South Tama School Board members, administrators and visitors maintained “social distance” sitting apart from each other in response to advice prevalent in response to the Novel Coronavirus during the regular meeting Monday night, March 16. The meeting was moved to the Partnership Center gymnasium from the usual meeting room quarters in the school building in Tama. News-Herald/John Speer

A public hearing on a budget totaling $24,429,143 for the 2020-21 fiscal year was set on a 4-0 voice vote of the South Tama School Board on Monday night, March 16. Meeting in a prescribed “social distance” setting as a Novel Coronavirus precaution, were members Alan Kline, Mandy Lekin, Clint Werner and Penny Tyynismaa. Director Ron Houghton was absent. The hearing will be April 6 at 5 p.m. at the Partnership Center, 215 West 9th St., Tama.

Spending is up 9% over the current re-estimated budget totaling $22,399,025.

Instruction costs rose from $12,687,900 to $13,325,445 in the budget proposal, a 5% increase. Other increases include student transportation up from 938,698 to $1,343,693, a boost of 43%. Planned purchase of three new buses, vans and maintenance costs are the reason for the increase Mary Boege, STC business manager told The News-Herald.

Purchase of computers and equipment are boosting student support services up from $732,874 to $1,062,189. School administration cost is up slightly from $1,233,539 to $1,295,216 and plant operation and maintenance is up to $1,794,590 from the current $1,692,373.

There is a rise in business and central administration from the current $499,394 to $524,311. Instructional staff support services are set at $1,019,029 up from the current $984,789.

2020-21 School Calendar

The school year calendar beginning Aug 24 with the first day of classes for students was approved on a 4-0 voice vote. Supt. Jared Smith said the calendar continued to include semester tests before Christmas break and did not include a spring break.

He noted the first semester had 81 says and the 2nd semester was 97 days.

In other business the school board:

approved final reading of a Board Policy change setting the starting time for meetings at 5 p.m., one half hour earlier than has been the time for meetings to begin.

approved first reading of Board Policy Section 1000 – school- community relations.

approved early graduation requests for C.L., M.R. and A.R.