Regular Meeting
November 11, 2024
The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a regular meeting on November 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 by President Troy Thompson. Members present: David Reese, Cody Hennigar, Beth Clouse, Troy Thompson, Rick Wiley, Andrew Fedders, and Kim Severson. Beth Clouse moved to approve the agenda with movement of items 6.d. regarding the Academic Banquet and 6.b. regarding the athletic conference to the beginning of the meeting prior to administrative reports to honor the time of visitors present at the meeting. Rick Wiley seconded the motion with the proposed changes. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
Members from the Forest City Education Foundation Board of Directors presented a request to change the academic banquet criteria. Presenters included Director Liz Taylor, and Board Members Heather Duenow, Scott Meinders and Ray Beebe. Following their presentation and open discussion, Kim Severson moved to table a decision on any changes to the academic banquet eligibility requirements. Andrew Fedders seconded. Ayes: six. Nays: Rick Wiley. Carried and decision was tabled.
President Troy Thompson took a moment to publicly acknowledge the accomplishment of Superintendent Lehmann being announced Superintendent of the Year by School Administrators of Iowa (SAI).
Sup’t Lehmann led discussion in regards to the open invitation from the North Central Conference (NCC) to join their conference effective with the 2026-2027 school year. Activities Directors Chad Moore and Jeff Jerome answered questions. David Reese moved, Cody Hennigar seconded to accept the invitation pending that Garner Hayfield - Ventura and Eagle Grove boards of education also approve moving to the NCC also for the 2026-2027 school year. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
Administrative Reports:
- Elementary School Principal Brad Jones presented on the recent costume parade, PBIS celebrations, conferences and book fair, Veterans Day, and PBIS majors.
- High School Principal Ken Baker presented about the junior class visiting the NIACC Hanson Center and recent conferences.
- Director of Teaching & Learning, Zach Dillavou presented on developing conversations regarding a portrait of a Forest City learner and artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom.
- Sec’y Meinders presented the monthly financial reports.
- Sup’t Lehmann provided information on the Revenue Estimating Conference (REC), Veterans Day, Iowa Association of School Boards upcoming convention, and facility projects.
The following consent agenda items were reviewed: minutes of the October 14, 2024, regular meeting, open enrollments, employee contracts and contract adjustments, employee resignations, donations, financial statements, and bills for payment. After discussion, Kim Severson moved to approve all consent agenda items. Rick Wiley seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
- Open Enrollment (In): Jaxon Smith and Taven Schuver
- Employee Contracts: Tristan Brandsoy, P.E. Assistant; Beth Snyder, Accompanist; Lulu Valadez, Tuition Reimbursement; Hope Steinberger, Freshman Girls Basketball Coach
- Employee Contract Adjustments: Patti Strukel, Asst Girls Basketball Coach; Hannah Anderson, Sophomore Girls Basketball Coach
- Employee Resignations: Paraprofessionals - Jeanne Dick and Madison Carver
- Donations: Boyd Gaming (PBIS); Feed the Farmers; FFA Alumni
There was no old business. In new business, board policies 507.6, 507.7, 507.8, 507.8R1, 507.9, 507.9R1, 508.1, 508.2, 501.9, 501.9R1, 407.1R1FC, and 413.1R1FC. Rick Wiley moved to approve the policies as presented with an exception to policy 501.9R1 to be edited to read, “in excess of two consecutive days” versus the presented version “of two or more consecutive days” in SECTION II of the policy. Beth Clouse seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
Andrew Fedders moved, Rick Wiley seconded to approve an addendum to the Contract for Educational Services for Concurrent Enrollment Career Link Programs and Courses for 2024-2025 with the North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) as presented. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
Sup’t Lehmann and Sec’y Meinders presented an update on the annual Certified Enrollment for the Department of Education certified on October 15, 2025 showing a decrease in enrollment compared to the previous year of 36.9 student weightings.
Kim Severson moved, Rick Wiley seconded to drop the agenda item to enter into closed session to evaluate the superintendent pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i). due to lack of time. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
December 9, 2024 meeting topics were discussed. David Reese motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. Rick Wiley seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
_______________________ _____________________________
Troy Thompson, President Sara Meinders, Board Secretary
