Regular Meeting
August 11, 2025
The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met at the Elementary School Building at 5:15 p.m. for a tour highlighting recent construction projects. They then transitioned to the High School and Middle School Buildings. The Board of Directors of the Forest City Community School District met for a regular meeting on August 12, 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 the President Troy Thompson. Members present: David Reese, Cody Hennigar, Beth Clouse, Troy Thompson, Rick Wiley, and Andrew Fedders. Absent: Kim Severson. Beth Clouse moved to approve the agenda with the addition of agenda item 6.e “Winnebago County Hazard Mitigation Plan”. Andrew Fedders seconded the motion Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.
Administrative Reports:
● Elementary Principal Brad Jones, Middle School Principal Sarah Leichsenring and High School Principal Ken Baker provided the board with updates that have been completed in their buildings over the summer. Each administrator acknowledged the hard work by our custodial staff and is thankful for the facility improvements. Mr Jones shared information about a new feature on the playground that was student made whisper dishes constructed during the recent May term. Ms. Leichsenring shared the schedules for the new staff in the middle school along with plans for 5th grade orientation. Mr. Baker acknowledged it’s nice to see staff back in the buildings and that planning for the 25-26 school year has been well organized despite multiple construction projects.
● Activities Director Chad Moore shared how the transition to a new school calendar hosted by Bound is progressing along with updates on the Athletics Hall of Fame inductee program.
● Sec’y Meinders presented the monthly financial reports.
● Sup’t Lehmann provided information on facilities, reviewed the beginning of the year schedules, and the IASB Convention in November.
The following consent agenda items were reviewed: minutes of the July 14, 2025 regular meeting, open enrollments, employee contracts and resignations, sick leave bank request, 2025-26 John V. Hanson Center Maintenance Agreement with NIACC, 2025-26 North Iowa Community Action Organization (NICAO) Memorandum of Understanding, financial statements, and bills for payment. After discussion, Rick Wiley moved to approve all consent agenda items. Andrew Fedders seconded the motion. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.
● Open Enrollment (Out): Easton Gassman, Bennett Aguirre, Elliott Tank, Alayna Baker, Jack Keningar, William Calkins, Alex Calkins Jr, and Leo Gonzalez.
● Open Enrollment (In): Alexander Baltes
● Employee Contracts: Danielle McCormick, Paraprofessional
● Employee Resignations: Sam Knutson, Maintenance
In old business, Cody Hennigar moved, Rick Wiley seconded to approve a change order to the high school vocal room and choir room remodeling project for $26,935.00 to install audio panel equipment. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.
In new business, board policies were reviewed: 606.1, 606.2, 606.3, 606.3R1FC, 606.3E1FC, 606.3E2FC, 606.4, 606.5, 606.6, 607.1, 607.2, and 607.2R1. New Policies (2nd Readings): 503.9, 503.9R1FC Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices were also reviewed. Beth Clouse moved to approve the policies as presented, David Reese seconded. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.
David Reese moved, Beth Clouse seconded to set a Public Hearing on the Sale of Real Property for September 8, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office Board Meeting Room. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.
Sup’t Lehmann presented the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) recommended legislative priorities for 2025-26. David Reese moved, Rick Wiley seconded to set the 2025-26 Legislative Priorities as Board as Governance/Home Rule, Teacher Preparation, School Choice/Public Education, School Bond Issues, and Mental Health. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.
Sup’t Lehmann presented the Board with activity ticket prices for 2025-26 which increase the price of admittance to the high school fall play and spring musical to $10 per person. David Reese moved, seconded by Rick Wiley to approve ticket prices for 2025-26. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried.
Andy Buffington, Communications Director and Emergency Management Coordinator for Winnebago County presented to the board a survey on what activities should be a priority for figure mitigation planning. After discussion, survey answers were shared with Mr. Buffington.
September 8, 2025 meeting topics were discussed.
David Reese motioned to adjourn the regular meeting. Andy Fedders seconded the motion. Ayes: six. Nays: none. Carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.
_______________________ _____________________________
Troy Thompson, President Sara Meinders, Board Secretary
