Belle Plaine, Iowa
November 12, 2025 Regular Meeting and Closed Session

A regular board meeting and closed session of the Belle Plaine Community School District Board of Education was held on Wednesday, November 12, 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 Jacobi, second Neuhuas 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 October 8, 2025 Regular Meeting
Approval of bills, payroll and financial statements
Personnel/Business Items:
Acceptance of Resignations – Kristi Rasmussen, secondary teacher associate.
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
Julie Mantz congratulated the board for their vision for the school district and the hard work put forward for the recent passing of the bond referendum. Mrs. Mantz also thanked Tylar Gallagher for allowing the dance team to use space for practice at her facility.
OLD BUSINESS
Action/Discussion on PPEL/SAVE Projects – Discussion took on current projects. Discussion took place regarding obtaining quotes for a possible solar project.

BUSINESS ITEMS

1. Approval of the Employment of Personnel-There was motion by Neuhaus, second by Jacobi to approve the following personnel: Mike Coffman as sub driver; Amanda Pierce as sub driver; Jay McMilling as JH Baseball Coach and Todd Bohlen as JH Football Coach. Val Coffman recused herself from the vote. The board voted “aye” at 4-0. Motion carried.
2. Action/Discussion on Focus on Education 7-12 PE and Weightlifting- Secondary teacher, Scott Nilles was present to discuss the Physical Education program and Weight Lifting program(s) at the secondary level. No action was taken on this item.
   3. Action/Discussion on Early Graduation Requests- The board received two early graduation requests from Hunter Henry and Jayden Woodsmall. After reviewing the requests, there was motion by Neuhaus, second by Gallagher to approve the early graduation requests pending the students meet the graduation requirements. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
3. Action/Discussion on Allowable Growth (Spending Authority) for Special Ed Deficit- Superintendent Straight shared information regarding the district’s request for allowable growth and supplemental aid for a negative special education balance in the amount of $241,481.13 for the current school year. There was motion by Jacobi, second by Johnson to approve the district’s application for requesting allowable growth and supplement aid in the amount of $241,481.13 for a negative special education balance. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
4. Action/Discussion on 2nd Reading of Board Policies 208, 208R, 401.01, 502.07, 506.01, 506.01E1-E5, 507.02, 708, 710.01E1, 802.02, 804.05 – There was motion by Gallagher, second by Johnson to approve the second reading of the above policies. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
5. Action/Discussion on Early Retirement Plan – Superintendent Straight presented information regarding a possible early retirement offering for the 2025-2026 school year. After review and discussion, the board was in agreement that it would not offer an early retirement plan during the current school year. No action was taken on this item.
6. Discussion of Board Goals and Progress – Discussion and review took place of the district’s current board priorities. There was motion by Jacobi, second by Neuhaus to go into closed session upon the written request of Superintendent Straight per Iowa Code 21.5i: Annual Superintendent Evaluation at 7:40 p.m. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
   The board came out of closed session at 9:50 p.m.

There was motion by Johnson, second by Neuhaus to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:51 p.m. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.

Valerie Coffman, Board President
Stacey Kolars, Board Secretary/Treasurer/Business Manager