In a return to 5 p.m. meetings, the STC School board operated as a body of three for the second meeting in a row. Both Joe Hanus and Megan Thiessen were absent from the meeting.

Occupying the first public comment was building administration. Elementary principal Brad Schweppe, middle school principal Jennifer Nelson, and high school principal Ben Adams each defended the addition of a formal employee code of conduct to district handbooks. — a topic that was brought up last meeting by instructional coach Joy Schirmer.

Schweppe explained that the expectations in the code already exist in various handbooks but are currently scattered and inconsistent between buildings.

“This simply lays it all out in a more organized way,” he said, noting it would include topics such as attendance, confidentiality, complaint procedures, and professional dress.

Nelson, new to the district, said the document would help ensure “everyone knows all the expectations” and would promote fairness in how violations are addressed.

Adams emphasized that his trust in staff would remain intact but said high, reasonable expectations were necessary for a healthy workplace culture.

“When 95% of the staff are meeting those expectations, the 5% who are not… frustrates the other professionals,” he said. “This is a quick way to negatively impact your culture and climate.”

Dixie Forcht, president of the South Tama County Education Association, said the association supports having clear expectations applied fairly across buildings. However, she cautioned that the proposed language could be used “in a petty way or to target some people.”

Forcht expressed concern that overly rigid enforcement — such as writing up a staff member for being five minutes late due to unforeseen circumstances — could create “a climate of fear.” Staff, she said, want to do their jobs well and already put in extra hours, but fear that small mistakes could be used against them, especially if there are preexisting conflicts.

She also asked for clarity on how informal conversations would be distinguished from formal warnings.

In another repeat from the last meeting, discussion was resumed on whether Amy Karg, former assistant principal at the high school, would be retroactively compensated for her role as student council sponsor. The board ultimately made no motion, and her request will not be honored.

Board Secretary Katie Mathern updated the board on the upcoming election. Director Districts 1, 2, and 4 are up for a vote in November with the map of districts found on the school website or in the board agenda. The first day to file is on Aug. 25, with the deadline to file on September 18, 2025, by 5 p.m. All necessary forms — such as nomination papers and affidavits of candidacy — can be obtained at the district’s central office,

Superintendent John Cain reported that the middle school is on track for its grand opening on Aug. 20 at 3:30 p.m., with tours to follow. While most major work is complete, a few “punch list” items remain, including HVAC adjustments, minor leak repairs, signage installation, and furniture placement.

Cain noted typical remodel challenges, such as humidity issues when doors are left open and the need to seal certain areas to regulate airflow. Board members, architects, and construction staff will assist with tours on opening day, which will coincide with districtwide open houses. Despite the final touches still being in progress, Cain said the building is looking sharp and will be ready to welcome students for the start of the school year.

The board entered closed session at the end of the meeting with two different items of business. Eventually the board acted on item N which was listed at “To discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate, but only when premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the board would have to pay for the property, or in case of a sale reduce the price the board could receive for the property, Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i).”

When the board exited the closed session, a motion was made by Beth Wiese to list the old football field, tennis courts, and corner lot. A listing will be made in the coming days.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Aug. 25 at 5 p.m.