Laurie Thomas

TOLEDO CHRONICLE- The South Tama County Board of Education met in special session Monday afternoon, Aug. 8, to discuss contracts and resignations.

One resignation was from Laurie Thomas, high school and middle school vocal music teacher, whose resignation took effect on Aug. 8. This has left the administration with just two weeks to find a replacement to start when school begins on Aug. 24.

Superintendent Kerri Nelson said she immediately advertised on a web site for a replacement for this position, knowing it would be very difficult to fill at this late date.

One application so far has been received. This application was from a board member’s wife. South Tama’s policy 202.5 prohibits hiring a board member’s spouse. However, the applicant has been an employee of the South Tama system in another position.

Also, Policy 203.14 states a policy can be waived on a one-time basis if the board approves. Nelson asked the board members to think of the policy rules and waiver and be ready to vote on whether to waive the 202.5 policy or not at the Aug. 15 regular board meeting. (See agenda on this page under News Round-Up.)

Nelson said she would not conduct an interview with the applicant until after the vote and possibly she will have other applicants by that time. Nelson also said she wasn’t sure if this would be hiring an applicant whose spouse was on the board, or expanding an existing employee position.

Nelson had conferred with the school’s attorney to get the legal definition and reported she found there was nothing illegal in handling the situation as explained.

If the waiver is voted for, this would be a one -time deal. It would not apply to any other application situations that may come forth in the future.

Contracts approved were for Nicole Mathews as middle school special education teacher, effective Aug. 17, at an annual salary of $38,551; Stan Zeutenhorst, bus driver, at a rate of $37.75 per route, two times per day; and Laura Martin, high school media aide e at $9.16 per hour, eight hours daily.