EM Packet Summary — August 10, 2026
Meeting Overview
The EM Special Board Meeting is scheduled for August 10, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the District Office in Gilman, Iowa.
The agenda includes routine opening items, approval of the agenda, a consent agenda, personnel items, discussion items, action items, and adjournment.
Key Items on the Agenda
Consent Agenda Items
The consent agenda includes open enrollment approvals for the 2026-2027 school year. The packet lists incoming open enrollment students and rescinded open enrollment requests, including requests related to family moves and a student returning to the resident district.
The consent agenda also includes donations and fundraisers. The packet lists a $1,640 donation to the Music Department in memory of Carol Plum Freese and a $200 donation from Rosemary Lyle to the Music Department in memory of Larry Koepnick.
Personnel Items
The agenda includes personnel items related to resignations and contract approvals.
The packet lists the resignation of Patricia Haines-Robinson from the position of Elementary Cook.
Contract approvals listed in the packet include positions such as custodial staff, coaching assignments, mentor teachers, cooks, and other school roles. The packet also notes a lane change increase for Dara McAllister, changing the contract amount from $54,100 to $55,080.
Discussion Items
The board agenda includes a discussion item regarding 8th Grade Athletics Participation in High School Programs.
Action Items
The agenda includes an action item for approval of Estes Early Bid Packages. The packet provides an associated Early Bid Packages Recommendation Letter as the supporting summary.
School Handbooks and Policy Updates
The agenda includes approval of Elementary and Jr/Sr High School Handbooks and changes for the 2026-27 school year. Supporting materials listed include the Elementary Handbook and a High School Handbook Changes Summary.
The board is scheduled to consider policy updates, including second readings of policies in the 700 and 900 series. Listed policies include Internal Controls, Meal Charges, Technology & Data Security, Responsible Technology Use & Social Networking, Live Broadcast or Recording, School Community Groups, and Weapons in the School District.
The packet also lists first readings of policy updates connected to legislative changes, including Vol. 34 #5 Policy Updates from June 25, 2026, and Vol. 34 #6 Policy Updates related to additional guidance for disruptive behavior from July 8, 2026.
Athletics and Activities
The agenda includes additional fall sport fees. The packet notes a football scrimmage fee on Friday, August 21, with five officials at $100 each for a total of $500, and a September 10 entry fee for high school and middle school participation at Colfax-Mingo for $200.
The board is scheduled to consider the Sports Plus Athletic Training Services Contract for 2026-27.
The packet includes sports sharing agreements planned for continuation during the 2026-27 school year. Listed agreements include tennis, swimming, and bowling with Marshalltown; boys and girls soccer with South Tama if approved by STC; girls wrestling with STC; and possible boys wrestling participation with Meskwaki and possibly GMG.
The agenda also includes approval of a Hudl subscription. The packet lists the yearly subscription and fees as $9,296.71, with a $2,703.29 credit for paying early, to be paid from the activity account.
Financial and Account Items
The agenda includes an item to approve closure and transfer of activity accounts and funds. The packet notes that accounts to close will have balances transferred to destination accounts.
What to Watch at the Meeting
- The board is expected to review proposed handbook changes and policy updates for the 2026-27 school year.
- Athletics-related items include additional fall fees, athletic training services, sports sharing agreements, and the Hudl subscription.
- The agenda includes a reminder to set a date for a Strategic Plan Work Session during adjournment.
