiley seconded to approve the resolution as presented.  Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried.

Sec’y Meinders and Sup’t Lehmann explained the desire to reclassify expenditures to the General Fund due to the recent passing of Senate File 2472 which limits the spending authority of the General Fund. David Reese moved, Rick Wiley seconded to approve the resolution as presented.  Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried.

Kim Severson moved, Beth Clouse seconded to approve the annual agreement with Trustpoint to perform the annual audit of the district’s basic financial statements of the Forest City Community School District for the year ended June 30, 2026  Ayes: five. Nays: none. Carried.

August 17, 2026 meeting topics were discussed.

David Reese motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. Rick Wiley seconded the motion.  Ayes: five.  Nays: none.  Carried.  The meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.

 

_______________________                                        _____________________________             

Troy Thompson, President                                             Sara Meinders, Board Secretary