South O’Brien School District Board of Education Regular Meeting/Public Hearing – 02/17/2025 05:00 PM
Paullina Site Conference Room
MEETING MINUTES
Mission
“Preparing students to be responsible citizens and lifelong learners.”
Attendees
Voting Members
John Beck, Board Vice President
Sue McCauley, Board Member
Richard Radtke, Board Member
Josh Rausch, Board Member
Beth Sibenaller-Woodall, Board Member
Dallas Jalas, Board Member
Non-Voting Members
Wade Riley, Superintendent
Aaron Giese, SBO/Board Secretary
Denise Phillips, JH/HS Principal
A. Call to Order
School Board Vice President John Beck called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.
B. Roll Call and Declaration of Quorum
All board members were present with the exception of President Gina Paulsen. Quorum established.
C. Adoption of Agenda
Motion to adopt the amended agenda adding item J.5.
Motion made by: Beth Sibenaller-Woodall
Motion seconded by: Sue McCauley
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
D. Public Hearing
- 2025-26 School Academic Calendar
Vice President John Beck declared the public hearing required per Iowa Code 279.10 regarding the 2025-26 academic calendar open at 5:01 PM. No written or oral comments were received. The public hearing was closed at 5:03 PM.
E. Welcome and Delegation - Public Forum
None.
F. Consider Consent Items - Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion made by: Josh Rausch
Motion seconded by: Richard Radtke
Voting:
Unanimously Approved - Financial Reports
a. Financial Statements
Board Secretary/School Business Official Aaron Giese provided the board with commentary on the school financials including receipts and expenditures, fund balances, and upcoming items to look for.
Motion made by: Josh Rausch
Motion seconded by: Sue McCauley
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
b. Consider Payment of Invoices
Board Secretary/School Business Official Aaron Giese highlighted some invoices and expenditures for the month and answered questions posed by board members.
Motion made by: Sue McCauley
Motion seconded by: Dallas Jalas
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
G. Reports - Quiz Bowl Presentation
Advisor Rebecca Miller and SO’ students updated the board on Quiz Bowl membership, practices, competitions, and future goals for the program. - Reports by Administration
a. Directors
Superintendent Wade Riley presented information to the board from the directors of the district including buildings, transportation, maintenance, nutrition, technology, and activities.
b. Elementary
Elementary Principal Jean Steen was absent but provided an update to the board from the elementary including 21st-century skills, college and career readiness, positive climate and culture, high performance and growth, and facilities.
c. Secondary
Secondary Principal Denise Phillips provided an update to the board from the secondary including 21st-century skills, college and career readiness, positive climate and culture, high performance and growth, and facilities.
d. Superintendent
Superintendent Wade Riley updated the board on a number of items including the bond project at the Paullina site, an online auction of items in the 1925 building, legislative happenings, and upcoming dates to look for. - Recognition of Staff, Students and Patrons
The SO’ Jazz Band was congratulated on their 2nd place finish at the District Jazz Festival and for qualifying for the upcoming Iowa Jazz Championships.
H. Board Committee Reports
The Finance/Negotiations Committee met last week to discuss the district’s finances and the upcoming bargaining session with the South O’Brien Education Association.
I. Unfinished Business
None.
J. New Business - Consider Approval of 2025-26 Academic Calendar
Motion to approve FY26 Academic Calendar Option 1.
Motion made by: Beth Sibenaller-Woodall
Motion seconded by: Josh Rausch
Voting:
Unanimously Approved - Consider Approval of Iowa Star 28E Agreement
Motion to enter into a cooperation agreement with the Iowa Star Schools 28E Trust.
Motion made by: Sue McCauley
Motion seconded by: Dallas Jalas
Voting:
Unanimously Approved - Consider Approval of Wrestling Sharing Agreement
Motion to extend the wrestling sharing agreement with Sheldon CSD through June 30, 2027.
Motion made by: Josh Rausch
Motion seconded by: Richard Radtke
Voting:
Unanimously Approved - Consider Approval of Online Auction Proposal
Motion to approve the online auction proposal regarding the 1925 building from Zomer Company.
Motion made by: Sue McCauley
Motion seconded by: Richard Radtke
Voting:
Unanimously Approved - Consider Approval of Dual-Credit Enrollment Options
Motion to approve the dul-credit enrollment options from Northwest Iowa Community College.
Motion made by: Dallas Jalas
Motion seconded by: Josh Rausch
Voting:
John Beck – Yes
Sue McCauley – Yes
Richard Radtke – Yes
Josh Rausch – Yes
Beth Sibenaller-Woodall – Abstain
Dallas Jalas – Yes
Motion carried.
K. Personnel - Resignations
Ashlei Tilley – Elementary Paraprofessional
Motion made by: Josh Rausch
Motion seconded by: Sue McCauley
Voting:
Unanimously Approved - Employment of Staff
Brittany Negus – Secondary ELA Instructor
Motion made by: Sue McCauley
Motion seconded by: Dallas Jalas
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
L. Communication - IASB Information
Board members were encouraged to check out the resources on the IASB website and to keep up to date with current legislation at the state level.
M. Talking Points
Board members shared their appreciation for the Quiz Bowl presentation.
N. Adjournment
Motion made by: Josh Rausch
Motion seconded by: Beth Sibenaller-Woodall
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
The meeting was adjourned at 5:47 PM.
