The STC School Board reconvened for their first meeting of 2026 on Monday. The board had a quorum with three of five members present and kicked off with public forum,

Multiple teachers came forward with comments pertaining to proposed policy changes which were up for first readings at the meeting.

During public comment, Victoria Hamilton, a Spanish teacher at the high school, and Audrey Roth, high school science, spoke about the board’s first reading of licensed staff policies, particularly language referencing the district’s financial condition. Hamilton said the wording could be interpreted as allowing changes to compensation or working conditions tied to budget considerations and asked the board to explain how the language would be applied in practice during policy discussions. Roth followed by describing how salary-lane advancement and reimbursement for professional development factor into teacher licensing, instructional improvement, and retention, and said she hoped those structures would remain in place as policies are updated. Both speakers said clarification from the board would help staff better understand the intent of the policy changes.

High school instructional coach Kathy Wilkerson presented an update on the school’s Level Up intervention and enrichment period, a 35-minute block built into the daily schedule between second and third periods. Wilkerson said the time is used for targeted academic support, makeup work, and enrichment opportunities, with student assignments managed through scheduling software that allows both teacher pull-outs and student choice. She reported that first-semester data showed a decrease in failing grades compared to the previous year, with more data to come in the near future.

In his update, Superintendent John Cain said he recently met with the Tama County Board of Supervisors to discuss potential collaboration involving the old middle school building, including the possibility of a tour and a feasibility review.

As the board reviewed policy items later in the meeting, Cain responded to concerns raised during public comment by explaining that many of the proposed policy revisions were intended to align district policies with guidance from the Iowa Association of School Boards and to ensure consistency with current district practice. Cain emphasized that the policies were in the first-reading stage and that no immediate changes were being implemented. He also welcomed questions and additional feedback, including from Hamilton, who remained in attendance during the policy discussion, as the board continues its review process ahead of future readings.

The meeting ended after entering into closed session. The school board will meet next on Jan. 26.