Belle Plaine, Iowa
January 14, 2026 Organizational Meeting
The regular of the Belle Plaine Community School District Board of Education was held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in the board room at Longfellow Elementary, Belle Plaine.
Members Present: Val Coffman, Andy Neuhaus, Alicia Jacobi, Scott Frank, Tylar Gallagher
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 6:00 p.m.
AGENDA
Motion Jacobi, second Neuhaus to approve the agenda. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
The consent agenda items were considered. There was motion by Frank, 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 December 10, 2025 Board Meeting
- Approval of bills, payroll and financial statements
- Personnel/Business Items:
- Acceptance of Resignations-There were no resignations
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 – Condolences were sent to elementary secretary, Lisa Cubbage and her family after the passing of her father.
OLD BUSINESS
Action/Discussion on PPEL/SAVE Projects – A special meeting was set for Friday, January 16, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. for the board to consider an offer submitted by a potential buyer of the schools’ house project that has been for sale.
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Approval of the Employment of Personnel-No action was taken on this item.
2. Focus on Education: Elementary Fitness/PE- Mr. Flack was in attendance to present the elementary PE program to the board and inform them of the CPR initiative that he is implementing with the help of the Win With Wellness program, Compass Memorial and other teachers and secondary students.
3. Action/Discussion on At Risk/Drop Out Prevention Application and MSA- There was motion by Frank, Second by Neuhaus to approve the district’s application in the amount of $119,881 for Modified Supplemental Amount for At/Risk Drop Out Prevention. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
4. Discussion on the 4-day School Week – Superintendent Straight reviewed the results of an online survey that was sent out to parents, students, staff and community members regarding the current 4-day school week. Mary Frimml, a parent of a 6th grader was in attendance to voice her concerns regarding her personal situation. Discussion took place regarding these concerns as well as the results of the survey that showed an overwhelming positive response to the 4-day school week. No action was taken on this item.
5. Action/Discussion on Architect Contract – Superintendent Straight explained that he was waiting on further information from the district’s lawyer. There was motion by Frank, second by Neuhaus to table this item for a future meeting. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
6. Discussion on Progress Monitoring Board Priorities – The board discussed a workshop date for Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. to set new priorities and board goals.
There was motion by Neuhaus, second by Gallagher to adjourn the meeting at 6:54 p.m. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
Valerie Coffman, Board President
Stacey Kolars, Board Secretary/Treasurer/Business Manager
January 16, 2026 Special Meeting
A special meeting of the Belle Plaine Community School District Board of Education was held on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. in the board room at Longfellow Elementary, Belle Plaine.
Members Present: Val Coffman, Andy Neuhaus, Alicia Jacobi, Scott Frank.
Members Absent: Tylar Gallagher
Administration Present: Chad Straight
Board Secretary/Treasurer Present: Stacey Kolars
Visitors Present: Interested Patrons
Press Representative: None
The meeting was called to order by President Coffman at 9:30 a.m.
AGENDA
Motion Neuhaus, second Frank to approve the agenda. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
DELEGATIONS-There were no delegations
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Action/Discussion on Offer to Purchase Belle Plaine CSD House-Superintendent Straight informed the board that Storm Realty had presented an offer from potential buyers for the district’s house at 1207 16th Street, Belle Plaine that has been for sale. The offer presented in the purchase/sale contract was in the amount of $340,000 “as is.” After review of the contract and further discussion, there was motion by Jacobi, second by Frank to accept the presented offer to purchase the house at 1207 16th Street, Belle Plaine, Iowa in the amount of $340,000 “as is.” All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
There was motion by Jacobi, second by Frank to adjourn the meeting at 9:50 p.m. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
Valerie Coffman, Board President
Stacey Kolars, Board Secretary/Treasurer/Business Manager
Jim Magdefrau 