Belle Plaine, Iowa
February 11, 2026 Regular Meeting

The regular of the Belle Plaine Community School District Board of Education was held on Wednesday, February 11, 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 with the addendum with business item regarding Action/Discussion on AR/DOP Plan for the 2026-2027 school year to be added to the business item #9, and to remove business item #4 regarding Action/Discussion on Architect Contract. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
The consent agenda items were considered. There was motion by Gallagher, second by Frank 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 January 14, 2026 Board Meeting and the January 16, 2026 Special 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 gave their respective reports to the board.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Superintendent Straight gave his report to the board.

COMMUNICATIONS
A thank you card was received from Lisa Cubbage thanking the board for the memorial for her father, Virgil Witt. The closing date for the sale of the school’s house is February 26th with Storm Realty.

OLD BUSINESS
Action/Discussion on PPEL/SAVE Projects-
Items discussed were signs on the football field fence and the intercom at the secondary building.

BUSINESS ITEMS

1. Approval of the Employment of Personnel-There was motion by Gallagher, second by Jacobi to approve the employment of Ella Grieder for Junior High Softball coach. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.
2. Focus on Education: Future City Presentation- Elementary Teacher, Gina Miller and students were present at the board meeting to present their award-winning “Future City” project to the board.
   3. Action/Discussion on SIAC Goals and Summary- Discussion took place regarding the SIAC meeting and information and discussions that were shared. These minutes will be posted on the website. No action was taken.
3. Action/Discussion on Architect Contract – This item was removed from the agenda.
4. Discussion on Legislative Forum – A legislative forum was held last month in Brooklyn, Iowa hosted by the BGM School district regarding current legislative topics.
5. Action/Discussion on 26-27 Budget and Staffing – Superintendent Straight presented the draft budget for 2026-2027 to the board and discussed initial property tax rates and budget information. No action was taken on this item.
6. Action/Discussion on Budget Guarantee for the 2026-2027 School Year – The board approved the following Budget Guarantee Resolution for the 2026-2027 school year: BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the Belle Plaine Community School District, will levy property tax for the fiscal year 2026-2027 for the regular program budget adjustment as allowed under section 257.14, Code of Iowa. Motion by Jacobi, second by Frank to approve read resolution. On roll call vote: Jacobi, “aye;” Neuhaus, “aye;” Frank, “aye;” Coffman, “aye.” Motion carried.
7. Discussion on Progress Monitoring Board Policies – The board reviewed its current board priorities and discussed topics for the upcoming board workshop on February 19, 2026.
8. Action/Discussion on AR/DOP Plan for 2026-2027 Year – Superintendent Straight presented the district’s proposed AR/DOP Plan and budget for the board members to review. After brief discussion, there was motion by Frank, second by Neuhaus to approved the AR/DOP Plan for the 2026-2027 year. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.

There was motion by Neuhaus, second by Frank to adjourn the meeting at 7:37 p.m. All voted, “aye.” Motion carried.

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