Regular Meeting
March 11, 2024
The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a regular meeting
on March 11, 2024 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: David Reese, Cody Hennigar, Beth Clouse, Rick Wiley, Troy Thompson, and
Shelby Korth. Absent: Kim Severson. Rick Wiley moved to approve the agenda. Beth Clouse
seconded the motion. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.
Administrative Reports:
- President Thompson addressed the board in regards to recent legislative discussions and meetings and booster club press boxes;
- Elementary Principal, Brad Jones, informed the board of Rowan Johnson (4th Grader) making it to the National Geography Bee, 2nd round of PBIS Awards, early childhood program highlights, perfect attendance awards, and review of recent staff and student illnesses;
- High School Principal, Ken Baker, professional development activities, CAP conferences review, upcoming events, and a thank you to Sup’t Lehmann and the Board for the continued support of the AEA’s work study program as coordinated and organized by Farrah Olson.
- Director of Teaching and Learning, Mr. Dillavou, presented to about Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP), perfect attendance initiatives, professional development and curriculum review,
- Sec’y Meinders presented on employee benefits for 2024-25 and monthly financial reports;
- Sup’t Lehmann provided information about the end of the year schedule, ABC Paraeducator Award nomination for Claire Branstad and Bob Ritter, thank you from Pleasant Valley High School on the great representation by our student section at the girl’s state basketball tournament, e-learning dates, summer school, Governor Reynolds meeting, and individual state speech recognition.
The following consent agenda items were reviewed: minutes of the February 11, 2024 regular
meeting, financial statements, payment of bills, and the following:
- Open Enrollment (Out): Justin Hudson, Ivan Hudson, and Kadin Huson;
- Open Enrollment (In): Brexton Heyer and Adalie Paulson;
- Employee Contracts for 2024-25: Codi Garland, Special Education/At-Risk Elementary
- Teacher;
- Employee Contract Adjustments: Melanie Olson, increase in hours;
- Employee Resignation (end of the year): Al Faber, Transportation; Tom Clarey, High
- School Physical Education/Head Football/Middle School Track;
- Donations: Farm Credit Services $650 (FFA Drone), MBT Bank $500 (FFA Drone), Missman Seeds $100 (FFA Drone), POET $1,300 (FFA Drone).
After discussion, Beth Clouse moved to approve all consent agenda items, Rick Wiley seconded
the motion. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.
In old business, Supt Lehmann reviewed the 2024 legislative priorities with the board.
In new business, the following policies were reviewed: 503.3, 503.3R1, 605.8 (2nd reading), and
605.8R1 (2nd reading). David Reese moved to approve policies as read, Beth Clouse seconded
the motion. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.
Sup’t Lehmann presented the employee contracts, wages, sub rates, and hiring bases for the
2024-25 fiscal year with an issue date of March 15, 2024 and a return date of April 5, 2024. Rick
Wiley moved to approve the contracts and wages as presented. Beth Clouse seconded the
motion. Ayes: five. Nays: none. Abstained: David Reese. Carried. Teachers will receive a pool
raise of $2,000 per teacher which equals a 4.07% increase. Non-certified staff and
administrators also receive a 4.07% salary increase. Hiring bases have been increased to an
$12.00 minimum hourly wage and if any staff member was to earn an hourly wage below $12
after the 4.07% salary increase will move to $12. Support staff that have been employed a
number of years divisible by 5 receives another 2% salary increase.
Sup’t Lehmann presented the renewal participation agreement with the Iowa Local
Government Risk Pool Commission to pool risks and stabilize gas prices for public entities in
conjunction with a Certified Natural Gas Provider. David Reese moved, Cody Hennigar seconded
to approve the agreement as presented from the management fund for FY2025. Ayes: six. Nays:
none. Carried.
Sec’y Meinders presented the proposed budget and taxes for 2024-2025 and the proposed
property tax levies. Beth Clouse motioned to set the 2024-2025 public hearing on the proposed
property tax levy for March 25, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office and the public hearing
for the proposed school budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 and an amendment to the 2023-2024
current budget for April 8th at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office. Rick Wiley seconded the motion.
Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.
David Reese moved, Shelby Korth seconded to purchase elementary coat room storage units
from Epic Furniture for $91,557.49 which includes installation. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.
Suggestions for the April 8, 2024 meeting were discussed.
David Reese motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. Shelby Korth seconded the
motion. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.
_________________________ ____________________________
Troy Thompson, President Sara Meinders, Board Secretary
