Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Board Actions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Riceville school board hears tax-levy questions, approves network upgrade, bus purchase and staffing changes
Summary
At its March 20 meeting the Riceville Community School District board closed a public hearing on the proposed FY26 tax levy after questions from three community members, and approved multiple actions including a $47,919.11 network upgrade, a $139,297 bus purchase and staffing/compensation changes.
The Board of Education of the Riceville Community School District met March 20, 2025, in the district board room. Board President Karl Fox called the meeting to order; the board opened a public hearing on the proposed FY26 tax levy where community members Eddie Runde, Rich Linkenmeyer and Todd Larson asked questions about tax rates before the hearing was closed at 6:47 p.m. by motion of Guertin, seconded by Eastman.
The board approved routine business including the agenda and minutes, and accepted open enrollments — four students enrolling into Riceville and one enrolling out to S. Ansgar. The board approved hiring Trenton Swenson as assistant boys track coach and accepted the resignation of paraeducator Jaqueline Kula. It also approved volunteer coaching assignments for Sharry Marr, Barb Gesell and Trevor Bill.
Student representatives reported on school activities: Student Rep Miller noted six new National Honor Society inductees and FFA events including two members advancing to state; Student Rep Linkenmeyer summarized Lighthouse program activities, speech qualifications and athletics updates.
Superintendent Barb Schwamman updated the board on facilities and projects, saying architect meetings show the kitchen project remains on schedule and that daycare pre-bid and bid-approval steps are forthcoming. Administrators provided building-and-grounds updates, including a three-year plan for roof and steam-pipe work and an ongoing claim related to the softball field; Schwamman said staff are working to ensure all daycare pledges are entered into district accounts.
On technology, the board approved a network upgrade with RTI in the amount of $47,919.11 and heard that PK–2 will receive new iPads and that the district is adding cameras and access points and sharing some resources with Osage. The board approved a bus bid from Hoglund for $139,297 (no undercarriage) and approved an engagement letter for FY24 audit services with Nolte, Cornman & Johnson.
The board approved the second reading of the 200-series policies and the first reading of the 300-series policies; approved the AEA Purchasing Agreement; approved a travel club trip planned for 2027; authorized an eighth-grade field trip to Mystery Cave in Spring Valley, Minnesota, on May 9; and approved a Speech Team fundraiser scheduled for April 19.
On personnel costs, the board approved raising non-classified staff wages and substitute para pay to $15.00 for FY2026. The board also approved an agreement with Morningside University for teacher education clinical placements and a service agreement with Edkcounseling LLC.
The board announced a special meeting for March 31 at 6:30 p.m. to approve daycare bids. The meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.; the next regular board meeting is scheduled for April 21, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
