Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
October 13, 2025 – 6:15 p.m.
President Jake Snider called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Randy Billups, Denise Chittick, Gabrielle Frederick, Ryan Schlabaugh, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider.
Board members absent: None.
Also Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Board Secretary/School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber.
Pledge of Allegiance
Read the School Mission Statement by Vice-President
Adopt the Agenda
Mary Allred moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Ryan Schlabaugh. Motion carried 7-0.
Hawk Highlight – Student Build – Lucas Troyer shared that there are 11 students participating this Fall at the residence in Kalona. He introduced the students present at the meeting who are involved in the Student Build project in Kalona during the Summer of 2025 and into the Fall of 2025. Troyer thanked both Jake Snider and Ryan Schlabaugh for the opportunity. The group shared about the process and experience. The students expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work together, to experience work ethic, and for life skills development.
Scoreboard for Football and Track – This item is tabled to a future date.
Public Forum
No one spoke.
BUSINESS MEETING
Consent Items
Randy Billups moved to approve the following consent items.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of September 9, 2025 and September 22, 2025;
Finance Report
The Finance Report for September 2025;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for October 13, 2025; and Prepaid Bills;
Open Enrollment Requests – None are presented for approval
Personnel Items
Contract issued to Megan Uden, 8th Grade Girls Basketball Coach, $2,234 per annum;
Contract issued to Annika Poll, Middle School Assistant Cross Country Coach, $1,660 per season;
Resignation of Caryn Short, Middle School Paraprofessional, $15.50 per hour, effective October 10, 2025;
Volunteer Coaches for Winter Sports 2025-2026
Rylee Vercande – Girls Wrestling Vinnie Bowlin – Boys Wrestling
Ben Meader – Boys Wrestling Brent Foster – Boys Wrestling
Zeb Evans – Boys Wrestling Tim O’Toole – Boys Basketball
Ryan Cortum – Boys Basketball
Fundraising Requests
Post Prom requests approval to raise funds through Drive Through Meal at both Middle School and High School on November 15th for the Post Prom event in the Spring of 2026;
Post Prom requests approval to raise funds through Donation Request Letters sent from October 6th to February 21st for the Post Prom event in the Spring of 2026;
Denise Chittick seconded the consent items. Motion carried 7-0.
Student Learning
Reports
The Board reviewed the Administrators’ written reports to the Board. Time was allotted to ask questions and discuss the reports. No questions were asked. Board expressed appreciation for the report on the Cell Phone Policy implementation.
Finance-Long Range Planning
Resolution 10132501 Additional Allowable Growth Resolution for Limited English Proficiency Funds
School Business Official Swartzentruber presented the Limited English Proficiency Funds Additional Allowable Growth Resolution #10132501 as required by law. This resolution recognizes the State funding for the District’s Limited English proficiency program is insufficient. The funding requirements are a calculation based upon student served. In the District’s case, the student count is not high enough to pay the compensation and expenses for a full-time teacher, though one is required. Once the District exceeds the funds allocated, the excess costs are tracked in order to receive additional spending authority. The resolution requests $53,914.73 additional spending authority.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve Resolution #10132501 for additional spending authority of $53,914.73. Jed Seward seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - yes Mary Allred - yes
Jed Seward - yes Ryan Schlabaugh - yes
Randy Billups - yes Jake Snider - yes
Denise Chittick - yes
Motion carried 7-0.
Set a Public Hearing for Proposed Plans and Specification for Mid-Prairie West Elementary Addition and Improvements for November 10, 2025 at 6:25 p.m.
SBO Swartzentruber provided an update of the timeline for the West Elementary Addition and improvements. The Pre-bid Meeting took place at Central Office on October 7th with CANCO leading the meeting. Bids are to be collected on the various bid packages for the Bid Opening Meeting set for Thursday, October 23rd. Subsequent to the October 23rd meeting CANCO and OPN will review the bids and bring a recommendation to the Board. The Public Hearing is set to be just before the Bid discussion and evaluation for acceptance.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve the setting of a Public Hearing for the Proposed Plans and Specifications for the West Elementary Addition for Monday, November 10, 2025 at 6:25 p.m. at the Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room in Wellman, Iowa. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Board Development and Inservice Activities
Superintendent Stone and SBO Swartzentruber noted the upcoming IASB Convention on November 19-21, 2025. Board Members need to let Swartzentruber know which days they plan to attend and transportation as well as lodging.
Open Meetings training required by State Legislature – IASB next ones are December 4 and 18, 2025, and January 7, 2026, for New Board Members within 90 days of taking office. Existing Board Members should attend as well? Consideration being given to compliance.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next Work Session Meeting will be on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 6:15 p.m. Agenda items to include: Discussion about Board Committees; ISASP State Report Cards; and possibly Survey Work.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
September 22, 2025– 6:15 p.m.
President Jake Snider called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Randy Billups, Denise Chittick, Gabrielle Frederick, Ryan Schlabaugh, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider.
Board members absent: None.
Also Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Board Secretary/School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber.
Pledge of Allegiance
Read the School Mission Statement by Vice-President
Mary Allred moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Jed Seward. Motion carried 7-0.
Business Meeting
Consent Items
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve the following consent items.
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for September 22, 2025, and prepaid bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 1 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 0 students;
Personnel Items
Approve a 0.5 FTE Position for a Paraprofessional at East Elementary for IEP requirements;
Resignation of Lori Schultz, High School General Cook, $16.22 per hour, effective September 11, 2025;
Resignation of Katy Debler, East Elementary Media Secretary, $17.75 per hour, effective October 10,2025;
Resignation of Ron Swartzendruber, MS Girls Basketball Coach, $3,390 per annum, effective September 18, 2025;
Volunteer Coach – Fall – Brian Hervey – HS Football
Fundraising Requests
FCCLA requests approval to raise funds through a Pampered Chef on-line event from October 15th to November 15th for replacement of essential kitchen equipment for the FCS Lab;
Jed Seward seconded the consent items. Motion carried 7-0.
Business Item
Special Education Deficit Spending Authority Resolution – Resolution 0922251
SBO Swartzentruber reviewed the SBRC Resolution for Additional Allowable Growth as a result of the Special Education Spending Deficit for the recently completed fiscal year ending on June 30, 2025. The reported deficit was $382,863.09 for last year as compared to $81,494.48 for the previous year. The request is rounded up to $385,000 to allow for any upward adjustment that might be found during the Department of Education’s year-end review.
Denise Chittick moved to approve Resolution 0922251 to authorize the Superintendent to submit a request to the School Budget Review Committee for additional allowable growth of up to $385,000 to cover the deficit in Special Education funding from the year ending June 30, 2025. Gabrielle Frederick seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - yes Mary Allred - yes
Jed Seward - yes Ryan Schlabaugh - yes
Randy Billups - yes Jake Snider - yes
Denise Chittick - yes
Motion carried 7-0.
Work Session
Fund for Academic Excellence Information – Brenna Goode
Superintendent Stone introduced Breen Goode, Chair of the Committee for Fund for Academic Excellence. She provided a report of the projects funded by the committee through the application process to each Building. Teachers apply for funds through a grant application process that is awarded in late October of each year. The fund has provided $26,000 in grants to Mid-Prairie Teachers since the 2020-2021 School Year—5 year. This year’s available funds are $6,000.
Survey Information – Ben Curtis from Eocene Environmental Group
Vice President Schlabaugh introduced Ben Curtis from Eocene Environment Group to discuss approaches to preparing and administering staff surveys. The desire is to have independent, third-party data collection from staff. Eocene does a broad range of consulting mostly for municipalities although they are comfortable operating in this type of setting. Schlabaugh asked if there are further questions about the process. The Board discussed goals to strengthen the “caring learning environment” component of the mission statement and recognize the staff as an integral part of the statement. Then, as a Board what can the Board do to help strengthen the environment with the data that comes from the staff at all levels of the District, although it is recognized that the hard work is not done by the Board. The Board is in agreement and asked about viewing some example surveys. Informal next steps will be to receive a proposal from Eocene and discuss the focus areas of the first surveys.
PL Agendas
Superintendent Stone shared a document that is used by the District that links to a document for each building and grade level. These documents guide the Friday Early-Out Professional Learning of each group as they establish goals and collaborate as teams. This is an intentional work in process system and is recognized as in its second week of early outs. The system will be refined further throughout the year.
FAC Update
Superintendent Stone provided an update from the Facilities Committee that met on Wednesday, September 17th. He walked through an overview of the Power Point used that showed progress on the Activity/Wrestling Center, plans for the West Elementary addition and improvements, and the initial work that has been done on the Auditorium study. The Board expressed appreciation for the work performed.
State Report Card
Superintendent Stone shared the results of the State Report Card for the District that was released on Thursday, September 18th. All schools moved up to acceptable and commendable per building. He shared data on Literacy and Math proficiencies. The District is definitely moving in the right direction. There will be more analysis in the future.
Next Meeting and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: Superintendent Evaluation Planning, Further discussion on the PLs and State Report Card, though the latter may be at a future Work Session.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
September 8, 2025 – 6:15 p.m.
President Jake Snider called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Gabrielle Frederick, Ryan Schlabaugh, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider.
Board members absent: Randy Billups and Denise Chittick.
Also Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Board Secretary/School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber.
Pledge of Allegiance
Read the School Mission Statement by Vice-President
Adopt the Agenda
Mary Allred moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Jed Seward. Motion carried 5-0.
Hawk Highlight – Student Built Home – Ryan Schlabaugh in his role as City of Kalona Administrator provided an update on the partnership between the City and the District for this Summer activity that has stretched into the first part of the School Year. Students are hands on learning a trade with a shelter at the City Park and a two-unit housing rehabilitation in Kalona. This year it is solely Mid-Prairie Students. Jake Snider has served as a guide/instructor for the students especially through the Summer, and now into the Fall through the City of Kalona. Snider expressed one goal: to involved the students more closely with subcontractors in the coming years. Snider was very complimentary of Ryan and the City of Kalona and is very excited for the future of the program. Thanks, is also expressed to Melissa Rediger, Chuck Banks, and Lucas Troyer for their involvement in the program within the High School.
Public Forum
A gentleman discussed concerns about the Curriculum of the District as it relates to Civics learning. He continues to challenge the Board to bring the Constitution and Civics lessons to the students of the District as nationally and locally a learning gap is identifiable.
BUSINESS MEETING
Consent Items
Mary Allred moved to approve the following consent items.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of August 11, 2025, August 14, 2025, and August 25, 2025;
Finance Report
The Finance Report for August 2025 and Year End June 2025 Preaudit Final;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for September 8, 2025; Prepaid Bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 3 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 1 student;
Personnel Items
Contract issued to Daniel Hershberger, Middle School Assistant Football Coach (+20), $2,265.96 per annum,
Contract issued to Derek Kalm, Middle School Assistant Volleyball Coach (+20), $2,218.09 per season,
Work Agreement issued to Jane Blieu, High School Paraprofessional, $15.50 per hour;
Work Agreement issued to Angie Lilley, East Elementary Paraprofessional, $15.50 per hour;
Work Agreement issued to Hannah Theisen, East Elementary Paraprofessional, $15.50 per hour;
Work Agreement issued to Liana Wade, West Elementary Paraprofessional, $15.50 per hour;
Work Agreement issued to Makayla Garrelts, Middle School Paraprofessional, $15.50 per hour;
Work Agreement issued to Caryn Short, Middle School Paraprofessional, $15.50 per hour;
Fundraising Requests
Post Prom requests approval to raise funds by selling Bingo Cards to play Volleyball Bingo for home games of September 23rd, September 25th, and October 7th, for funding Post Prom activities in 2026.
Post Prom requests approval to raise funds by selling Bingo Cards to play Football Bingo for homecoming game on September 12th, for funding Post Prom activities in 2026.
Post Prom requests approval to raise funds by student activity entitled Penny Wars the week before the first Renaissance assembly, for funding Post Prom activities in 2026.
Post Prom requests approval to raise funds through the sale of Sugar Bottom Cookes from October 1st to October 27th, for funding Post Prom activities in 2026.
Home School Assistance Program requests approval to raise funds by selling Mums from September 10th to September 30th to support outdoor improvements to the school grounds, sustainability for future mums’ sales and other outside of Home School budget activities.
High School Baseball requests approval to raise funds through their annual can drive with the Can Shed on September 20th for the baseball program, equipment and field maintenance, and coach and player apparel;
FFA requests approval to raise funds with a Fruit, Meat, Cheese, and Popcorn sales fundraiser from Mid-October to End of October for FFA Activities throughout the school year;
Gabrielle Frederick seconded the consent items. Motion carried 4-0 with Schlabaugh abstaining.
Student Learning
Reports
The Board reviewed the Administrators’ written reports to the Board. Time was allotted to ask questions and discuss the reports. A question was raised on the implementation of the Cell Phone Policy in the first two weeks of school. Stone reported that the Cell Phone policy seems to be going well at the High School and Middle School based on reports of and his observations of student interactions during the day, especially at passing and lunch periods.
Madrigal Choir Out of State Travel
Collette McClellen has requested permission to take the Madrigal Choir to Augustana College Chamber Choir Festival in Rock Island, Illinois on October 12 and 13, 2025 to participate in the College’s honor choir event.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve the Madrigal Choir to travel to Rock Island, Illinois on October 12-13, 2025 to participate in the Augustana College Chamber Choir Festival event. Gabrielle Frederick seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Level 1 Investigators
Superintendent Stone shared that the District needs to appoint Level 1 Investigators per Board Policy 402.3. With changes in Staff, it is appropriate to appoint Level 1 Investigators at this time. Principals and Administrators recommended for appointment as Level 1 Investigators are: Kristan Hunter, Doug Stafford, Rachel Kerns, Robin Foster, Chuck Banks, Tim Bartels, and Frank Slabaugh with Superintendent Stone appointed as the First Alternate to the Level 1 Investigators. Stone asked for questions from the Board.
Jed Seward moved to approve the above listed administrators as Level 1 Investigators as recommended. Ryan Schlabaugh seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Finance-Long Range Planning
2025 2026 Student Built Home Stipend Request
SBO Swartzentruber along with Kalona City Manager Ryan Schlabaugh discussed the need for additional monies to support the oversight of the student-built project initiative in Kalona. This collaborative project between the City of Kalona and the District is going well. The estimated hours over and above class time by Teacher/Supervisor Lucas Troyer leads to the request for an additional $2,500 stipend. The City of Kalona will reimburse the District for this additional cost of wages, taxes and benefits of $2,950. The Board asked questions for clarification on time spent and reimbursement by the City.
Jed Seward moved to approve the additional total outlay of $2,950 as presented with the understanding that the City of Kalona will reimburse the District for the Cost. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0, Schlabaugh abstained.
Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Treasurer’s Report
SBO Swartzentruber presented the Fiscal Year 2025 Treasurer’s Report. This is the report that is provided after the Certified Annual Report is submitted to the State Department of Education Portal by the September 15, 2025, due date. Net Operating Fund Balance increased by $528,000 ($323,400 in Unassigned Fund Balance), compared to a $956,000 increase (794,300 Unassigned Fund Balance) for the previous fiscal year. The Nutrition Fund decreased by $100,700 as a result of less Federal funds made available for Nutrition and the wear off of COVID Funding for Nutrition. The District has raised lunch prices for the new School Year by 10 cents to slow the decline down though it is a balancing act between students and families choosing hot lunch in the face of rising prices. The cash position in the fund has a balance of $278,760. Swartzentruber discussed the concerns of rising food prices along with staffing in the mid and long term.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to accept the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Treasurers Report as presented. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Appoint a Delegate to the IASB Convention
School Business Official Swartzentruber reviewed the need to appoint a delegate for the Board at the State convention. Jake Snider served as the delegate for the Board at last two year’s State convention. Ryan Schlabaugh was asked if he wished to step into this role for the upcoming state convention on November 19-21, 2025.
Mary Allred moved to appoint Ryan Schlabaugh as delegate to the IASB Convention for November 2025. Gabrielle Frederick seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Board Development and Inservice Activities – Nothing was discussed.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The due date for Board Candidate Filing is Thursday, September 18th at 5pm.
Homecoming Parade is Wednesday, September 10, 2025. The Board will ride on a float. Arrangements and meet times were discussed for coordination purposes.
The next Work Session Meeting will be on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 6:15 p.m. Agenda items to include: Special Education Deficit Spending Authority Resolution; Staff Surveys Discussion, Possible Fund for Academic Excellence presentation, Discussion of the Professional Learning Agenda Consistency, Facilities Committee Update.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:05p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
August 25, 2025– 6:15 p.m.
President Jake Snider called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Randy Billups, Gabrielle Frederick, Ryan Schlabaugh, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider.
Board members absent: Mary Allred and Denise Chittick.
Also Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Board Secretary/School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber.
Pledge of Allegiance
Read the School Mission Statement by Vice-President
Gabrielle Frederick moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Jed Seward. Motion carried 5-0.
Business Meeting
Consent Items
Jed Seward moved to approve the following consent items.
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for August 25, 2025, and prepaid bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 6 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 2 students;
Personnel Items
Work Agreement issued to Marcelena Billups, West Elementary Preschool Paraprofessional, $15.50 per hour;
Work Agreement issued to Chloe Kruse, West Elementary Paraprofessional, $15.50 per hour;
Work Agreement issued to Noah Marlin, East Elementary Paraprofessional, $15.50 per hour;
Work Agreement issued to Kali Miller, East Elementary Paraprofessional, $15.50 per hour;
Work Agreement issued to Libby Peiffer, West Elementary Paraprofessional, $15.50 per hour;
Resignation of Jeremiah Lassy, High School Paraprofessional, $15.59 per hour, effective August 13, 2025;
Fundraising Requests – Nothing submitted
Gabrielle Frederick seconded the consent items. Motion carried 5-0.
Business Item - Finance
East Elementary Additional Special Education Paraprofessionals Proposal
Superintendent Stone directed the Board to the Proposal by Kristan Hunter, Principal at East Elementary and Doug Stafford, Special Education Director for the need for one Special Education Paraprofessional positions at East Elementary. These needs are determined by the Individual Education Plans for students in the building.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve one Special Education Paraprofessionals position as presented for East Elementary. Ryan Schlabaugh seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Work Session
IASB Feedback and Activities
Superintendent Stone worked through the material provided as a result of the August 14, 2025, Board Development session with Tammi Drawbaugh using her report to Snider and Stone after the session. The Board discussed the next steps that might be taken to discuss the Boards goals and areas of focus. Discussed the need to be intentional with this at meetings, though the exact form is not settled, whether it is at the end or the beginning of the agenda—what was a positive since the previous meeting, or “what did we tackle at the end of the meeting.” The Board discussed 2 strengths to focus on and an area to build on as part of the previous sentence. Also, discussion of other activities and time the Board may be able to take part of within the buildings during the school day.
“Whose Job is It”- Possible Self-Check Idea
Superintendent Stone worked through the document provided by Drawbaugh in the August 14, 2025, Board Development session. Stone suggested this document could be a self-check exercise. It was suggested that this might be a quarterly activity that reviews Board accomplishments for the previous quarter within a Work Session.
Survey from Board to Staff
Superintendent Stone asked the Board about next steps and details for surveys conducted by an outside firm to go to all staff for collection of data from staff on elements of job satisfaction. An independent third party takes the detail responses away from the Board and Superintendent for compilation. The surveys spread over the year, maybe 2 or 3 different surveys, allow for trends to be developed and studied within a year or over a span of years. Schlabaugh will approach a few firms. Stone will talk with IASB staff, also.
Tour of New MP Activity Center
The Board toured the construction in process Activity Center behind the High School to see the current status.
Next Meeting and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m. at the construction site.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
August 14, 2025 – 5:30 p.m.
President Jake Snider called the meeting to order.
Board members present Mary Allred, Randy Billups, Denise Chittick, Gabrielle Frederick, Ryan Schlabaugh, Jed Seward, Jake Snider.
Board members absent: None.
Staff Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Business Manager/Board Secretary Jeff Swartzentruber, District Executive Leadership Team Members: Chuck Banks, Tim Bartels, Robin Foster, Kristan Hunter, Rachel Kerns, and Doug Stafford
Pledge of Allegiance
Mission Statement – Vice President Schlabaugh read the mission statement
Mary Allred moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Jed Seward. Motion carried 7-0.
Work Session
Board and Administrators Professional Learning provided by IASB Tammi Drawbaugh
Tammi Drawbaugh from IASB led the Board and Administrators through a professional development session. The focus was on leadership and working collaboratively for the students and the District.
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
August 11, 2025 – 6:15 p.m.
President Jake Snider called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Randy Billups, Denise Chittick, Gabrielle Frederick, Ryan Schlabaugh, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider.
Board members absent: None.
Also Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Board Secretary/School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber.
Pledge of Allegiance
Read the School Mission Statement by Vice-President
Adopt the Agenda
Mary Allred moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Jed Seward. Motion carried 7-0.
Public Forum
No one spoke.
BUSINESS MEETING
Consent Items
Jed Seward moved to approve the following consent items. A question was raised about the after the season evaluation process and surveys for coaches. It was asked that this be added to a future work session.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of July 7, 2025, July 14, 2025, and July 28, 2025;
Finance Report
The Finance Report for July 2025 and Year to Date June, 2025 second iteration;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for August 11, 2025; Prepaid Bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 4 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 1students;
Personnel Items
Work Agreement issued to Grace Beatty, High School General Cook, $15.49 per hour;
Contract issued to Lexi Edmundson, West Elementary TLC Assistant Coach, $2,000 per annum;
Resignation of Liza Fontaine, Middle School TLC Assistant Coach, $2,000 per annum, effective August 4, 2025;
Resignation of Grace Andreesen, West Elementary TLC Assistant Coach, $2,000 per annum, effective August 4, 2025;
Resignation of Tanya Kennedy, East Elementary Paraprofessional, $16.29 per hour, effective August 6, 2025;
Resignation of Liza Fontaine, 0.5 FTE Transportation Mechanic, $22,514.80 per annum, effective August 4, 2025;
Summer Coaches Continuing for 2025-2026
HS Baseball Head Coach – Kyle Mullet
HS Baseball Assistant Coach – Brad Tornow
HS Softball Head Coach – Danielle Williams
MS Softball Head Coach – Teri Taylor
Fall Volunteer Coaches
Aaron Coghlan – Football Ryan Cortum -- Football
Derek Yoder – Football Caleb Potts – Football
Zeb Evans – Volleyball Anna Hostetler – Cross Country
Annika Poll – MS Cross Country
Fundraising Requests – There are not fundraising request presented.
Out of State Travel – Approval to travel to Indianapolis, Indiana for the National FFA Convention held on October 29, 2025 through November 1, 2025;
Insured Booster Groups for 2025-2026 – Approval of 8 Booster Groups and Clubs including Goldan Hawks Wrestling Club, Mid-Prairie Athletic Boosters, Mid-Prairie Alumni and Friends Association, Mid-Prairie Community School District Foundation, Mid-Prairie Fine Arts Boosters, Mid-Prairie Post-Prom Committee, and MP Archery Club for insurance coverage under the District Policy for a $250 annual fee to the District.
Denise Chittick seconded the consent items. Motion carried 7-0.
Finance-Long Range Planning
Bank Depository Resolution for the 2025-2026 School Year
School Business Official Swartzentruber presented the resolution for the 2025 2026 School Year. This is the annual Depository Resolution required in August. There are two changes from last year as spending on the Revenue Bonds completes and spending on the 2024 Issue General Obligation Bonds begins with changes at Hills Bank and Federation Bank, respectively.
RESOLVED, that the Mid-Prairie Community School District of Wellman, Iowa in Washington County, Iowa approves the following list of financial institutions to be depositories of the Mid-Prairie School, all funds in conformance with all applicable provisions of Iowa Code Chapters 452 and 453 (1983) as amended by 1984 Iowa Acts. S.F. 2220. The Business Manager/Board Secretary is hereby authorized to deposit the Mid-Prairie School funds in amounts not exceed the maximum approved for each respective financial institution as set out below.
Location of Maximum Balance Maximum balance in
Depository name Home Office effect under prior effect under this
___________________ __________ resolution resolution .
UMB Bank, N.A. (ISJIT) Des Moines 2,000,000 2,000,000
Hills Bank Hills 25,000,000 20,000,000
Federation Bank Wellman 5,000,000 3,000,000
CBI Bank & Trust Kalona 6,000,000 6,000,000
Miles Capital Mgmnt Des Moines 2,000,000 2,000,000
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve 08112501 as presented reading from the resolution. Ryan Schlabaugh seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Gabrielle Frederick - yes Mary Allred - yes
Jed Seward - yes Ryan Schlabaugh - yes
Randy Billups - yes Jake Snider - yes
Denise Chittick - abstain
Motion carried 6-0. Chittick abstained.
Matching Funds Policy 903.6 Amount for the 2025-2026 School Year
Superintendent Stone and SBO Swartzentruber reviewed the policy. The provision is that the Board needs to select an amount to be offered as matching funds to the three main booster groups, which are: Fine Arts Boosters, Athletic Boosters, and Student Boosters. These funds will be matched with other funds raised by the groups for specific projects as named in the matching fund application. The amounts used over the past number of years is at total of $45,000 with each group having access for the year to one-third of the amount. Groups are also able to agree to share amounts or portions of their allotment with the other two groups upon mutual agreement. It is recommended that the matching fund amount(s) stay the same as previous years for the 2025-2026 School Year. The Board asked questions for clarification.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve the matching fund grant amount for the 2025-2026 School Year of $45,000 to be shared in equal thirds by the 3 booster groups. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Second Reading of Board Policy Changes for Chapter 500’s Students
Superintendent Stone and Board President Snider noted that the Board had passed the changes to Policy Chapter 500 on First Reading at the July 14, 2025 Meeting. The Policies that passed on First Reading with changes are:
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve on Second Reading Policy 502.7, 503.1, 503.5, 503.7, 506.1, 507.2, and 507.10 as presented and reviewed. Jed Seward seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
IASB Legislative Platform Discussion for 2026 Iowa Legislative Session
Superintendent Stone and Business Manager Swartzentruber drew the Board’s attention to the IASB Legislative Priorities document for the 2025-2026 Legislative Year, especially starting with page 13 (page 1 for 2025 Legislative Resolutions). The process starts with the Board review of this document and then the process to determine the priorities to communicate to IASB for next year. The Board discussed the potential legislative priorities for the upcoming legislative session.
In the 2024-2025 Legislative Session the Board chose the priorities listed below:
The Board reviewed the 2025 document to identify four to five priorities for the upcoming legislative session. The Board included the following as focus items to IASB:
Board Development and Inservice Activities
SBO Swartzentruber noted the upcoming IASB Convention for November 19-21, 2025 with the convention day being November 20th. November 19th is preconvention workshops and delegate session, while November 21st is the post-convention day normally set aside for Board President training and other potential meetings. Swartzentruber asked the group to consider their attendance and to let him know preferences in the coming weeks as registration is now open. Stone noted the value of the networking opportunities.
Swartzentruber noted the upcoming School Board Elections. The due date for paperwork to be filed with him is 5pm on Thursday, September 18, 2025. The Board briefly discussed the election process and candidate encouragement.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
A Special Work Session and Board Development with IASB on August 14, 2025, at 5:30pm in the Community Room.
The next Work Session Meeting will be on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 6:15 p.m.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, September 7, 2025, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
July 28, 2025– 6:15 p.m.
President Jake Snider called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Randy Billups, Denise Chittick, Ryan Schlabaugh, and Jake Snider.
Board members absent: Gabrielle Frederick and Jed Seward.
Also Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Board Secretary/School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber, and Activities Director Pete Cavanagh.
Pledge of Allegiance
Read the School Mission Statement by Vice-President
Randy Billups moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Mary Allred. Motion carried 5-0.
Business Meeting
Consent Items
Mary Allred moved to approve the following consent items.
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 0 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 4 students;
Personnel Items
Work Agreement issued to Lori Wixom, Middle School General Cook, $15.49 per hour;
Work Agreement issued to Allee Gent, Middle School General Cook, $15.49 per hour;
Resignation of Aaron Coghlan, 8th Grade Boys Track Coach, $2,820 per Annum, effective 7/15/2025;
Resignation of Kim Boller, West Elementary Paraprofessional, $15.60 per hour, effective end of 2024-2025 contract;
Resignation of Crystal Adair, High School General Cook, $15.28 per hour, effective end of 2024-2025 contract;
Fundraising Requests
Athletic Boosters request approval to raise funds through raffle ticket sales with a golf cart prize from August 2025 through October of 2025 for the boosters to provide additional financial support to athletes;
Ryan Schlabaugh seconded the consent items. Motion carried 5-0.
Work Session
MPCSD Strength and Conditioning Update
Activities Director, Pete Cavanagh, shared a document with the Board about the current program versus the proposed changes to the Strength and Conditioning Program. This is part of a continuing discussion. As the current contract with Performance Health and Fitness, LLC expires on July 31, 2025, the document is to serve as the roadmap for the upcoming year as well as an evaluation of additional changes that might be reviewed over the next year. The new contract document has not yet been presented although the conversations and developments leading up to the document are generally in place. The Board asked questions of Cavanagh and Stone and discussed the concepts in the document as well as the direction under the Strength and Conditioning umbrella at Mid-Prairie. The Board asked for Cavanagh to come back to the Board a few times during the coming School Year to report on progress and what is working and what is not working.
Business Session
MPCSD Strength and Conditioning Contract
Although there should not be substantive changes to the contract document, the District needs to request the contract from Performance Health and Fitness, LLC for the 2025-2026 School Year.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve moving forward with a contract with Performance Health and Fitness, LLC for the 2025-2026 School Year bearing the concepts presented in principle and ask the Activities Director to report back to the Board throughout the year. Randy Billups seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-1 with Snider voting no.
Next Meeting and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: Review list of Public Depositors and set deposit limits; Board Policy 903.6 Matching Funds Amounts; Insured Booster Groups List Approval.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
July 14, 2025 – 6:15 p.m.
Vice President Ryan Schlabaugh called the meeting to order in the absence of President Jake Snider.
Board members present: Randy Billups, Denise Chittick, Gabrielle Frederick (arrived at 6:18 p.m.), Ryan Schlabaugh, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider (arrived at 6:18 p.m.).
Board members absent: Mary Allred, Gabrielle Frederick (arrived at 6:18 p.m.), and Jake Snider (arrived at 6:18 p.m.).
Also Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Board Secretary/School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber.
Pledge of Allegiance
Read the School Mission Statement
Adopt the Agenda
Denise Chittick moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Jed Seward. Motion carried 4-0.
Hawk Highlight – Custodian Update on Buildings – Mike Ferguson, Lead Custodian for West Elementary, represented the custodians to provide a Summer update of the happenings and preparations for the upcoming School Year. He expressed appreciation for the custodial team and the overall helpfulness amongst the team. Superintendent Stone also provided updates as given to him by the other Lead Custodians. The Board expressed appreciation for the efforts of the custodial team.
Gabrielle Frederick and Jake Snider arrived at 6:18 p.m. during this agenda item.
Public Forum
Bud Juilfs, Director of Iowa Schools Buildings and Grounds Association, shared a packet with the Board to promote the organization for the Custodians in the District. He encourages the District to have the Custodians involved in the meetings for building connections, networking opportunities, and taking advantage of learning opportunities. There are three meetings a year, with the next one starting on 7/16 to 7/17. He also noted the asbestos recertification opportunities are available at these meetings. The Board thanked him for his comments.
BUSINESS MEETING
Consent Items
Jed Seward moved to approve the following consent items.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of June 9, 2025, June 23 2025, and July 7, 2025;
Finance Report
The Finance Report for June 30, 2025;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for July 14, 2025; Prepaid Bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 1 student;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 1 student;
Personnel Items
Contract issued to Jacob Lampe, Middle School Student Success Coordinator, $50,000 per annum;
Contract issued to Emma Henry, West Elementary 4th Grade Teacher, $50,000 per annum;
Contract issued to Mary Ruppenkamp, West Elementary 4th Grade Teacher, $50,000 per annum;
Contract issued to Heather Plank, High School Nurse, $50,000 per annum;
Contract issued to Emma Henry, West Elementary 4th Grade Teacher, $50,000 per annum;
Contract issued to Megan Uden, Middle School Band Teacher, $50,000 per annum;
Contract issued to Liza Fontaine, District TLC Curriculum Coordinator, $57,862 per annum;
Resignation of Sidney Ryan, Middle School Soccer Coach, $3,261 per season, effective June 30, 2025;
Fundraising Requests
High School Football requests approval to raise funds through sale of T-Shirts/Clothing Store from August 2nd to August 20th for volunteer coaches pay, team and coach apparel, supplies and equipment for the program;
High School Football requests approval to raise funds through sale of fundraising cards from August 11th to September 6th for volunteer coaches pay, team and coach apparel, supplies and equipment for the program.
Ryan Schlabaugh seconded the consent items. Motion carried 6-0.
Student Learning
Building Handbooks
The Board again reviewed the Building Handbooks for High School, Middle School, Elementary Schools, Home School and Virtual Academy in preparation for the 2025-2026 School Year. Superintendent Stone requested their acceptance/approval of the handbooks. The Board discussed consistency in discipline and the new “cell phone” policy to go into effect at the start of the 2025-2026 School Year. Consistency between the buildings and within a building was mentioned again. These concerns are for an ongoing process, continuous improvement, documentation by administrators so there is a chance to review past practice and potential improvements.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to accept the Student Handbooks for the 2025-2026 School Year as presented. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Finance-Long Range Planning
First Reading of Board Policy Changes for Chapter 500’s Students
Superintendent Stone and SBO Swartzentruber thanked the Board for their review work in the June 23rd Work Session and the suggested changes to the Policies in Chapter 500 for Student Policies. The Policies that have proposed changes are:
Gabrielle moved to approve on First Reading Policy 502.7, 503.1, 503.5, 503.7, 506.1, 507.2, and 507.10 as presented and reviewed. Jed Seward seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Board Development and Inservice Activities
Superintendent Stone discussed with the Board the potential dates to bring Tammi Drawbaugh for a Board Development Session. The Board asked if this is Board only, or between Board and the Administration Team. The topics if the Administration Team is included, then Drawbaugh would suggest the topics, and the Board took a bit of time to talk about some possible topics that include administrators. The Board chose August 14th with a timeframe of 5:30 p.m. to 8.p.m., as the date and time for this session.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next Work Session Meeting will be on Monday, July 28, 2025 at 6:15 p.m. Agenda items to be determined.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: Review list of Public Depositors and set deposit limits; Board Policy 903.6 Matching Funds Amounts; Insured Booster Groups List Approval.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
July 7, 2025 – 6:30 p.m.
President Jake Snider called the meeting to order.
Board members present Mary Allred, Randy Billups, Gabrielle Frederick, Ryan Schlabaugh, Jed Seward, Jake Snider.
Board members absent: Denise Chittick.
Staff Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Business Manager/Board Secretary Jeff Swartzentruber
Mary Allred moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Randy Billups. Motion carried 6-0.
Work Session
MPCSD Strength and Conditioning
President Snider opened the meeting and noted the purpose of the meeting was to gather input from the community on the current status of the District’s Strength and Conditioning program. There has been a community group meeting periodically over the last 6 months or so. The goal is hear input from different parties on perspectives. Groups that spoke included Performance Therapies, Coaching Staff, Community Members, and athletes. The conversation was very productive. Many ideas and thoughts were expressed for the Board to consider. Discussions with staff and administrators will continue as the options are explored.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:39 p.m.