Board president Elizabeth Dolezal (right) swears in board secretary and treasurer Katie Mathern (left) for another year. In a joking manner, the board suggested giving Mathern more power in the district with Superintendent John Cain being split with North Tama starting this year. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

On Monday night, the STC school board met and worked through some business regarding the upcoming 2024-2025 school year.

Many positions remain open throughout the district with the most pressing openings at the high school level. Building administrators reported their solutions for the staff shortages and how they would move forward into the fast approaching school year.

Discussion on the ongoing middle school landscaping project continued. Denise Fletcher continues her efforts spearheading the project. Community members and businesses are encouraged to sponsor plants for the project, creating a beautiful school building that the district and community can be proud of. Installation of the new plants and landscaping is scheduled for homecoming, with more information to come.

The board discussed pros and cons of purchasing new playground equipment for the middle school project as opposed to transporting the current equipment from the current middle school to the new site, along with the equipment in front of the partnership. The item was tabled, and the board expressed interests in finding grants.

After some compelling policy work, the board meeting wrapped up with each member sharing things they find positive about the district. After the short activity, the meeting was adjourned.