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

Each year the South Tama School Board contracts with a company to furnish driver’s education for the South Tama students. Drive Tek was again approved by the board during a special meeting on Monday night, Dec. 5. It is the company the district uses and will provide these services. The contract is effective Jan. 1, 2017.

Last year the cost per student was $370. Drive Tek has reduced the cost for the coming year by $20 per student making it $350.

Under the agreement students who do not notify the instructor in advance that they will not be able to make their drive time will be charged a $35 per hour fee. Students will pay Drive Tek directly for any missed drives.

In other business Monday the board:

agreed to approve an application to the school budget review committee in the amount of $1,495. for special education administrative costs associated with River Hills Consortium program for the 2017-2018 school year.

approved contracts for Darvin Graham as assistant varsity baseball coach starting May, 2017, and James Rajtora as head high school custodian, effective Dec. 12.

accepted the resignation of George Kuhter as high school cross country coach effective Nov. 2.

approved the application to the School Budget Review Committee in the amount of $6,249 for special education administrative costs associated with Lied Center Consortium program for the 2017-18 school year.

South Tama participates in a Memorandum of Understanding with MICA (Mid Iowa Community Action Inc.) This is to support children’s development and readiness for school entry and success. MICA head start provides preschool services to children, age three through age five.

approved hiring an additional English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher. The position was approved due to an increased enrollment of students at the Middle School this year.

discussed the need for an additional computer lab for the Middle School.The new Balance Assessment in the spring of 2017 will require this addition. Board members approved the addition for the Elementary and the Middle Schools.

discussed the need of repair in the Block House lockers last meeting and approved new lockers for the building on Dec. 5.