Red Oak Community School District

Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors

Meeting Location: Virtual Classroom/ Phone/Internet

Red Oak Junior Senior High School Campus

October 15, 2025

 

The annual meeting of the Board of Directors of the Red Oak Community School District was called to order by President Bret Blackman at 5:30 p.m. at the Red Oak Junior Senior High School Virtual Classroom.

Present

Directors: Bret Blackman, Kathy Walker, Bryce Johnson, Scott Bruce, Paster Ricky Rohrig

Superintendent Ron Lorenz, Board Secretary Heidi Harris

Approval of Agenda

Motion by Director Johnson, second by Director Walker to approve the agenda with the order of agenda items at the discretion of the meeting chair.  Motion carried unanimously.

Public Comment

Bret Blackman, Board President, made the following statement to departing board member, Kathy Walker.

The Red Oak Community School District Board of Directors wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to Kathy Walker for her thirteen years of dedicated service as a member of the Board of Education.  Throughout her tenure, Kathy has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the students, staff, and families of the Red Oak Community School District.

Her steady leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and tireless advocacy have been instrumental in advancing the district’s mission to provide high-quality educational opportunities for all students.  Kathy’s contributions were especially evident in her support for major district initiatives, including the implementation of strategic facility improvements, enhancement of student support services, and promotion of academic excellence across all grade levels.  Her focus on fiscal responsibility and community engagement helped strengthen public trust and ensure the long-term sustainability of district programs.

The Board sincerely thanks Kathy Walker for her years of loyal and distinguished service and for the positive, lasting impact she has had on the Red Oak Community School District.

Good News

Congratulations to the Red Oak Volleyball team for successfully defeating Denison-Schleswig to secure an undefeated Hawkeye 10 Conference Championship.

Good luck to the Red Oak Boys’ Cross Country who have earned a #6 ranking in Class 2A so far this year and will compete next in the Hawkeye 10 Conference Championship.

October is National Principal Appreciation Month, and we are proud to celebrate the outstanding leadership of our own principals!

Public Hearing

The public hearing on the plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimated total cost of the proposed Inman Renovations was opened by President Blackman at 5:37 p.m.  Leila Jones from Boyd Jones spoke regarding the upcoming bids, costs, and availability of public documents on the upcoming Inman renovations.  No public comments were received.  President Blackman concluded and closed the public meeting at 5:40 p.m.

Consent Agenda

Motion by Director Bruce, second by Director Rohrig to approve the consent agenda as presented including meeting minutes, monthly business reports, personnel considerations, open enrollment requests for Iowa Virtual School, 2025-2026 contract/service agreements.  Motion carried unanimously, and request for Modified Supplemental Amount due to Limited English Proficiency Instruction Beyond Five years in the amount of $22,582.

Board Policies 401-402

Motion by Director Johnson, second by Director Rohrig to approve the second reading of board policies 401-402.  Motion carried unanimously.

Board Policies 403.3

Motion by Director Bruce, second by Director Walker to approve the second reading of board policy 403.3.  Motion carried unanimously.

Board Policy 507.1

Motion by Director Walker, second by Director Johnson to approve the first reading of board policy 507.1.  Motion carried unanimously.

Inman Elementary Compressor Replacement

Motion by Director Rohrig, second by Director Johnson to approve and award the replacement of the compressor on the air handler at Inman Elementary to Synquip for $18,894.25. Motion carried unanimously.

2025-2026 Hard Surface Plan

Motion by Director Walker, second by Director Johnson to approve the 2025-2026 hard surface plan. Motion carried unanimously. 

Inman Renovation Project Plans

Motion by Director Bruce, second by Director Walker to approve the plans, specifications, form of contract, estimated total cost, and budget of proposed Inman Elementary renovations. Motion carried unanimously.

2025-2026 District Professional Development Plan

Motion by Director Johnson, second by Director Bruce to approve the 2025-2026 district professional development plan.  Motion carried unanimously.

2025-2026 Emergency Operations Plan

Motion by Director Rohrig, second by Director Johnson to approve the 2025-2026 Emergency Operations Plan.  Motion carried unanimously.

Discussion of the FY2025 Financials and Depository Balances

Heidi Harris presented the depository and fund balances for the district on 6/302025.

Discussion of Key Financial Metrics

Ron Lorenz presented fiscal trends, future plans for the district to remain fiscally sound, how enrollment trends and state supplemental aid affect our bottom line, and keeping expenditures in check.  Mr. Lorenz reviewed the district's UAB and Solvency Ratio as well.

Adjournment

Motion by Director Walker, second by Director Johnson to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:53 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Work Session                                                             Wednesday, October 22, 2025 – 5:30 p.m.

                                                                                    Virtual Classroom/Phone/Internet

                                                                                    Red Oak Junior Senior High School Campus

 

Next Board of Directors Meeting                            Wednesday, November 19, 2025 – 5:30 p.m.

                                                                                    Virtual Classroom/Phone/Internet

                                                                                 Red Oak Junior Senior High School Campus

October 22, 2025, Work Session/Community Roundtable

Red Oak Community School Attendees:  Ron Lorenz, Leanne Fluckey, Heidi Harris, Kathy Walker, Pastor Ricky, and Bret Blackman.

Community Panelist Attendees: Ron Lorenz, Red Oak Community Schools Superintendent, Senator Tom Shipley, Tim Fridolph, Red Oak Council, Mike Olson, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, Ron Kloewer, Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, and Ben Lungren, Montgomery County Development Corporation.

The meeting was commentated and live streamed by Aaron West with KCSI FM.

Meeting began at 5:30 P.M.

Community Roundtable on Population and Enrollment Trends

Panelists and Board Members introduced themselves and briefly went over the guiding questions regarding population decline and how it affects all of the panelists and their businesses.  The panelists discussed regional factors, steps that can be taken to address depopulation, and how we can work together to alleviate issues affecting our community, and what success would look like for our community in the future. 

Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

Red Oak Community School District

Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors

Meeting Location: Virtual Classroom/ Phone/Internet

Red Oak Junior Senior High School Campus

July 16, 2025

 

The regular board meeting of the Board of Directors of the Red Oak Community School District was called to order by Vice President Kathy Walker at 5:30 p.m. at the Red Oak Junior Senior High School Virtual Classroom.

Present

Directors: Bret Blackman (remote), Kathy Walker, Bryce Johnson, Pastor Ricky Rohrig (remote)

Superintendent Ron Lorenz, Board Secretary/Business Manager, Heidi Harris, Leanne Fluckey, Curriculum Coordinator

Approval of Agenda

Motion by Director Johnson, second by Director Blackman to approve the agenda with the order of agenda items at the discretion of the meeting chair.  Motion carried unanimously.

Good News

Congratulations to Alexis Joint who was named Second Team All-Conference for her softball efforts. Carson Roeder and Brett Erickson earned Second Team All-Conference in baseball while Reese Montgomery and Brody Bond received Honorable Mention All-Conference recognition for baseball.

At the District level, Brett Erickson and Brody Bond were named to the First Team All-District, while Carson Roeder and Reese Montgomery earned spots on the Second Team All-District.

Consent Agenda

Motion by Director Johnson, second by Director Blackman to approve the consent agenda as presented including meeting minutes, business reports, contract renewals, personnel considerations, quotes, contract renewals, and service agreements.  Motion carried unanimously.

Board Policies 506.5 and Accompany Regulation 506.5R1

Motion by Director Blackman, second by Director Rohrig to approve the second reading of Board policy 506.5 and accompany regulation 506.5R1 regarding graduation requirements.  Motion carried unanimously.

Board Policy 401.11

Motion by Director Johnson, second by Director Blackman to approve the third reading of board policy 401.11 regarding employee use of cell phones.  Motion carried unanimously.

Board Policy 705.1

Motion by Director Johnson second by Director Blackman to approve the first reading of board policy 705.1; raising informal bidding thresholds to include Superintendent approval for purchases up to $10,000, $10,000 to $100,000 requiring board approval, and expenditures above $100,000 will move to a formal sealed bidding process.  Motion carried unanimously.

Board Policy 503.5 and 503.5R1

Motion by Director Rohrig and second by Director Blackman to approve the first reading of board policy 503.5 and 503.5R1 regarding Anit-Bullying/Harassment policy and to waive further readings.  Motion carried unanimously.

2025-2026 Handbook

Motion by Director Johnson, second by Director Rohrig to approve the 2025-2026 Teacher Handbook.  Motion carried unanimously.

2025-2026 Red Oak Preschool Handbook

Motion by Director Rohrig, second by Director Blackman to approve the 2025-2026 Preschool Handbook.  Motion carried unanimously.

2025-2026 Inman Elementary Handbook

Motion by Director Rohrig, second by Director Johnson to approve the 2025-2026 Inman Elementary Handbook.  Motion carried unanimously. 

2025-2026 Red Oak Jr/Sr High School Handbook

Motion by Director Johnson, second by Director Rohrig to approve the 2025-2026 Red Oak Jr/Sr High School Handbook. Motion carried unanimously.

2025-2026 Online Learning Program Manual

Motion by Director Rohrig, second by Director Blackman to approve the 2025-2026 Online Learning Program Manual.  Motion carried unanimously.

Science Curriculum Purchase

Motion by Director Blackman, second by Director Johnson to approve the purchase of new secondary (7-12) science curriculum (not to exceed $70,000) using the District’s Professional Development funds.  Motion carried unanimously.

Adult/Couple Activity Passes

Motion by Director Johnson, second by Director Blackman to approve increasing the cost of a Single Adult activity pass from $80 to $125 and $130 to $225 for Adult Couples.  Motion carried unanimously.

2025-2026 Legislative Priorities

Motion by Director Rohrig, second by Director Johnson to approve setting the 2025-2025 Legislative priorities to include: Adequate School Resources, Staff Shortages, Local School Board Authority, and Increasing Student Needs.  Motion carried unanimously.

Adjournment

Motion by Director Rohrig, second by Director Johnson, to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:11 p.m.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Next Board of Directors Meeting                            Wednesday, August 20, 2025 – 5:30 p.m.

                                                                                    Virtual Classroom/Phone/Internet

                                                                                    Red Oak Junior Senior High School Campus

Red Oak Community School District

Meeting of the Board of Directors

Meeting Location: Virtual Classroom/ Phone/Internet

Red Oak Junior Senior High School Campus

August 20, 2025

 

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Red Oak Community School District was called to order by President Bret Blackman at 5:30 p.m. at the Red Oak Junior Senior High School Virtual Classroom.

Present

Directors: Bret Blackman, Kathy Walker, Bryce Johnson, Scott Bruce, Pastor Ricky Rohrig (remote, arrived 5:56 p.m.)

Superintendent Ron Lorenz, Board Secretary/Business Manager, Heidi Harris, Leanne Fluckey, Curriculum Coordinator

Approval of Agenda

Motion by Director Walker, second by Director Johnson to approve the agenda with the order of agenda items at the discretion of the meeting chair.  Motion carried unanimously.

Public Comment

Daric O’Neal thanked Superintendent Lorenz and the Board of Directors for the public forum held on Sunday regarding the invitation to join the Western Iowa Conference and the information that was presented.

Public Hearing to Transfer Unexpended Teacher Leadership Supplement Funds to the District Flexibility Account

President Blackman opened the public hearing at 5:35 p.m. to transfer unexpended teacher leadership supplement funds to the District Flexibility Account. There were no public comments. President Blackman closed the public hearing at 5:36 p.m.

Public Hearing to Use the District’s Flexibility Account to Pay a One-Time Retention Stipend for Returning Certified Staff

President Blackman opened the public hearing at 5:36 p.m. to use the district’s flexibility account to pay one-time retention stipends for returned certified staff in the amount of $38,000. There were no public comments.  President Blackman closed the public hearing at 5:37 p.m.

Good News

The Red Oak boys’ cross country team is ranked #8 in class 2A in the Iowa Association of Track Coaches (IATC) preseason poll. Emmanuel Grass is #7 in the individual rankings.

Visitors and Presentations

Chandler Green from Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture reviewed design updates, site plans, bid and construction timelines, and cost projections for the proposed Inman Elementary School renovations.

Consent Agenda

Motion by Director Johnson, second by Director Bruce to approve the consent agenda as presented including July 19, 2025, meeting minutes, monthly business reports, personnel considerations, contract renewals, service agreements, and fundraisers. Motion carried unanimously.

Board Policy 705.1

Motion by Director Johnson, second by Director Walker to approve the second reading of board policy 705.1 regarding bidding requirements and amounts.  Motion carried unanimously.

2025-2026 Virtual School Handbook

Motion by Director Bruce, second by Director Walker to approve the 2025-2026 Iowa Virtual School Handbook. Motion carried unanimously.

Resolution to Transfer to District Flexibility Account

Motion by Director Walker, second by Director Johnson to approve the resolution to transfer unexpended teacher leadership supplement funds to the district’s flexibility account in the amount of $180,000. Motion carried unanimously.

Resolution Directing Expenditures

Motion by Director Walker, second by Director Rohrig to approve the resolution directing expenditures from the district’s flexibility account for a one-time stipend to all returning certified staff in the amount of $38,000. Motion carried unanimously.

Invitation to Western Iowa Conference

Motion by Director Johnson, second by Director Rohrig to approve the acceptance of the invitation to join the Western Iowa Conference no later than the 2027-2028 school year.  Motion carried unanimously.

Adjournment

Motion by Director Rohrig, second by Director Johnson to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:42 p.m.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Next Board of Directors Meeting                            Wednesday, September 17, 2025 – 5:30 p.m.

                                                                                    Virtual Classroom/Phone/Internet

                                                                                    Red Oak Junior Senior High School Campus

Red Oak Community School District

Meeting of the Board of Directors

Meeting Location:  Virtual Classroom/ Phone/Internet

Red Oak Junior Senior High School Campus

September 17, 2025

 

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Red Oak Community School District was called to order by President Bret Blackman at 5:30 p.m. at the Red Oak Junior Senior High School Virtual Classroom.

Present

Directors: Bret Blackman, Kathy Walker, Bryce Johnson, Scott Bruce, Paster Ricky Rohrig

Superintendent Ron Lorenz, Curriculum Director Leanne Fluckey

Approval of Agenda

Motion by Director Johnson, second by Director Walker to approve the agenda with the order of agenda items at the discretion of the meeting chair.  Motion carried unanimously.

Good News

Congratulations to Riley Pelzer upon receiving the Star District Advisor award by the Iowa Associate of Agriculture Educators and to Head Volleyball Coach Angie Montgomery for becoming the winningest volleyball coach in Red Oak school history.

Visitors and Presentations

None

Consent Agenda

Motion by Director Walker, second by Director Bruce to approve the consent agenda as presented including meeting minutes, monthly business reports, personnel considerations, open enrollment request for Iowa Virtual School and service agreements.  Motion carried unanimously.

Board Policies 401-402

Motion by Director Bruce, second by Director Johnson to approve the first reading of board policies 401-402.  Motion carried unanimously.

Board Policies 403.3

Motion by Director Walker, second by Director Rohrig to approve the first reading of board policy 403.3.  Motion carried unanimously.

UTV with Snowblade

Motion by Director Rohrig, second by Director Johnson to approve the purchase of a UTV with snowblade for $24,850.  Motion carried unanimously.

Talented and Gifted Plan

Motion by Director Walker, second by Director Bruce to approve the district’s 2025-2026 Talented and Gifted Plan. Motion carried unanimously.

School Improvement Advisory Committee

Motion by Director Bruce, second by Director Rohrig to approve the members of the School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC) for 2025-2026 school year. Motion carried unanimously. 

Inman Renovation Project Final Construction Documents, Including HVAC Bid Alternate

Motion by Director Johnson, second by Director Rohrig to approve the final construction documents (i.e. architectural and engineering drawings) in anticipation of an October 2025 Bide Letting. Motion carried unanimously.

SBRC Request for Modified Supplemental Amount

Motion by Director Walker, second by Director Bruce to approve the SBRC request for modified supplemental amount for the negative special education balance of -$242,771.49.  Motion carried unanimously.

Operational Efficiency

Discussion regarding the possible relocation of the preschool to Inman Elementary and the 6^th Grade to the Jr-Sr High School to improve operational efficiency. Further discussion will be needed as the administrative team reports on the implications of such a change.

Adjournment

Motion by Director Walker, second by Director Rohrig to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:38 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Next Board of Directors Meeting                            Wednesday, October 15, 2025 – 5:30 p.m.

                                                                                    Virtual Classroom/Phone/Internet

                                                                                    Red Oak Junior Senior High School Campus