Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
May 12, 2025 – 6:15 p.m.
Vice President Ryan Schlabaugh called the meeting to order in the absence of President Jake Snider.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Denise Chittick, Gabrielle Frederick, Ryan Schlabaugh, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider (arrived at 6:18 p.m.).
Board members absent: Randy Billups 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 by Vice-President
Adopt the Agenda
Changes included removal of the Closed Session from the Agenda due to the absence of a Board Member at the meeting, and Superintendent Stone announced the late resignation of Greg Jergens, East Elementary Principal, and noted the addition the Consent Agenda.
Mary Allred moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Gabrielle Frederick. Motion carried 6-0.
Hawk Highlights – Kristan Hunter, District Curriculum Coordinator, presented the ISASP Districtwide Data from the 2024-2025 testing completed this Spring. It measures Mathematics and English Language Arts for 3rd Grade to 11th Grade students at Mid-Prairie. Science is measured for Grades 5, 8, and 10. This is the fifth year for this statewide assessment. A table showing the results of the past 5 years by grade was presented to show the overall increasing scores by year through 8th Grade for English and Math. The Science data shows positive progression as well, although the time between testing is a factor. There is some drop off in Grades 9 to 11 on the charts. The Board asked questions for clarification. High School Principal Chuck Banks and Middle School Principal Tim Bartels discussed some changes in the application of the test and the results with some changes that were implemented through out the school year primarily setting the expectation that this is important and competitive. The Board asked questions about the data to increase their understanding within some of the details and standards of the test. Hunter noted that testing wrapped up in the state for this school year on Friday, May 9th within a 6 week window for testing. The Board thanked the group for the presentation and asked her to return when the state data is available and Mid-Prairie data can be compared to State data.
Kristan Hunter and Teresa Coleman, High School Business Teacher, also presented on the Credential to Careers Grant Application they are request approval to apply for the grant. The grant provides a way to gain access to PC laptop computers using Microsoft applications and certifications. It also allows the school to work with local businesses to allow for application of the skills learned and to promote lifelong learning opportunities. Currently, the District offers 11 different credentials for students. There is a desire to expand this programming growth. The total almost $30,000 cost will require matching funds that will come from the Mid-Prairie Foundation and not from the District. The grant is to be filed by May 30th with the hope of award and implementation in the 2025-2026 School Year.
Jake Snider arrived during this Agenda Item at 6:18 p.m.
Public Forum
No one spoke.
BUSINESS MEETING
Consent Items
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve the following consent items.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of April 14, 2025 and April 28 2025;
Finance Report
The Finance Report for Year to Date through April 30, 2025;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for May 12, 2025; Prepaid Bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 2 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 0 students;
Personnel Items
Contract issued to Jenny Hobbs, High School ALC/Credit Recovery Teacher, $62,500 per annum;
Resignation of Greg Jergens, East Elementary Principal, $104,800 per annum; effective the endo fo the 20204-2025 School Year;
Resignation of Anita Miller-Beachy , HSAP Part-Time Spanish Teacher, $31.44 per hour, effective end of the 2024-2025 School Year;
Resignation of Bethany Hanselman, High School Nurse/KCC Adjunct Instructor, $60,000 per annum, effective end of the 2024-2025 School Year;
Resignation of Kathryn Schneider, High School Special Education Teacher, $54,756 per annum, effective end of the 2024-2025 School Year;
Resignation of Amanda Smith, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, $54,754 per annum, effective end of the 2024-2025 School Year;
Resignation of Maureen Gingerich, 4th Grade Teacher, $63,585 per annum, effective end of the 2024-2025 School Year;
Resignation of Makenzie Flynn, Elementary Special Education Teacher, $60,406 per annum, effective end of the 2024-2025 School Year;
Resignation of Julie Frieden, East Elementary Paraprofessional, $17.95 per hour, effective end of the 2024-2025 School Year;
Resignation of Gracie Baetsle, High School Paraprofessional, $15.29 per hour, effective end of the 2024-2025 School Year;
Resignation of Mikaela Lunsford, High School Girls Soccer Assistant Coach, $3,286 per annum, effective end of the 2024-2025 School Year;
TLC Assistant Coach Contracts for the 2025-2026 School Year (all $2,000 except as noted)
East Elementary – Kara Troyer, Paula Buckwalter, Melissa Gerot, Katie Reuman, Renee Fisher
West Elementary – Sadie Barber $3,000; Mackenzie Kos $1,000; Sadie Barber, Kelsey Stumpf, Grace Andreassen, Hannah Gingerich
Middle School – Melanie Steinhart, Stephanie Schlabaugh, Marissa Tunning, Liza Fontaine, Elsie Spilman, Rebecca Ryder, Rachel Foubert, Ashley Bartels
High School – Elsa Schmidt, Sara Puttmann, Sarah O’Rourke, Jessica Jones
Citizen Coach Contract for the 2025-2026 School Year
Kevin Cortum, High School Football Assistant Dylan Wertz, High School Football Assistant
Mark Hostetler, High School Cross Country Head Lynette Poll, High School Cross Country Asst.
Sherry Evans, High School Volleyball Head Rebecca Becker, High School Volleyball Asst.
Christine Meader, High School Speech Head, Fall Play Director, Spring Musical Director
Lisa Helmuth, High School Speech Asst., Fall Play Asst. Director, Spring Musical Asst. Director
Kevin Cortum, 7th Grade Boys Basketball Kevin Cortum, 7th Grade Girls Basketball
Truman Shetler, High School Girls Basketball Asst. Jared Duwa, High School Boys Wrestling Asst.
Duncan McCain, High School Boys Wrestling Head Brock Moore, High School Girls Wrestling Head
Darrick Eldridge, High School Girls Wrestling Asst. David Murry, Middle School Boys Wrestling
Brock Moore, Middle School Girls Wrestling Brenna Hutson, High School Dance Head
Fundraising Requests
Mid-Prairie Football requests approval to raise funds through Summer Camp in August and Corporate Sponsorships for jerseys, volunteer coach payments, player and coach apparel and equipment;
Mid-Prairie Boys Basketball requests approval to raise funds through Summer Youth Basketball Camp for jerseys, volunteer coach payments, player and coach apparel, basketballs, and equipment;
Dance Team Attending Nationals in Orlando, Florida February 5-10 of 2026 – Approved as a follow-up to the March 10, 2025 Board Meeting request and presentation.
2025 Graduates
High School
Keagan James Bauwens Madison Raelynn Bear Burke Lee Berry
Chloe Jade Bouse Taylor John Brenneman Quinn John Callahan
Xandree Lee Campbell Jesse Ceniceros SiYi Du
Isabelle Clover Duvall Lainee Ann Duwa Addison Marie English
Ashlee Jolie Farrier Anna Jacqueline Flynn Jacob Daniel Flynn
Thomas Joseph Flynn Peighton Ann Ford Brylee Rose Gearhart
River Jo Gehling Kate Brooklyn Gillam Ava Lee Gingerich
Landry Duane Gingerich Traevin Duane Gugel Jason Andrew Heitman
Emma Rose Hendricks Cobi Eugene Hershberger Masson Lee Howe
Maxwell Thomas Howe Callie Ann Huber Dylan Andrew Humphrey
Hannah Maree Jamieson Brenna Lea Jehle Parker Bradyn Jennings
Elden Issac Kahler Kyla Emma Karnes Sydney Lynne Knebel
Landon Allen Kos Niah Malachi Leaton Emma Ann Lyle
Jillian Reese Lyon Logan Alexander McClellen Johnathon Richard Miller
Kenzington Jo Miller Lilly Marie Miller Dakota Judith Mitchell
Aiden Noah Montz Shay Frederick Myers Katelinn Mae Nicholson
Carly Fae Nickell Colin James O’Rourke Aliza Jewel Parks
Ace Michael Peck Lilian Marie Purkeypile Grace Savanna Puttmann
Jeremiah Lee Rempel Ivy Ann Reschly Hunter Scott Robertson
Diego Sanchez Adrian Alejandro Sanches Reyes Caiden Michael Sellers
Dominik Cordell Shively Charlotte Grace Sieren Grace Elizabeth Skelton
Landon Alan Sparks Jayden Kyle Stafford Melissa Sara Stakland
Blake Christopher Swart Emmett Phillip Swartzentruber Ashton Lanier Tabor
Tatem Michael Telfer Cobin Lee Thompson Liana Joy Wade
Brady Christopher Weber Conner Ardell Wiles Annette Eve Witthoft
Lincoln Christopher Wulf Caitlyn Marie Yoder Jayse Dalton Yoder
Paul Daniel Young Brynn Renee Younge
Virtual Academy
Amarah Lael Bagley Sean William Deeley Alee Bridget Gent
Andrew Edward Greiner Reese Elizabeth McGriff Louis Leigh O’Donnell
Home School Assistance Program
Maeve Diller Sarah Farrier Isabella Friessen
Gabrielle Gingerich Ezra Haveman Gavin Hintermeister
Kyle Martin Lydia Martin Tabitha Martin
Ema Miller Hannah Park Dessa Poll
Izac Tu Margaret Woodward Preston Yutzy
Artie Albert-Wirth Makai Arant Gage Bender
Ethan Fawcett Creed Harker Justin Leichty
Tanner Meskimen Hunter Miller Keyaunna Minear
Taylor Schrock Clara Tse
Ryan Schlabaugh seconded the consent items. Motion carried 6-0.
Student Learning
Building and Department 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. Principal Bartels shared data about the Middle School for which he is quite pleased. Data presented included absences and ISASP data for each Middle School Grade with positive gains in every grade with the whole school approaching 80% proficiency in Language Arts, and Math. Science whole school scores are at 70%. The Board thanked Bartels for the great report and approach to the testing process.
Second Reading of Board Policy 503.9 Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices
Superintendent Stone and President Snider reviewed policy passed on First Reading at the April 14th meeting. The policy would be implemented at the beginning of the 2025-2026 School Year. Consistent application was emphasized by the Board.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve Board Policy 503.9 Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices on Second Reading for the 2025-2026 School Year. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
School Fees for 2025-2026
School Business Official Swartzentruber shared the proposed changes to School Fees for the upcoming school year. It is proposed that the student lunch and breakfast prices increase by 10 cents lunches and 15 cents for breakfast. This takes into consideration rising food costs borne by the District. Prices were increased by 5 cents on both breakfast and lunch last year. While the Nutrition Fund remains healthy, there is evidence that some erosion of funds is occurring and steepening. The other fee changes are with Adult Lunches, 15 cents, Adult Breakfasts, 25 cents. The Band Uniform Cleaning Fees have a proposed increase of $3.00 for the upcoming school year. Cleaning fees have also continued to increase. The Board asked questions to clarify the recommendation.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve the 2025-2026 School Fees with the increases as presented. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Credential to Careers Grant
Superintendent Stone reviewed the proposal by the earlier Hawk Highlight presentation. While the District will not provide funds directly, the program will be implemented by the District for High School Students. As such, it is recommended to the Board to approve the application for the funds.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve the proposal to apply for and implement the Credential to Careers Grant as presented. Jed Seward seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Finance-Long Range Planning
Home School Assistance Program (HSAP) Compensation for 2025-2026 School Year
School Business Official Swartzentruber shared the HSAP 2025-2026 Compensation Proposal. The total increase from 2025-2026 is 16.96%, or $152,559. While this is more than the 4.0% total package given to certified staff, it takes includes increasing 3 teachers to near full-time status as Supervising Teachers. It also includes 5 new 8 and 5 hour per week slots that have not yet been filled but are needed due to growth of the program. It also includes increasing the Media Secretary Position from 24 hours per week to 40 hours per week. The median wage increase for part time teachers is 3.23% in consideration that the part-time teachers receive a similar wage raise to other staff in the District.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve the Home School Assistance Program 2025-2026 wages and packages as presented. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Principal Compensation for the 2025-2026 School Year
Superintendent Stone recommends a 4.0% package increase for Principals for the 2025-2026 School Year. This is consistent with the 4.0% package approval for Teachers passed at the April 28, 2025, School Board Meeting. A comparison of similar sized districts was conducted to determine how Mid-Prairie falls within the rankings of these districts. Mid-Prairie falls in the middle to high middle in these rankings for principals. The Board asked questions about the packages of the administrators.
Gabrielle Frederick moved to approve the District Administrators total package increase of 4.0% for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 as presented. Ryan Schlabaugh seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Signage on the Baseball Press Box
Superintendent Stone discussed the Baseball Program’s request to recognize Dave Tornow by placing a sign on the Press Box above the clubhouse door on the Southwest Corner in his memory. The Board asked questions for clarification. He also noted a policy that he would like to bring to a future Work Session for consideration.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve placing signage on the Baseball Press Box as presented. Denise Chittick seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Board Development and Inservice Activities – Nothing was discussed on this item.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Snider also talked about another Work Session or two in May and June and asked for Board input as to that and a closed special session for Superintendent Stone’s evaluation.
Stone asked for Board members to provide a seat count for graduation. Agenda items to include: Superintendent Compensation for the Rolling Two-Year Contract;
Superintendent Evaluation per Iowa Code 21.5 Subsection 1e.
Due to a Board Member not being able to be in attendance due to health issues and the Board’s desire to have all members present and to participate, the Board has tabled this to a special session to be determined.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.