The South Tama School Board voted on Monday, May 2, to officially start the financing process for the upcoming building project. Board members were given the financing estimate which outlines current calculations for the sales tax financing to provide the District with enough funds for the project budget as outlined.

Also provided is the estimated financing timeline which they have been working with to coordinate with the receipt of construction bids. An outline of the sales tax debt service schedule and revenue summary was given. This can be seen at the administration office. The SAVE (sales tax) program for the elementary building will be completed January 1, 2024. Some of the payments during this time will include payment on the high school project.

Piper Jaffrey & Company, Minneapolis and Des Moines, gained approval as Placement Agent for the issue of bonds for the school infrastructure sales, services and use tax revenue bonds. The highest total amount will be $6,575,000 (this amount is subject to change in order to fund the estimated Project costs. The issuer will attempt to keep the structure and average life similar to the original anticipated debt service schedule.

The expected closing date is June 30, 2016. Principal payments will be annually July 1, 2017 through July 1, 2029 and January 1, 2030. Interest payments will be semiannually beginning January 1, 2017. Bonds will be designated by the issuer “qualified tax exempt obligations”. The legal opinion on this project was from Ahlers & Cooney, P.C. Des Moines, Iowa.

The enrollment history for the school from 2009-10 through 2016-17 shows each year with the highest enrollment in 2009-10 and the lowest in 2012-13 and the current year at 1540. A total of $953 per student can be collected ($953 x 1540) This tax collection runs through December 31, 2029.

A hearing date for a budget amendment for the approval of the bonds has been set for May 23. This will be at 5:30 p.m. at the Professional Learning Center in the Partnership Center, 215 West 9th Street, Tama.

Personnel

Contracts approved were for Elizabeth Bonilla, elementary 2nd Grade teacher and Levi Klopping, middle school 7th grade math both for a salary of $38,283; Brandi Westercamp for middle School 8th grade math at $41,650; and Daniel Kass for high school math at $28,283 all effective Aug, 15.

Coaching Contracts were for Sarah Mullen, varsity girls basketball coach $4,247 and Kate Ihnen for high school basketball cheerleading at $2,718, both effective November, 2016.

Contracts for mowing were for Mike Cherveny, Shane Stull and Grant Koch both at $12 an hour.

Resignations were from Dustin Peska, Middle School 8th Grade boys basketball, Kate Ihnen High school wrestling cheerleading and Hela Meek, elementary food service, all effective April 2016.

School Breakfast Lunch Prices Hiked

In order for the School District to participate in the Federal Nutrition Program the district must continue to increase lunch prices to the weighted average price equal to or about $2.78. The school district cannot increase to this amount in one year.

Therefore, the board votes for a 25 cents increase per meal making the rates for all grades breakfasts going from $1.50 to $1.75. Adults breakfast will go from $1.75 to $2.00.

Lunches for the Elementary (Pre-Kindergarten through 4th grade) from $2.35 to $2.60. Secondary grades (5th through 12th) from $2.45 to $2.70 and Adults from $3.75 to $4. Milk will stay at the same price of 45 cents.

The summer food program will be offered again. This will be from May 31 – July 8. This program was available last year.

SKIP Program

Linda Rosenberger, Tama County Public Health and Home Services executive director, was present to invite the board members and faculty to the SKIP (Supporting Kids In Prevention) program to be held Tuesday May 17 at the Reinig Center in Toledo from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. All parents, educators, youth workers and community leaders are invited.

Admission is free. Food will be provided. James Conway from Search Institute will be the speaker. Conway is a veteran speaker with over 25 years experience working with youth serving professionals. Some of the things gained from this workshop are how the community culture can impact youth, how to build assets in our children as a community, how to decrease the number of youth choosing to drink and drive and other risky behaviors and how to help our children THRIVE.

In other business the school board:

discussed bids for two new vehicle used for the out of town Special Education routes.

The bids were for a Chevrolet Impala four door sedan and Chevrolet Suburban. Thys Chevrolet of Toledo bid $44,300 for a 2016 Chevrolet Suburban and Karl Chevrolet of Ankeny bid $44,265. The Impala bid from Thys was $21,800 and Karl Chevrolet $23,209.. Both Thys bids were accepted.

the audit report for fiscal year 2015 was approved.

graduation date for 2017 was set for May 14.

certificates were issued to all five board members for their service. Board members do not receive a salary.