Superintendent Jared Smith’s contract was extended through the 2023-24 school year after a closed session discussing Smith’s performance evaluation Monday evening.

The decision was unanimous for all five school board members including Penny Tyynismaa, Mandy Lekin, Ron Houghton, Clint Werner and Alan Kline.

Smith took over as South Tama Superintendent in July 2018. His contract had previously been renewed through 2022-23 at a February meeting in 2020.

Smith is a native of Waterloo, and is a graduate of West High School.

Taxes

Tax payers can expect to see a reduction of $.26 per $1000 in their school taxes assuming the budget passes at the next meeting. The rate will drop from $15.353 to $15.090.

The decrease comes from the Management Fund which covers early retirements, property insurance, liability insurance and workers comp.

According to STC Business Manager, Mary Boege the fund had been built up and there is enough cushion to cover all the needs and drop the tax rate.

Public hearings scheduled

Two public hearings were set for the April 5 meeting at Monday’s board meeting. Public hearings will be held for the 2021-22 school calendar and the 2022 budget.

Clint Werner asked about the early dismissal on the Tuesday before Christmas break. Werner recommended a full day of school versus an early out that Tuesday.

Personnel

Two new hires were made. Regina Gill was hired as the new middle school ELL Teacher and Jaimie Gargas was hired as a high school English Teacher.

Added to the agenda Monday evening at the board meeting was a transfer request. Kelly Smith requested to be transferred from her current 5th grade position to the open 2nd grade position. This was approved unanimously by the board.

Resignations were accepted from Jennifer Perez (MS/HS Family and Community Liaison), Chris Drummer (Sign Language Interpreter), Lindsey Hassman (Kindergarten Teacher), Baron Davis (HS Asst. Wrestling Coach), Justin Suchanek (MS Asst. Wrestling Coach).