The South Tama County School Board met in person for the first time this school year. Meetings have been taking place over Google Meets due to the pandemic. Four of the five members including Alan Kline, Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa and Clint Werner along with Superintendent Jared Smith gathered at the Partnership Center gym. Ron Houghton joined the meeting online. Allison Graham/News Chronicle

The sale of South Tama school property was approved at Monday’s school board meeting. Following a public hearing at the beginning of the board’s regular meeting on Feb. 1, the South Tama County School Board approved the sale of the former South Tama Primary building lot to Chicago-based developer National Retail Development, LLC for $50,000.

The sale passed with a 4-1 vote. School board president, Penny Tyynismaa cast the lone no vote against the resolution.

At the board’s previous meeting in January, Tyynismaa indicated National Retail Development’s intentions with the 806 State St. property were to construct a new Family Dollar retail store.

During the public hearing the board heard from one concerned citizen who lives in the area. Audra Donnelly expressed concerns about the lot being surrounded by a residential neighborhood. She felt the potential for increased traffic in the area would be a problem considering there is a bus stop and a school crosswalk near the lot.

She also questioned whether the land was put up for public sale prior to the deal with National Retail Development.

Superintendent Jared Smith indicated that, according to the school’s lawyers, the district had no obligation to list the property and the public hearing was public notice and opportunity for citizens to express opinions on the matter.

Smith also said the school was made aware of a potential buyer in the community but, as of Monday evening, the interested party had not contacted the school.

The next step for National Retail Development would be to apply for commercial zoning as the land is currently zoned for residential usage.

Family Dollar is owned by Dollar Tree, Inc which operates more than 15,000 stores nationwide.. Other Family Dollar locations in Iowa include Marshalltown, Adel, Bellevue, Cedar Rapids, Chariton, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, DeWitt, Dubuque, Fort Dodge, Maquoketa, Mason City, Missouri Valley, Sioux City and Waterloo.

National Retail Development has not responded to request for comment.

Proposal to start 7th/8th grade girls wrestling club

The board heard from STC Middle School Assistant Principal, Scott Bolen regarding starting a 7th/8th grade girls wrestling club.

According to Bolen, the Solon school district has started a club and they are looking to host a competition around March.

The club would be a four week mini season with three weeks of practice and a competition.

The club would operate like any other school activity in which students must have passing grades to participate. It will be run by the high school and middle school coaches.

The board appeared in favor of the proposal however will have to hold a special meeting for approval since it was listed as a discussion item on the board agenda. That meeting was held Thursday morning at 8 a.m.

COVID-19 Travel Policy

The school board updated their policy for staff and students traveling outside of the United States. The board agreed 5-0 upon the following criteria:

•If an individual tests negative for COVID-19 they can return after a 7-day quarantine.

•If an individual tests positive for COVID-19 they can return 10 days from symptom onset.

•If an individual chooses not to test they would be required to quarantine for 10 days.

Personnel

The board approved the following resignations and hires:

•Lon Wilkerson resigned from the 7th/8th grade girls assistant volleyball coach position.

•Stephanie Panosh resigned from the food service position.

•Nan Aldridge was hired for food service.

•Marie Mann was hired as the high school special education paraeducator.

In other business

Future board meetings will be moved to the STC Elementary gym.