Taylor Brown and Jeff Funk

A new introductory agriculture and three new computer-related courses will join the curriculum offered at South Tama High School this fall. South Tama School Board members approved the additions in a 3-0 voice vote at their regular meeting on Monday night, Jan. 21.

Voting in favor were Board President Penny Tyynismaa and directors Mandy Lekin and Ron Houghton. Absent were Jackie Dvorak and Alan Kline.

Agriculture

High School agriculture teacher Taylor Brown proposed the course entitled Introduction to Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.

The course is designed “to introduce students to the range of agriculture opportunities and the pathways of study they may pursue. Included in the course description are agricultural education, communication methods, science processes, natural resources, plants and animals and agriculture power and technology.

It is planned to be offered to grades 9-12 “with a strong suggestion it is the first course students take – (it) provides an introduction to all of three agriculture courses taken at South Tama County and FFA.” It is also geared to “help improve Career Technical Equity (CTE) (by) increasing the diversity of students taking agriculture courses.”

Computers

Jeff Funk, high school business teacher included three computer-related courses each of which “targets students interested in computer science more options for classes.”

The new course offerings will be:

Computer Science Cybersecurity-; students will learn fundamental topics- digital citizenship and cyber hygiene; basics of cryptography, software security, networking fundamentals and basic system administration.

Computer Science Python- teach the foundation of computer science and basic programming with emphasis on students developing logical thinking and problem solving skills. When completed, students will be able to program in Python coding language/ Will support students who are English Language Learners and Special Education. When completed students will have completed the equivalent of a college-level introductory course in commuter science and be able to program in Python.

Computer Science Web Design- teach the foundation of computer science and basic programming with emphasis on students developing logical thinking and problem solving skills. When complete students will be able to create websites using HTML. Will support students who are English Language Learners and Special Education. Intended to serve students interested in technology as a career. A goal is to actively recruit female and minority students per the district equity plan.

Also on Monday the board:

met in closed session as provided in the Iowa Code “to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.”

No action was taken upon the board’s return to open session.

approved Samantha Holtz as varsity volleyball coach effective August, 2019.

approved 1st reading of a board policy with minor changes “combining the annual and continuous Notice of nondiscrimination a single Notice because it is identical and added Shauna Smith’s name as the equity coordinator.