It may not be a done deal, but the South Tama School Board has taken a step toward a March, 2000, vote on a $20 million bond issue for a new middle school and possible needed improvements to other district buildings. In addition, another try for approval of a Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) or both proposals, could be on a ballot then.

The Donovan Group, a Cedar Falls-based communications firm was hired Monday night, Sept. 23. It specializes in providing school districts with a variety of services it lists ranging from bond and PPEL planning to marketing services and surveys and focus groups.

On a voice vote board members voted 4-1 to hire the Donovan Group at a cost of $3,000 monthly on a six month-long contract effective Oct. 1.

Making it clear he was not opposed to the hiring but voting “no” was District 1 Director Ron Houghton, Toledo. Instead, he said for a decision by the board to designate whether a bond issue, PPEL vote or a combination was the goal before hiring the firm.

Superintendent Jared Smith said his meeting with Donovan Group associate Jerry Gallagher left him with the impression the expected property tax increase made both attractive to voters.

“Location and type of building” Smith told the board are what he termed the “barriers” to passage of a bond issue.

Gallagher is being scheduled by the board to meet with them their Oct. 7 board meeting.

It is noted Iowa law dictates rules for which a school district must follow in a bond election. The Donovan Group information states its contracts abide by these requirements.

A facilities study conducted of the district buildings by Estes Construction in February found an estimated total ranging from $5.5 to $9.3 million in work needed on the middle school.

The overall district picture for everything needed across five district buildings and athletic facilities ranged from a high of $25,429,036 to a low estimated cost of $14,240,830. The figures came from categories labeled “urgent, required, recommended and suggested and range from access for differently-abled to health and life safety as well as site improvements.

Personnel

Employment contracts approved by the school board Monday included: Jawny Thompson, 1st grade teacher for the added classroom due to enrollment increases at the elementary school effective Sept. 23; Jeffrey DeBondt, head 7th grade boys track year; and Nathan Doran, head 7th grade boys basketball, January, 2020. Chad Chyma was approved as a volunteer middle school wrestling coach.

In other business the school board:

approved reappointment of Ahlers and Cooney, Des Monies attorneys, who have represented the district for a number of years. The firm was also designated as Level II student abuse investigators.

approved staff members in each of the four district school buildings as Level I student abuse investigators.

approved an agreement with Tama County Emergency Management and Tama County Public Health for plans and procedures in the event of a natural disaster or health emergency.

noted the South Tama special education deficit stands at just over $1,500 compared to $750,000 just a few years ago. Mary Boege, business manager, attributes the reduction to the district now receiving medicaid funding and staff reductions. The board approved applications for modified allowable growth supplemental aide for special education and LEP allowable costs.

approved first reading of a public policy which specifically designates what public funds may be spent for. If the policy receives final approval it will replace what was a general statement of allowable spending.

approved a list of high school fundraising events and potential high school overnight trips.

approved early graduation requests for five students.