Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
January 26, 2026– 6:15 p.m.
President Randy Billups called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Randy Billups, Denise Chittick, Gabrielle Frederick, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider.
Board members absent: Ryan Schlabaugh and Jake Snider (arrived at 6:17p.m).
Also Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Board Secretary/School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber.
Pledge of Allegiance
Read the School Mission Statement by Jed Seward
Jed Seward moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Mary Allred. Motion carried 5-0.
Public Forum No one spoke.
Business Meeting
Consent Items
Superintendent Stone reported that Nicole Castillo will transfer from the role of East Elementary Paraprofessional to East Elementary Media Secretary.
Snider arrived during this initial item at 6:17 p.m.
Jed Seward moved to approve the following consent items.
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for January 26, 2026, and prepaid bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 5 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 0 students;
Personnel Items
Work Agreement issued to James Tate, High School Lead Custodian, $17.61 per hour;
Work Agreement issued to Nick Campbell, Middle School Paraprofessional, $15.50 per hour;
Contract issued to Melanie Steinhart, 9th/10th Volleyball Coach, $3,217 per annum;
Contract issued to Ryan Cortum, 8th Grade Boys Track Coach, $2,323 per annum;
Contract issued to Gracie Baetsle, 8th Grade Girls Track Coach, $2,860 per season;
Resignation of Emma Corbelli, Kindergarten Teacher, $50,000 per annum, effective End of 2025-26 Contract Year;
Approve Request to move Tawnya Reid from part-time paraprofessional at East Elementary to full-time.
Resignation/Retirement of Paula Buckwalter, Kindergarten Teacher, $76,632 per annum, effective End of 2025-26 Contract Year;
Resignation/Retirement of Kerri Bell, Second Grade Teacher, $73,544 per annum, effective End of 2025-26 Contract Year;
Resignation/Retirement of Jeff Foster, Middle School Health and Ag Life Sciences Teacher, $62,315 per annum, effective End of 2025-26 Contract Year;
Fundraising Requests – No requests approval presented;
Virtual Academy Graduate – Austin Cyrus Bush
Mary Allred seconded the consent items. Motion carried 6-0.
Business Items -- None
Work Session
District Assessments
The Board discussed District assessment measurements to track academic and behavioral progress toward success and as defined, though defined is still to be determined. The State mandated tests are required and the measurements of those tests are used across the State. The Board asked questions and discussed their interpretation. Questions included: What other measurements and tests are other districts using? Is there a consistent set of data that can be measured and compared across years, grades, and other factors? The Board asked Stone to work with the Administrative Team to bring some data elements believed to be important and consistent within the District.
Eocene Environmental Group and Survey Work – Possible Update
Superintendent Stone asked the Board if they are comfortable with the current draft of the survey. The Board was generally comfortable. Stone will ask Eocene to proceed with the rollout of the staff survey tool.
Alternative Assessment Graduation
Doug Stafford joined the Board to discuss the graduation requirements for Special Education. There are two pathways including the State of Iowa assessments and the alternative assessments. He discussed the process the education team uses to determine which pathway the team will recommend for each IEP student. An alternative assessment can lead to a certificate of completion rather than a standard diploma. It is a very important process and conversation with the parents. The Board thanked him for the explanation and the work done to review the process. At the next Board meeting Stafford and Stone will bring the Board Policy language for review and First Reading.
Bus Location Update
Superintendent Stone discussed the status of the planning for a Bus Barn/Transportation location. The current direction is to locate the Bus Barn across from the High School and have an alternative exit and entrance. He also shared the initial concepts and alternative of the building layouts. He will provide updates as things develop.
2026-2027 and 2027-2028 School Calendar Information
Superintendent Stone shared the two calendars that have been discussed at IBB. He covered the 2026-2027 calendar first in detail by month for the Board’s understanding. He then reviewed the 2027-2028 calendar by essentially rolling dates within the 2026-2027 calendar. It would be the intention of IBB to work on the calendar two years in advance. The plan would be to bring the two calendars shared to the Board for approval at the February 9, 2026 meeting.
Potential of Bonuses for Other staff, Like Bus Drivers
Superintendent Stone shared some thoughts as this was an inquiry from Board Member, Ryan Schlabaugh. Stone does not yet have a good answer with some of his inquiries. Board members asked questions for understanding and provided some thoughts on retention activities.
HF 2278 Transportation
Superintendent Stone discussed the state of transportation as a result of the legislative changes made. Teresa Hartley, Transportation Director, joined the meeting and explained the details of the law and some of circumstances that are facing the District if the District were to go into a neighboring district to transport students. Consistency, ride times for students, full buses, and manpower are key constraints. The Board discussed the issues and expressed appreciation for the information and perspective.
Next Meeting and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: Second Reading of Policy 501.10 Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy; Approval of Bus Bid; Public Hearing for the Flexibility Account Transfer of HSAP Funds at 6:30 p.m.; School Calendar Approval for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 School Years; First Reading of the Graduation, Certificate of completion Policy; and Update on Certified Budget for 2026-2027.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.