Minutes - 2.19.2025

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

February 19, 2025

 

The regular board 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 (arrived at 5:31 p.m.)

Superintendent Ron Lorenz, Board Secretary/Business Manager, 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 Hearing of Proposed 2024-2025 District Calendar

President Bret Blackman opened the public hearing on the proposed 2024-2025 District Calendar at 5:34 p.m. There were no public comments.

Good News

Congratulations to Ella Johnson, Lena Torbett, Zoie Rohrig, Will Pollock, Grace and Josie Goldapp, and Madi Parker who participated in the Iowa State Large Group Speech Competition, all three groups earned “1” designations which is the highest possible rating. 

Congratulations to Nicole Bond who qualified, competed, and placed 12th in the Iowa Girls State Wrestling Tournament. 

Congratulations to Adam Baier who won the 165 lb. Division, Class 2A District Wrestling Tournament.  He competed in the Iowa High School State Wrestling Tournament and won his first match 3-2.

Visitors and Presentations

Josh Solomon and Dr. Lisa Collins from Stellar Virtual reviewed their proposal to partner with the Red Oak Community School District to develop and implement a virtual academy that would serve students from across the state.

Consent Agenda

Motion by Director Bruce, second by Director Walker to approve the consent agenda as presented including meeting minutes, business reports, resignations, and personnel considerations.  Motion carried unanimously.

Board Policy 506.5 and Accompanying Regulation 506.5R1

Motion by Director Johnson, second by Director Bruce to approve the second reading of Board Policy 506.5 and accompanying regulation 506.5R1 (i.e. Designating Personal Finance as a High School Elective rather than a graduation requirement, adjusting the number of required electives accordingly, and eliminating Pre-Algebra).  Motion carried unanimously.

Board Policy 606.6

Motion by Director Johnson, second by Director Bruce to approve the first reading of Board Policy 606.6 to approve the Superintendent approving Out-of-State field trips.  The Board suggested the policy also be revised to state the Superintendent must approve trips or excursions involving unusual length and expense. Motion carried unanimously. 

2025-2026 District Calendar

Motion by Director Walker, second by Director Rohrig to approve the proposed 2025-2026 District Calendar.  Motion carried unanimously.

Resolution to Transfer Funds for Protective/Safety Equipment

Motion by Director Walker, second by Director Johnson to approve the resolution transferring $5,376.99 from the General fund to the Activity fund to reimburse the purchase and refurbishing of safety and protective equipment (i.e. football helmets), in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 289A.8.  Motion carried unanimously.

Purchase of Football Helmets/Helmet Refurbishing

Motion by Director Johnson, second by Director Walker to approve the refurbishment of 41 existing football helmets and the purchase of five new football helmets from Riddell for $5,376.99. Motion carried unanimously.

Voice Evacuation Fire Alarm System at ROECC

Motion by Director Johnson, second by Director Walker to approve Johnson Controls for the installation of a voice evacuation fire alarm system at the Red Oak Early Childhood Center for $80,628.22. Motion carried unanimously.

Online Learning Program Revisions

Motion by Director Walker, second by Director Bruce to approve the revisions to the District’s Online Learning Program.  Motion carried unanimously.

Maximum FY 2026 Certified Budget Property Tax Rate

Motion by Director Johnson, second by Director Walker to approve the FY 2026 certified budget maximum property tax of $15.47.  Motion carried unanimously.

Adjournment

Motion by Director Rohrig, second by Director Johnson, to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:11 p.m.  Motion carried unanimously.

Exempt Session

The Board entered an exempt session at 7.14 p.m. to discuss negotiation strategy for the upcoming contract discussions with the Red Oak Education Association per Iowa Code section 20.17(3). The Board exited the exempt session at 8:07 p.m.

 

Next Board of Directors Meeting                            Wednesday, March 19, 2024 – 5:30 p.m.

                                                                                    Virtual Classroom/Phone/Internet

                                                                                    Red Oak Junior Senior High School Campus