Mid-Prairie Community School District Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
August 24, 2026– 6:15 p.m.
President Randy Billups called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Randy Billups, Denise Chittick, Kirah Johnson, Ryan Schlabaugh, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider.
Board members absent: Mary Allred.
Also Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Board Secretary/School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber.
Read the School Mission Statement by Vice-President
Denise Chittick moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Jed Seward. Motion carried 6-0.
Business Meeting
Consent Items
Kirah Johnson moved to approve the following consent items.
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for August 24, 2026, and prepaid bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 0 students; Open Enrolled Out Requests total 0 students; Personnel Items
Work Agreement issued to Catrina Cooper, West Elementary Paraprofessional, $15.75 per hour; Work Agreement issued to Alyssa Lindemann, Middle School General Cook, $15.75 per hour;
Resignation of Stephanie Schlabaugh, Middle School TLC Assistant Coach, $2,000 per annum, effective August 9, 2026;
Resignation of Angelina Kazakov, West Elementary Paraprofessional, $16.88 per hour, effective August 14, 2026;
Resignation of Brandy Christner, West Elementary Paraprofessional, $15.75 per hour, effective August 10, 2026;
Resignation of Kyle Mullet, Head Coach Baseball, $6,242 per season, effective August 19, 2026;
Fundraising Requests – None Requested
Purchase Over $25,000
Contract with “Hill for Literacy” to perform Literacy Training and Consulting for the 2026-2027 School Year in the total amount of $26,960.
Ryan Schlabaugh seconded the consent items. Motion carried 6-0.
Business Item
Recommendation to Increase Substitute Teacher Pay
Superintendent Stone shared the recommendation to increase Substitute Teacher pay from $150 per day to $165 per day starting with the 2026-2027 School Year. The last time there was an increase in Substitute Teacher pay was November of 2022. The Board asked questions for understanding.
Jed Seward moved to approve Substitute Teacher Pay from $150 per day to $165 per day as recommended. Jake Snider seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
2026 2027 Adult Lunch Prices
School Business Official Swartzentruber drew the Board’s attention to the fee schedule. We learned in mid-August of the Federal required minimum adult lunch price at $5.14 to $5.20 per lunch. It is also recommended that the adult breakfast price increase $0.15 from $3.70 to $3.85. It is recommended the increase is $0.15 effective the first day of school 2026-2027.
Kirah Johnson moved to approve recommended adult lunch price be raised to $5.15 and the adult breakfast price be raised to $3.85 as presented. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Work Session
Board Policy Review of Chapter 400 Policies – Employees
Superintendent Stone noted the annual review of the rotating Board Policy chapters as started in June with Chapters 100 and 300 that are completed. The Board reviewed the Chapter 400 Policies that govern Employees and Employee practice.
Employee Evaluation Tools
Superintendent Stone shared the Employee Evaluation Tools with the Board for their awareness of the content and process. He discussed the various forms used in the past in some detail for certified staff. He also noted that the District is moving to a common evaluation tool across the District for all Support Staff and shared the evaluation tool. The Administrator evaluation tool is the same as the Superintendent’s evaluation tool. The Board asked questions about process and various aspects of the tools.
HF2591 8th-Grade High School Sports Participation Administrative Regulation
Superintendent Stone reviewed in detail the administrative regulation related to Board Policy 504.6 – Student Activity Program that was adopted on Second Reading at the August 14, 2026 meeting as the Board had requested an opportunity to review and discuss the regulation. The discussion centered on participation levels and awareness of situations that arise and or develop.
Tour of New Spaces in the High School
The Board walked over to the High School to tour the new spaces including the new relocated Art Room, FCS Classroom, and improvements to the previous FCS Classroom and to the Business Classroom.
Next Meeting and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
August 14, 2026– 7:15 a.m.
President Randy Billups called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Randy Billups, Ryan Schlabaugh, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider (arrived at 7:19 a.m.).
Board members absent: Denise Chittick, Kirah Johnson, and Jake Snider (arrived at 7:19 a.m.).
Also Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Board Secretary/School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber.
Mary Allred moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Ryan Schlabaugh. Motion carried 4-0.
Business Meeting
Student Learning
General Obligation Bond Petition Papers
Collette McClellen, representing the Mid-Prairie Community and the Facilities Committee, were present to present the petition papers representing the required signatures for a resolution. It was noted that this effort was more intensive than the last bond petition push in 2023 when over 270 names were required to call the election. Mid-Prairie resident community people who signed on 75+ petition documents in support to call a General Obligation Bond referendum on November 3, 2026. This effort shows strong support that the public would like to see the Facility Committee continue to push the plan forward.
Collette McClellen respectfully requests the Board to move forward in setting an election for the General Obligation Bonds for November 3, 2026.
Resolution to Call and Election for General Obligation Bonds
Jake Snider arrived during this agenda item at 7:19 a.m.
President Billups and the Board thanked the group for their work in gathering signatures for support of a call for an election. A resolution is required to move forward to the election. In the last School Board Election there were 3,042 ballots cast in the District in all three counties—Iowa, Johnson, and Washington Counties. The petitions required to call an election is 25% of ballots cast or 771 signatures. Signatures collected exceed the 771 signatures. Billups asked if anyone wanted to review the petition pages presented. Board President Billups then asked if there was further discussion before entertaining the resolution prepared by Ahlers & Cooney.
Mary Allred moved to approve the Resolution ordering an election on the issuance of $19,000,000 General Obligation School Bonds and reading parts of the Resolution language as presented. Jed Seward seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Kirah Johnson - absent Mary Allred - yes
Jed Seward - yes Ryan Schlabaugh - yes
Randy Billups - yes Jake Snider - yes
Denise Chittick - absent
Motion carried 5-0.
Board Policy 504.6 Student Activity Program – Second Reading
Superintendent Stone noted that the Policy passed on First Reading at the August 10, 2026, meeting. It is hoped that the Second Reading can be passed so that the policy is in place early in the school year and the implementation of the policy is effective for almost all of the school year. There was discussion by the Board for consideration of the regulation in the next Work Session. Stone pointed out the policy has to be in place before an administrative regulation can be implemented. Pete Cavanagh joined the meeting for this agenda item to also provide input.
Jed Seward moved to Board Policy 504.6 Student Activity Program as presented on Second Reading. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:38 a.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
West Elementary Computer Science Room Wellman, IA 52356
August 10, 2026 – 6:15 p.m.
Vice President Jake Snider called the meeting to order in the absence of Board President, Randy Billups.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Denise Chittick, Kirah Johnson, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider.
Board members absent: Randy Billups and Ryan Schlabaugh.
Also Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Board Secretary/School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber.
Pledge of Allegiance
Read the School Mission Statement by Denise Chittick
Adopt the Agenda
Mary Allred moved to adopt the agenda as presented with 3i and 3j on the Bond Petition and Resolution tabled. Seconded by Jed Seward. Motion carried 5-0.
Hawk Highlight – Student for the Bond Petition – Superintendent Stone took the opportunity to recognize a group of Senior and Junior class students—Fiona McClellen, Emma Smith, Lael Seale, and Greyson Ghumm, along with Choir Teacher/Director Collette McClellen for their great effort as they took on the task of gathering signatures for the Bond Petition. The support has been outstanding for the 7 nights that they have been out in the community. They have gathered well over 70% of all of the signatures collected to date, a total of nearly 770.
Public Forum
No one spoke.
BUSINESS MEETING
Consent Items
Jed Seward moved to approve the following consent items.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of July 13, 2026;
Finance Report
The Finance Reports for July, 2026; June, 2026 Partial Accrual;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for August 10, 2026; and Prepaid Bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 3 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 0 students;
Personnel Items
Contract issued to Annia Poll, Middle School Cross Country, $2,393 per season;
Resignation of Cheyenne Vawn, High School Custodian, $17.00 per hour, effective July 29, 2026;
Volunteer Coaches for Fall Sports
Brian Hervey – High School Football Derek Yoder—High School Football
Caleb Potts – High School Football Ryan Cortum – High School Football
Zeb Evans – High School Volleyball Dessa Poll – Middle School Cross Country
Fundraising Requests
Mid-Prairie Football requests approval to raise funds through sale of discount card to local businesses for payment of volunteer coaches, coach and player apparel, equipment, and supplies;
Mary Allred seconded the consent items. Motion carried 5-0.
Student Learning
Posting of School Board Agenda
Superintendent Stone reviewed the new annual requirement that School Board Meeting Agendas must be posted in a public space as well as on the District website. The District will continue to do the latter. An action is needed to state that the School Board Meeting Agendas will be posted on the bulletin board in the Central Office entry way within 24 hours of the scheduled meeting. The Board asked questions for clarification.
Kirah Johnson moved to approve the School Board Meeting Agendas will be posted on the bulletin board in the Central Office entry way as recommended. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
School Board Policy 501.11 Student Release Time During School Hours – Second Reading
Superintendent Stone noted that Policy 501.11 passed on First Reading at the July 13, 2026 School Board meeting and asked if there were any additional questions about the policy changes as it follows IASB sample policy language.
Kirah Johnson moved to approve Board Policy 501.11 Student Release Time During School Hours as presented on Second Reading. Jed Seward seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
School Board Policy 802.4 Capital Assets– Second Reading
Superintendent Stone noted the Policy 802.4 passed on First Reading at the July 13, 2026 School Board meeting and reviewed again the change to the policy for recommended additional language added for capitalizing bulk purchased assets.
Denise Chittick moved to approve Board Policy 802.4 Capital Assets as presented on Second Reading. Jed Seward seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
School Board Policy 503.11 Disruptive Behavior– Second Reading
Superintendent Stone noted the Policy 503.11 passed on First Reading at the July 13, 2026 School Board meeting and noted the new IASB Policy and the sample policy language.
Kirah Johnson moved to approve Board Policy 503.11 Disruptive Behavior as presented on Second Reading. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
School Board IASB Primer Updates– Second Reading
School Business Official Swartzentruber noted the 6 policies in Chapter 700 that passed on First Reading at the July 13, 2026 School Board meeting as:
Denise Chittick moved to approve Board Policies 702.1, 701.5, 704.3, 705.5, 706.4, and 707.1 as outlined above and as presented on Second Reading. Kirah Johnson seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Board Policy Chapter 300 Administration – Second Reading
SBO Swartzentruber noted the 3 policies in Chapter 300 that passed on First Reading at the July 13, 2026 School Board meeting as:
Jed Seward moved to approve Policies 302.2, 302.4, and 303.5 as outlined above and presented on Second Reading. Kirah Johnson seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
School Board Policy 605.4 Technology and Instructional Materials– Second Reading
Superintendent Stone noted that Policy 605.4 passed on First Reading at the July 13, 2026 School Board meeting.
Jed Seward moved to approve Board Policy 605.4 Technology and Instructional Materials as presented on Second Reading. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Board Policy 504.6 Student Activity Program
Superintendent Stone shared the model language that the IASB has suggested for the HF2591, 8th Grade High School Sports Participation. The Board reviewed the language and asked questions to understand the current developments. He shared the document on the screen and stated the first thing is if the Board wants to proceed with the policy. The Board discussed the policy and sought input from Pete Cavanagh, Activities Director with focus on academic and code of conduct expectations. There was discussion of consideration of the policy implementation on a case by case basis rather than a blanket policy. Stone pointed out the policy has to be in place before an administrative regulation can be implemented.
Kirah Johnson moved to Board Policy 504.6 Student Activity Program as presented on First Reading. Jed Seward seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Activities Director, Pete Cavanagh, then discussed the Administrative Regulation for the policy in detail. This was done to educate the Board on the approach that is planned for implementation of the policy and gave examples. Stone stressed that communication is key—building to building, administrators and coaches to each other and communication with Families and students. The Board thanked Cavanagh for the explanation.
General Obligation Bond Petition Papers – Tabled to August 24, 2026
Resolution to Call and Election for General Obligation Bonds – Tabled to August 24, 2026
Finance-Long Range Planning
Bank Depository Resolution for the 2026-2027 School Year
School Business Official Swartzentruber presented the resolution for the 2026 2027 School Year. This is the annual Depository Resolution required in August. There are three changes from last year in anticipation of a November 2026 Bond referendum passage. This would remove the need to do a mid-year change.
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. Des Moines 2,000,000 2,000,000
Hills Bank Hills 20,000,000 35,000,000
Federation Bank Wellman 3,000,000 5,000,000
CBI Bank & Trust Kalona 6,000,000 8,000,000
Miles Capital Management Des Moines 2,000,000 2,000,000
Kirah Johnson moved to approve 08102601 as presented reading from the resolution. Jed Seward seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: Kirah Johnson - yes Mary Allred - yes
Jed Seward - yes Ryan Schlabaugh - absent
Randy Billups - absent Jake Snider - yes
Denise Chittick - abstain
Motion carried 4-0, with Denise Chittick abstain.
Matching Funds Policy 903.6 Amount for the 2026-2027 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 a 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 2026-2027 School Year. The Board asked questions for clarification.
Denise Chittick moved to approve the matching fund grant amount for the 2026-2027 School Year of $45,000 to be shared in equal thirds by the 3 booster groups. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Insured Booster Groups for 2026-2027 – 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.
Mary Allred moved to approve the 8 Booster Groups for insurance coverage for the 2026-2027 School Year at an annual amount of $250 each as presented. Kira Johnson seconded the consent items. Motion carried 5-0.
IASB Legislative Platform Discussion for 2027 Iowa Legislative Session
Superintendent Stone and SBO Swartzentruber drew the Board’s attention to the IASB Legislative Priorities document for the 2026-2027 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 2025-2026 Legislative Session the Board chose the priorities listed below:
The Board reviewed the 2026 document to identify four to five priorities for the upcoming legislative session. The Board included the following as focus items to IASB:
Additional Information
Board Policy Review of Chapter 400 Employees
Superintendent Stone reviewed the Chapter 400 Policies with the Board using the review document provided. This will be tackled at the August 24, 2026 Work Session
Board tabled this agenda item until August due to the length of the Policy Chapter.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next Work Session Meeting will be on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 6:15 p.m. Agenda items to include: Board Policy Review of Chapter 400 Policies – Employees; MP Evaluation Tools; FFA Travel to National Convention October 21st to the 24th.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room.
Tour of West Elementary
The Board then ended the meeting with a tour of West Elementary to view the new addition and the extensive renovations completed.
Board Highlights
The tour of the West Elementary building to see the addition and renovations near completion prior to the start of school.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.
Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
July 13, 2026 – 6:15 p.m.
President Randy Billups called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Randy Billups, Denise Chittick, Kirah Johnson, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider.
Board members absent: Ryan Schlabaugh.
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 Kirah Johnson. Motion carried 6-0.
Hawk Highlight – A Custodian Update was provided by Jim Tate, Lead Custodian at the High School, and Mike Ferguson, Lead Custodian at West Elementary to the Board on behalf of all of the District custodians. They focused on their appreciation for their team across the District. Ferguson provided an update on the upgrades within the West Elementary where there is a construction addition and remodeling activities ongoing including some floor replacement projects. Tate discussed the remodeling projects that are on-going this Summer where two to three classrooms are being repurposed as well as some flooring projects. Tate also discussed using a new floor polymer product in place of the wax product used in the past and the noticeable difference. The Board expressed appreciation to the custodian team.
Public Forum
A parent of the District spoke to the Board about concerns of the HF2591 on 8th-Grade High School Sports Participation. The parent believes that the 8th Graders should not be given priority to participate for a variety of reasons.
BUSINESS MEETING
Consent Items
Kirah Johnson moved to approve the following consent items.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of June 8, 2026 and June 22, 2026;
Finance Report
The Finance Report for June 2026 Year-to-date;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for July 13, 2026, and Prepaid Bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 8 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 0 students;
Personnel Items
Contract issued to Deidra Baker, High School Student Leadership Sponsor, $657 per annum;
Contract issued to Jeremy Meyers, High School Head Cross Country Coach, $6,396 per annum;
Work Agreement issued to Cheyenne Vawn, High School Custodian, $17.00 per hour;
Work Agreement issued to Emily Grimes, West Elementary Paraprofessional, $15.75 per hour;
Work Agreement issued to Hannah Collins, West Elementary Paraprofessional, $15.75 per hour;
Work Agreement issued to Brandy Christner, West Elementary Paraprofessional, $15.75 per hour;
Work Agreement issued to Beryl Marner, Home School Media Secretary 0.6 FTE, $16.05 per hour;
Work Agreement issued to Jodi Meader, Home School Media Secretary 0.4 FTE, $16.05 per hour;
Resignation of Julie Cole, Route Bus Driver, effective August 1, 2026;
Resignation of Wade Stutzman, High School Assistant Boys Soccer Coach, effective June 29, 2026;
Resignation of Mark Hostetler, High School Head Cross Country Coach, effective June 29, 2026;
Resignation of Jeremy Myers, Middle School Head Cross Country Coach, effective July 8, 2026;
Fundraising Requests
Football approval to raise funds through the team apparel store with Elite Sports from July 22nd to Augut9th for volunteer coach pay, player and coach apparel, equipment, uniforms, supplies, team meals, and Gatorade package;
Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Student Learning
School Board Policy 505.5 Graduation Requirement Update Regarding Civics Test– Second Reading
President Billups or Superintendent Stone noted the policy passed on First Reading at the June 8, 2026, School Board meeting. He asked if there were any additional questions or discussion. There were none.
Kirah Johnson moved to approve Board Policy 505.5 Graduation Requirements as presented on Second Reading. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
School Board Policy 501.11 Student Release Time During School Hours – First Reading
Superintendent Stone reviewed the language discussed at the June 8, 2026, School Board meeting. It is recommended that Policy 501.11 be amended to include the IASB sample policy language. The Board discussed the policy language and asked questions for clarification.
Denise Chittick moved to approve Board Policy 501.11 Student Release Time During School Hours as presented on First Reading. Kirah Johnson seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
School Board Policy 802.4 Capital Assets– First Reading
School Business Official Swartzentruber drew the Board’s attention to the updated policy. After the Fiscal Year 2025 Audit, the auditors had recommended that additional language be added for Bulk purchased assets. A bulk purchased assets is a group of assets that individually do not go above the amount of Capitalization Policy, but as a grouping they do. As there was no official IASB guidance on sample policy, some inquiries across the State were made by Swartzentruber. The recommended bulk purchase level to update the Board Policy is $80,000. A number of levels were considered ranging from $75,000 to $150,000 as compared to other districts that have adopted the policy. A materiality factor is also of consideration. The Board asked questions for clarification.
Kirah Johnson moved to approve Board Policy 802.4 Capital Assets as presented on First Reading. Jed Seward seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
School Board Policy 503.11 Disruptive Behavior– First Reading
Superintendent Stone reviewed the new IASB Policy and the sample policy language. It is recommended that Policy 503.11 be adopted. Stone also reviewed some of the administrative regulations and noted that these have continued to be a bit fluid. The Board discussed the new policy and asked questions for clarification.
Denise Chittick moved to approve Board Policy 503.11 Disruptive Behavior as presented on First Reading. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
School Board IASB Primer Updates– First Reading
Superintendent Stone reviewed the list of 14 policies from the IASB Policy Primer Update for May 2026. Eight of the 14 require not action. However, the six remaining are either changed or new policies as a result of the recent legislative session. The policies up for consideration and recommended for First Reading are:
The Board discussed these policies and asked questions for clarification.
Kirah Johnson moved to approve Board Policies 702.1, 701.5, 704.3, 705.5, 706.4, and 707.1 as outlined above and as presented on First Reading. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Board Policy Chapter 100 School District – First Reading
Superintendent Stone reviewed the policies in Chapter 100 of the Board Policies per the standard review table the District uses. There were no changes to any of the policies in this chapter.
Denise Chittick moved to accept the Chapter 100 policies as written and show them as reviewed. Kirah Johnson seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Board Policy Chapter 300 Administration – First Reading
Superintendent Stone reviewed the policies in Chapter 300 of the Board Policies per the standard review table the District uses. Policies up for amendment and recommended for First Reading are:
The Board discussed Policy 302.5 Superintendent Evaluation in some detail with focus on the timing. No changes were proposed for Policy 302.5. The remainder of the policies in this chapter were reviewed with no changes.
Jed Seward moved to approve Policies 302.2, 302.4, and 303.5 as outlined above and presented on First Reading. Kirah Johnson seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Kirah Johnson moved to accept the remaining Chapter 300 policies as written and show them as reviewed. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
School Board Policy 605.4 Technology and Instructional Materials– First Reading
Superintendent Stone reviewed the changed sample policy language. It is recommended that Policy 605.4 be adopted. The Board discussed the new policy and asked questions for clarification.
Kirah Johnson moved to approve Board Policy 605.4 Technology and Instructional Materials as presented on First Reading. Jed Seward seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
2026 2027 Workplace Learning Connection (WLC) Memorandum of Understanding
Superintendent Stone brought the annual agreement to the Board for their awareness and recommended approval to have President Randy Billups sign the document on behalf of the District’s relationship with Kirkwood for the service provided. The annual cost for these services will be $4,644.50.
Kirah Johnson moved to approve the signing of the 2026-2027 Workplace Learning Connection Memorandum of Understanding. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
2026-2027 College Credit in High School (CCHS) Annual Enrollment Form
Superintendent Stone brought the companion annual agreement of the previous agenda item to the Board for their awareness and recommended approval to have President Randy Billups sign the document on behalf of the District’s relationship with Kirkwood for the comprehensive list of Concurrent Enrollment classes.
Kirah Johnson moved to approve signing of the 2026-2027 Annual District Enrollment Form. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Finance-Long Range Planning
AK/Kindergarten Recommendation
Superintendent Stone and President Billups led the discussion on whether or not to have an Alternative Kindergarten class in the 2026-2027 School Year. Superintendent Stone, Principal Kristen Hunter, and Principal Robin Foster have recommended that Alternative Kindergarten class be tabled—not offered—for the 2026-2027 School Year. The Board had requested that the administrators reach out to all families with Kindergarten students to create additional awareness of the Alternative Kindergarten class offering, and this was completed. The current counts are 106 Kindergarteners in total. Currently, 7 students—no change from the June discussion and the communication with parents of Kindergartners—are enrolled as Alternative Kindergarten students. If Alternative Kindergarten is retained for the school year, that would leave Kindergarten classes with 19-20 students per class. The past few years there have been an additional 8 to 10 students late enrolled. If Alternative Kindergarten is disbanded for the 2026-2027 School Year there would be 17 to 18 students in each Kindergarten class. It would be the intention of the District to offer Alternative Kindergarten again for the 2027-2028 School Year and evaluate the enrollment. The Board deliberated and asked questions.
Kirah Johnson moved to approve the recommendation to table the Alternative Kindergarten class for the 2026-2027 School Year unless the enrollment for Alternative Kindergarten increases to double digits by August 3rd. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-1 (Snider voted no).
Additional Information
Board Policy Review of Chapter 400 Employees
Board tabled this agenda item until August due to the length of the Policy Chapter.
Update on the Storm Insurance Protection Pool Fund (SPF)
SBO Swartzentruber provided a verbal report to the Board on the results of the first year of the SPF. The District participated in the pool with 254 other Iowa Schools to cover the gap between a $10,000 deductible per occurrence and a 1% of market value of the District’s buildings. The District paid $36,540 to cover the gap for the past Fiscal Year and has paid $38,354 for the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year. With the hail storm damage to the Kalona Buildings in April of 2026, the claim payout was $185,100 versus an exposure of $175,100 had the fund not been in place. The overall results of the fund are extremely positive as first year losses to the fund were 31% of a reserved loss of $5million. The positive results provide assurances for a solid second year for the fund.
HF2591 Guidance: 8th Grade High School Sports Participants
Superintendent Stone provided an update on the guidance that has been released on this new law that can potentially allow an 8th Grade student to participate in their district’s high school sports programs. There are a number of trust resources that are providing input. Stone noted the fluidity of the situation as guidance continues to be developed and policy language. Additionally, the River Valley Conference schools are discussing the need for similar processes and approaches to determine when this is allowable was shared with the Board. The information provided is to help the Board review the information and process.
IASB Workshop Reflection
Superintendent Stone noted the prompt from Tammi Drawbaugh of IASB to ask the Board to reflect on the June 22nd Board Workshop session. President Billups thought it would be good to do the book study as a Board. Would like this discussed at the August 24th Work Session
MP Evaluation Tools
This is tabled to the August 24th Work Session
Board Highlights
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room, it is possible that the meeting could be at West Elementary depending on the readiness of the building. Agenda items to include: Second Reading of Board Policies, Board Policy Chapter 400 review, 2027 Legislative Priorities,
The next Work Session will be on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 6:15 p.m., at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: Evaluation Tool review; IASB Workshop Book Study discussion, Potential First or Second Readings on the Chapter 400 Board Policies; Determine the responses by the Board for outside inquiries.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m.