South Tama School Board- seated- Michelle Yuska, president and Mark McFate, vice president.. (Standing, l-r) Jackie Dvorak, Alan Kline and Penny Tyynismaa. -South Tama Schools photo

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Mary Jones , the South Tama School Board voted 5-0 to approve the negotiated contract for certified staff with a 3.25 percent increase. This raise will reflect n a total cost of $248,798 by adding $562 to the base salary.

The vote came at the regular board meeting on Monday, April 18.

Voting in favor were members Michelle Yuska, Mark McFate, Penny Tyynismaa, Jackie Dvorak and Alan Kline.

Only one contract was up for approval and this was for Bette Scheid as Middle School Cook, effective April 18, at a salary of $12.31 per hour.

Resignations include Audrey Evans from High School Food Service, effective April 6, and Kevin Walker as 7th Grade Social Studies teacher, effective May 24.

English Language

Asquistion Program

Kris Collins, assistant elementary principal, was present at the April 18 board meeting to give a program on the English Language Acquisition program. Collins told the group they used the Lau Plan. This covers the Language proficiency and academic achievement. Collins says the LAU plan directs delivery of education programming, language proficiency and academic achievement, student instruction, parental compliance, staffing and curriculum, professional development of all staff as well as ELL staff.

There are two teachers in the elementary building for 153 students, one teacher in the Middle School for 52 students and one teacher in the High School for 26 students.

Seven other ELL certified staff are in the district.

The achievement objective target for progress in is 63.4 English language with an actual rate made of 42.17 percent. Reading English proficiency target was 25.52 percent and actual percentage 33.67 percent.

This program begins at registration when forms are made available. Assessments can be made to determine the needs of the student.

Photo Bid

Only one bid was received for each of the two photography categories. One bid was for the Homecoming/Prom/Graduation events, and the other was for Activity pictures for the High School and the Middle School athletics and fine arts. The bids are for two years. Cory Hall Photography from Grinnell was the bidder.