Regular Meeting
April 8, 2024
The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a regular meeting
on April 8, 2024 at 6:35 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,
Shelby Korth, and Kim Severson. Beth Clouse moved to approve the agenda. Rick Wiley
seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
Administrative Reports:
● President Thompson addressed the board in regards to board communications and
resources available to all members new and old.
● Middle School Principal, Sarah Leichsenring, provided the board with a summary of
middle school professional development goals for the year and their focus on MTSS,
Universal Tiers, and SAMI.
● Director of Teaching & Learning, Zach Dillavou, provided the board with a review of
Portrait of a Graduate work.
● High School Ass’t Principal and Activities Director, Chad Moore, provided an update on
student activity participation rates and a change to the scholarship rule as of 4/1/24.
● Sec’y Meinders presented monthly financial reports.
● Sup’t Lehmann provided information on alternative school, AEA partnerships, and the
recent power outage at the middle school/high school facility.
The following consent agenda items were reviewed: minutes of the March 11, 2024 regular
meeting and the March 25, 2024 public hearing, financial statements, payment of bills, and the
following:
● Open Enrollment (Out): Amayah Grundy and Porter Buns;
● Open Enrollment (In): Mya Karalius, Emersyn Lunning, Cordelia Wentz, Kambrie Keel,
Luna Bustillos, and Jolene Hauge;
● Employee Contracts: Anna Dietrich, communications director;
● Employee Contracts for 2024-25: Tabitha Jermeland, ass’t volleyball coach; Tammy
Lambert, high school volleyball practice coach;
● Employee Contract Adjustments: Melissa Swearingen, para certification incentive wage
increase; Allison Moore, tuition reimbursement agreement;
● Teacher Quality Professional Development additional wages;
● Employee Resignation (end of the year): Victoria Arenas, 5th grade special education
teacher and middle school volleyball coach; Julie Sherwood, maintenance; Brady
Schmidt, 6th grade science teacher and high school wrestling ass’t coach; Slade
Sifuentes, 4th grade teacher and high school ass’t football coach;
● Donations: Beenken Farms (FFA), American Online Giving Foundation via Winnebago
Industries (Elementary PBIS), and National FFA Foundation (FFA Drone);
● Early Graduation Request: Alexis Finney.
After discussion, Kim Severson moved to approve all consent agenda items, Shelby Korth
seconded the motion. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried. David Reese abstained.
In old business, Sec’y Meinders requested approval to reschedule the public hearings for the
2024-2025 School Budget and the 2023-2024 Amendment of Current Budget. David Reese
moved, Rick Wiley seconded for the approval to hold the public hearings on April 29, 2024 at
12:00 p.m. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried.
Sup’t Lehmann presented an update of the 2024 legislative session.
In new business, the following policies were reviewed: 503.5, 503.6, 503.6R1, 503.6E2, 503.6E3.
Kim Severson moved to approve policies as read, Beth Clouse seconded the motion. Ayes:
seven. Nays: none. Carried.
Kim Severson moved, Rick Wiley seconded for the renewal of three certificates of deposit with
MBT in Forest City for $516,484 (Capital Projects) 12 months at 5.0%, $258,242 (General Fund)
24 months at 4.5%, and $103,297 (Self Insurance Fund) 12 months at 5.0%. Kim Severson
moved to approve policies as read, Rick Wiley seconded the motion. Ayes: seven. Nays:
none. Carried.
Sup’t Lehmann reviewed options for future facility updates with the board.
Sup’t Lehmann presented a usage agreement and financial request of $100,000 from Bear
Creek Golf Course. Rick Wiley moved to approve agreement as presented, David Reese
seconded the motion. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried. Shelby Korth abstained.
Suggestions for the May 13, 2024 meeting were discussed.
Kim Severson motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. David Reese seconded the
motion. Ayes: seven. Nays: none. Carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m.
_________________________ ____________________________
Troy Thompson, President Sara Meinders, Board Secretary
