Starmont board roundup: DECA travel, tuition change, facilities and routine approvals

At its March 9 meeting the Starmont Community School District Board approved a range of routine and programmatic items alongside larger budget and sharing decisions.

Travel and student activities: The board approved DECA travel to the International Career Development Conference in Atlanta and approved fifth graders attending the School of the Wild (both motions passed 5-0). The board recorded Student Council reports that the Pay It Forward campaign raised more than $10,000 and that a student-produced "Don't Stop bELIvin" video had reached about 260,000 views.

Personnel and retirements: The board approved early retirement applications from Renee Cantrell and Maggie Tucker (5-0) and completed the consent agenda that finalized multiple hires, resignations and summer-help pay rates. The consent agenda motion carried 4-0 with Julie Uhlenkamp abstaining on the consent vote.

Tuition and budget preview: The board approved preschool tuition at $350 per month for nine months for 2026–27 (motion passed 4-1; Tony Recker opposed). Superintendent Robert Busch presented the proposed tax notice to the auditor’s office as part of the 2026–27 budget preview.

Facilities and contracts: The board approved a request for bids to perform x-ray testing on existing HVAC piping in the elementary and middle school and approved a $24,732.75 bid from Furniture Showcase for flooring in four rooms. The board also approved an AEA purchasing agreement and an agreement with the University of Northern Iowa for teacher education clinical placements; all motions recorded as 5-0 where noted.

The meeting closed after a brief superintendent report about an upcoming School Budget Review Committee meeting and Fire Marshal facility inspections; the agenda included a notice of a possible exempt session under Iowa Code.