The question of what’s next for the old STC Middle School was of discussion for the school board at Monday night’s meeting.

The property, which sits on South Green Street, was previously listed in 2025, garnered attention, but ultimately no deal was made between the district and a potential buyer.

Cain started the update with news from the Board of Supervisors.

“As most of you know, I shared with you that the Tama County Board of Supervisors is no longer interested in the old middle school for their purpose. So that does kind of leave us back to square one,” he said.

Continuing with the update, the district is still waiting on an asbestos summary to come back. The result, expected in the next week, will help determine cost for potential demolition.

Premature estimates for demolition have been received by the district, but it was noted that these are not official bids.

After several minutes of discussion, the board decided to repost the property for sale with other options still being on the table. The listing will be up for a month, and the board noted that the city of Toledo and Board of Supervisors will be tied into the process if an interested party emerges.

The board also approved the termination of High School Science Teacher Matthew DeZwarte’s probationary contract pursuant to Iowa Code 279.19, effective at the end of the current contract term. Superintendent John Cain outlined the timeline leading to the recommendation, stating that concerns regarding attendance were first formally addressed in October, with follow-up meetings in November and December referencing the district’s employee code of conduct. Cain said additional written communication was sent, including certified mail and in-person delivery, and that DeZwarte was informed of his options, including resignation or requesting a closed session before the board.

“As a probationary teacher in Iowa, we do have the authority to terminate his employment based on contract abandonment,” Cain told the board during personnel.

The motion to approve the termination passed along with other officiating contracts.

The board also received an update on the district’s health insurance, with Business Manager Katie Mathern reporting a projected five percent decrease in rates for the upcoming year. Superintendent John Cain called the reduction “good news,” noting that many districts are facing increases. Mathern added that seeing a drop, particularly after a year in which rates held steady is atypical.

In addition to the update, administrators shared that the district is beginning to explore longer-term insurance options that could potentially offer additional flexibility for employees. Cain emphasized that no changes are being made at this time, but said the district is “doing its homework” to understand what future alternatives might look like.

During public comments, Elementary Principal Brad Schweppe took time to highlight the work of the transportation crew in the district.

“I’ve been wanting to get this in, but I think our bus drivers are outstanding and don’t get the recognition they deserve very often.” Schweppe continued. “I would like to recognize the great work of our bus drivers in keeping our kids safe as they get them to and from school every day. I have worked in several districts over my 32-year career, and I have never seen a group of drivers that are so willing to work together, to change their routes when asked to by their boss, and even to return to school to pick up a student that was left. They truly care about our kids and community. We see that every day and I want to tell them thanks.”

The next meeting is scheduled for March 9.