Michael Avis, shared his background with the board before being appointed to fill the Board Director 3 position, currently held by Megan Thiessen until the end of the month. PHOTOS BY JONATHAN MEYER

Monday’s South Tama County school board meeting saw a slew of action, including the approval of listing a fulltime athletic trainer position, funding the starts of a school based coffee shop and improved concessions area at the high school, as well as appointing a Michael Avis to fill Megan Thiessen’s board seat as her resignation takes place at the end of the month.

Public comment centered on the district’s proposed athletic trainer position, with three speakers urging the board to move forward with the addition.

Joy Schirmer, speaking as a parent, shared the experience of her son Max, who suffered injuries during both cross country and track seasons. Schirmer said the family spent much of the spring traveling to appointments in Cedar Rapids, North Liberty and Iowa City for rehabilitation and nutritional guidance.

Schirmer added that having an athletic trainer on staff would provide families with easier access to injury evaluation, rehabilitation support and nutrition resources while reducing the burden on parents who currently must seek those services outside the district.

Morgan McFate, South Tama’s head women’s soccer coach, told board members the district has operated without an athletic trainer for nearly five years. McFate said coaches are often forced to handle injury situations despite not being medical professionals, while school nurses already carry significant responsibilities during the school day.

Morgan McFate addressed the school board from her position as a varsity coach, recurring the addition of a full-time athletic trainer position for the district.

McFate argued that an athletic trainer would provide qualified injury care, properly oversee concussion protocols, reduce liability concerns and allow coaches to focus on coaching rather than medical decision-making.

Emily Chyma, who coaches track and volleyball, addressed the board from both a coaching and parent perspective. Chyma said coaches are routinely asked to fill roles beyond their job descriptions, including injury management, rehabilitation oversight and communication with families.

Chyma, who coaches track and volleyball, addressed the board from both a coaching and parent perspective. Chyma said coaches are routinely asked to fill roles beyond their job descriptions, including injury management, rehabilitation oversight and communication with families.

Chyma also shared a situation involving her son suffering a concussion during a football game at another district, where an athletic trainer was present to evaluate the injury, monitor symptoms, communicate with the family and follow up afterward. She said the experience showed the value of having a dedicated medical professional available and contrasted it with the responsibilities South Tama coaches currently shoulder when injuries occur.

High School Principal Ben Adams, Activities Director Chelsea Ahrens, Work-Based Learning Coordinator Jill Kienzle, and GEAR UP Coordinator Sarah Novotny presented a proposal to establish a student-run coffee shop at South Tama High School.

Emily Chyma, speaking as both a parent and varsity coach, shared her support for a full-time athletic trainer, sharing multiple personal experiences.

The group told board members the project would serve as a school-based enterprise, providing students with hands-on work experience while developing skills in communication, organization, customer service, technology, teamwork and problem-solving. The program is intended to primarily serve students who face barriers to obtaining work experience outside of school, while also creating opportunities for mentorship from other student groups.

Presenters said they recently visited a similar operation at Cedar Falls High School, where students operate a coffee shop as part of a work-based learning program. They said the experience demonstrated both the educational benefits and financial sustainability of the model.

Two renovation options were presented to the board. The first would create separate spaces for a permanent concession stand and coffee shop near the high school gymnasium at an estimated cost of approximately $53,000. The second option would combine the concession stand and coffee shop into a single shared space for around $25,000 cost.

The board later approved the separate-space option following discussion about funding sources, potential grant opportunities, and future revenue generated by the coffee shop. The lone nay vote was Board President Elizabeth Dolezal, who explained she would have preferred the consolidated option to protect district SAVE dollars.

Michael Avis was approved to fill Megan Thiessen’s District 3 Director position, being the lone candidate interviewed by the board.

Joy and Max Schirmer talked about the recovery process following Max sustaining injuries in both cross country and track. The Schirmer’s advocated for the trainer position.

Earlier in the meeting, Avis introduced himself and outlined a background that includes both information technology work and firsthand experience with education systems outside the United States. Avis spent several years living in Germany, where his children attended school. He said those experiences provided him with a broader perspective on education. Avis will fill the seat officially on July 1.

Megan Thiessen shared her gratitude in the final minutes of her last meeting as a member of the school board.

“I have enjoyed my time on the board. Unfortunately, life has given me some things that haven’t allowed me to continue to be able to continue, but I appreciate everyone, and I support the school,” she said.

Thiessen has served on the board since 2023, being appointed following the resignation of Penny Tyynismaa. The board will next meet on July 6 at 5 p.m.