Belle Plaine, Iowa
October 8, 2025 Regular Meeting
A regular board meeting of the Belle Plaine Community School District Board of Education was held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the board room at Longfellow Elementary, Belle Plaine.
Members Present: Val Coffman, Rima Johnson, Tylar Gallagher, Andy Neuhaus, Alicia Jacobi
Members Absent: None
Administration Present: Chad Straight, Heather Coover, Kelly Scott
Board Secretary/Treasurer Present: Stacey Kolars
Visitors Present: Interested Patrons
Press Representative: None
The meeting was called to order by President Coffman at 6:30 p.m.
AGENDA
Motion Neuhaus, second Gallagher to approve the agenda. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
DELEGATIONS
None
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
The consent agenda items were considered. There was motion by Neuhaus, second by Gallagher to approve the consent agenda items. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried. The consent agenda items that were approved are listed below:
- Approval of the minutes of the September 10, 2025 Regular Meeting
- Approval of bills, payroll and financial statements
- Personnel/Business Items:
- Acceptance of Resignations-Derek Beal, JH Baseball; Casey Neuhaus, JH Softball.
PRINCIPAL REPORTS-Secondary Principal, Kelly Scott) and Elementary Principal, Heather Coover (not in attendance) gave their respective reports to the board.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Superintendent Straight gave his report to the board.
COMMUNICATIONS
There were no communications.
OLD BUSINESS
Action/Discussion on PPEL/SAVE Projects. – Discussion took on current projects. Discussion took place regarding obtaining possible quotes for a solar project.
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Approval of the Employment of Personnel-There was motion by Gallagher, second by Jacobi to approve Ella Grieder as assistant girls basketball coach; Joshua Beck for volunteer Chess Club Sponsor; Casey Neuhaus as HS Softball Volunteer. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
2. Action/Discussion on Focus on Education 7-12 Counseling Program- Secondary Guidance Counselor, Makenna Evans and Secondary Principal, Kelly Scott presented secondary counseling program information to the board that included the district’s secondary career action plan (DCAP) and individual career planning for students. No action was taken on this item.
3. Action/Discussion on Early Graduation Requests- The board received four written requests to graduate early from the following students: Ava Grieder, Maya Johnson, Jaidynn Trahan, and Greysen Leonard. Jaidynn Trahan was in attendance to request the board’s consideration in allowing her to attend 4 classes per day in the morning versus the usual 7 classes per day. After discussion, the was motion to by Neuhaus, second by Johnson to approve all four requests for early graduation with consideration of Jaidynn Trahan’s request to attend part-time to be discussed at another meeting with additional information from administration. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
4. Action/Discussion on SIAC Committee Recommendations and Summary- Superintendent Straight shared information with the board regarding topics of discussion at the recent SIAC meeting. Topics discussed were the district’s general bond issue, potential changes to Blue and Gold time to attend classes where students need assistance and possibly bringing back at least one study hall to the schedule, HS weightlifting program and strength training, and the ongoing 4-day work week. A survey will be sent out to parents at semester to see their thoughts/comments of the 4-day week, so far. There was no action on this item.
5. Action/Discussion on 1st Reading of Board Policies 208, 208R, 401.01, 502.07, 506.01, 506.01E1-E5, 507.02, 708, 710.01E1, 802.02, 804.05 – After discussion regarding the IASB’s board policies and mandatory changes, there was motion by Johnson, second by Neuhaus to approve the first reading of board policies 208, 208R, 401.01, 502.07, 506.01, 506.01E1-5, 507.02, 708, 710.01E1, 802.02, 804.05. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
6. Action/Discussion on School Report Card-
Superintendent Straight reported to the board that both elementary and secondary schools scored “commendable” on the school report card with no “targeted” areas of concern and both schools met all criteria in both Math and Reading goals. No action was taken on this item.
7. Discussion on Certified Enrollment-
Superintendent Straight shared preliminary student counts for the district’s certified enrollment. This is due to the State by October 15, 2025. No action was taken on this item. More information will be shared when the count is final and certified with the State.
8. Action/Discussion on Moving November Board Meeting and IASB Convention Plans-Discussion took place on plans for board members to attend the Annual IASB Convention as well as possibly moving the November board meeting to accommodate the November election for board members. After discussion, it was agreed that the board meeting date would remain at its regular date and time in November, and the board members will let Val/Stacey know about plans to attend the convention prior to the cut-off date for registration. There was no action taken on this item.
9. Action/Discussion on Student Handbook Changes-Mr. Scott had some minor handbook changes that he presented to the board regarding no allowing electronic devices of any kind including Chromebooks, laptops and smart watches in the hallways and bathrooms during class periods, and during lunch time. After discussion there was motion by Jacobi, second by Neuhaus to approve Mr. Scott’s handbook changes that state there will be no electronic device usage to include cell phones, laptops, Chromebooks or any electronic device of any kind in the hallways/bathrooms during class periods, or during lunch time. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
10. Discussion of Board Goals and Progress-Discussion and review took place of the district’s current board priorities.
There was motion by Gallagher, second by Neuhaus to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
Valerie Coffman, Board President
Stacey Kolars, Board Secretary/Treasurer/Business Manager
Jim Magdefrau 