Logan-Magnolia Community School January 14, 2026 The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Education of the Logan-Magnolia Community School District was held on the above date at 6:00 P.M. in the high school media center. Roll call vote was answered by President Julie Witte, Vice-President Derrick Mether, Director Travis Kuhlman, Director Nikki Allen, and Director Leslie Vicary, and Superintendent Jacob Hedger, Secondary Principal Blake Dickinson, Elementary Principal Jill Kiger, and Business Manger Daniel Mikels. Please see the attached list for everyone else attending the meeting. 2. Review/Change/Approve Agenda Derrick Mether moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Travis Kuhlman, carried. 5-0. 3. Public Speakers No public speaker spoke. 4. Administrators/Directors’ Reports The quiz bowl team was represented by Cecilia Alvis, Cha Fraizer. They have gone to nationals in Chicago each year since they were freshmen. Kathie Foreman, and Mitchell McKinny are the sponsors for the team. They will be representing Logan-Magnolia at nationals in Chicago this spring. Cecilia spoke about the rules, different tourney styles, different members, and different teams. They demonstrated the process of how questions are read and answered. The junior high qualified for nationals for the first time this year. Elementary Principal Jill Kiger Noteworthy events: * Staff returned January 5 and engaged in math learning around foundational concepts including subitizing, object counting and part whole. K-2 focused on verbal counting and benchmark numbers. This work is what the state has offered as professional development to support districts as they grow their math skills. Dr. Leonard and Mrs. Kiger are currently taking the courses utilizing the work of Christina Tondevold. As the elementary finish the standards work, they are spending some time growing staff knowledge as this helps them fully understand what the standards mean with real life examples and instructional strategies. Teachers of reading focused on coursework to build content knowledge and how to use text structure to teach summarizing. Other staff had a chance to learn more about AI (artificial intelligence) in the classroom with Mr. Christensen and the secondary. Then they chose 2 breakout sessions to learn from other teachers. The afternoon was spent preparing for the second semester. Friday our elementary math staff will continue their work with vertical alignment of curriculum. * Tuesday the staff welcomed everyone back. The elementary are excited to be hosting numerous student teachers this semester. In addition, administration are building a schedule for Maci Miller as she fills gaps at elementary school this semester. The elementary are grateful to the board’s support of the hiring of Miss Miller and Miss Hesse to support students and staff this semester. Thank you! * Administration is pleased to inform you that Amber Foutch and Taylor Mikels have been selected to receive an Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher Supplement Grant from the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) with the project titled “All About Farms”. * Wednesday, January 7, 2026 HHS was here to do our licensing audit for childcare. * Staff have done a great job of providing instruction this month and also adding in fun for the season. Elves, gingerbread men, arts and crafts, gift making, and journaling are all areas we do that help us share the joy of the season. Upcoming events: * FAST testing begins January 19 and finishes around Feb. 4. * January 29 we will host an assembly to kick off “One Book One School” Secondary Principal Blake Dickinson Notable moments: * Our Top Cats were nominated and selected for demonstrating the trait of responsibility: * 6th grade: Isla Koenig, 7th grade: Claire Koenig, 8th Grade: Easton Martindale, 9th Grade: Landon Thayer, 10th Grade: Alexandra Kirlin, 11th Grade: Valerie Springhower, 12th Grade: Adam Roden * The school’s Special Olympics chapter has been restarted, and students will participate in their first competition on January 27th. * The high school wrestling teams have multiple athletes ranked in the top 10 in the state. Three have earned their 100th win: Crosby Yoder, Carson Edney, and Mary Bowman. * NHS students put on their second Wrap It Forward fundraiser to support the Adopt a Nursing Home initiative. * Students participated in the 5-8 and 9-12 Christmas concerts. * Allysen Johnsen signed her letter of intent to run cross country and track and field at College of Saint Mary. * Two new classes were introduced this semester: introduction to psychology and foundations of education. Both classes are IWCC classes taught by Lo-Ma teachers. * During our beginning of year professional development, a dozen teachers put on eight breakout sessions for their peers on a wide range of topics, from classroom management to inquiry-based learning. Building Goals Inspire student growth Goal #1: Ensure high-quality academics and activities. * Students will demonstrate an increase of 3% in ELA and math growth scores on the ISASP test. -> Differentiation * Increase the number of students participating in work-based learning from 40% to 50% by the end of the school year. -> DCAP Team, CORE expansion Goal #2: Provide an environment in which students and staff become the best versions of themselves. * Teachers will implement Capturing Kids’ Hearts with affirmations, social contracts, and EXCEL Model being utilized in 100% of classrooms. -> Connections survey * Teachers will proficiently and consistently utilize district technology tools to engage, instruct, assess, and communicate. -> Teacher breakout sessions Superintendent Jacob Hedger January is School Board Appreciation Month - Thank you for all you do to lead our district!!! Facility/Construction Items - * Updated “to do” list. * All fob entries to the dome have been finished and are working properly. * The flooring to the Hall of Champions is finished and looks great! * The improved drainage system around the lower SW door has been installed. * A stainless-steel protector has been installed at the bottom of the ramp. * Ryan Kastner is working on a solution for the camera system for the concession and commons area. * Doorstops have been installed in all of the locker rooms! Monthly Newsletter - January Newsletter Staff Brags - * Dan Thompson - Mr. Thompson has been instrumental in setting up or TrackWrestling accounts and other important aspects of hosting wrestling tournaments. His work has helped both of our home tournaments to be huge successes. * Mrs. Remmers (Beck) - I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing her professional growth over the past few years. This past week I was in her room and got to see a reading theater of a novel they were reading. The students were highly engaged and her leadership in the room was very evident. * Dr. Leonard - Dr. Leonard is always focused on how to make Lo-Ma Premier. She is constantly trying to find ways to support our teachers, knowing that our teachers have the greatest impact on our student success. Open Teaching/Staff Positions: * Asst. HS Boys Soccer * Asst. HS Football * Paraeducator Updates * Facility Needs Plan * The intercom system has been fully implemented and all the updates and upgrades are currently working thanks to Mr. Christensen. * Legislative Happenings: * SSA - 0-2% * Athletics *Student population across the state (down 7,300 students) * School funding changes (changes in property tax formula) * Comprehensive School Improvement Planning 5. Consent Agenda Approve Minutes, Bills, and Financial Statements Derrick Mether moved to approve the consent agenda, prepaid bills, board bills, financial statements, and minutes of December 10, 2025, meeting. The motion was seconded by Travis Kuhlman, discussion, carried. 5-0. Fundraising – As listed. Open-Enrollment in- Becca Caruso-1 student Open-Enrollment Out- Mollie Wills- 1 student Personnel- None Contracts- Maci Miller and Jordan Heese 6. Graduation Heather Edney spoke to the board about moving of graduation time. She requested that the graduation get moved to 9:00 A.M., so her family can travel between two graduations. Nikki Allen moved to approve the graduation start time to 2:00 P.M. The motion was seconded by Derrick Mether, discussion, carried. 5-0. 7. Facility Improvements Mr. Hedger and Mrs. Kiger spoke to the board about renovation of the playground. Since Jimmy King Grant was not successful for the playground. The board asked questions regarding the design and cost of the playground. They also discussed future applications for the King Grant. The board will wait to hear back from the company we have been working with. Parking lot Renovations- Mr. Hedger spoke to the board about him having Ten-Point Construction bid for the renovation of the parking lot. This is a project that would need to be completed in sections, as the price tag is very large for a project of this scope. Leslie Vicary moved to approve Moy Electric for parking lots lights on the new parking lot for $57,125.00 and to ask for a bid on fixing lights in current parking lot, seconded by Travis Kuhlman, discussed, carried. 5-0. Parking Lot Lights- Mr. Hedger spoke to the board about lights in the new parking lot. Additionally, the board asked about getting the lights in the current lot working. 8. Construction Manager at Risk Science Rooms Mr. Hedger and spoke to the board about the selection process Travis, Julie, Daniel, and himself went through on Monday with Origin. Derrick Mether moved to approve Genisis as Construction Manager at risk, seconded by Leslie Vicary, discussed, carried. 5-0. 9. Construction- Pay Apps and Change Orders A. Derrick Mether moved to approve the application for pay application #19R for $522,865.74 as presented, seconded by Travis Kuhlman, discussed, carried. 5-0. B. Travis Kuhlman moved to approve the application for pay application #14 for $9,215.00 as presented, seconded by Derrick Mether, discussed, carried. 5-0. C. The board was notified about PCO # 117 for -$85,411.03 as presented. 10. Modified Allowable Growth for Dropout Prevention Travis Kuhlman moved to approve the Modified Allowable Growth Request for Drop-Out Prevention and At-Risk for FY26-27 in the amount of $110,714.00, seconded by Leslie Vicary, discussed, carried 5-0. 11. Teacher Position Leslie Vicary moved to approve the hiring of an additional teacher in the elementary for 26-27, seconded by Nikki Allen, discussed, carried 5-0. 12. Trap Shooting The board discussed the current relationship between the school and the Loess Hills Trap Shooting Club. The board noted the difference between a club and a sport in the district. 13. Negotiations (Exempt Sessions) Derrick Mether moved to go into exempt session at 8:43 P.M. pursuant to Iowa code section 21.9, seconded by Travis Kuhlman, carried. 5-0. Leslie Vicary moved to go into open session at 9:30 P.M. pursuant to Iowa code section 21.9, seconded by Travis Kuhlman, carried. 5-0. Julie Witte and Leslie Vicary will be on the negotiating team. 14. March Meeting Move Date Leslie Vicary moved to move the March 2026 meeting, March 4, 2026., seconded by Travis Kuhlman, carried. 5-0. 15. Adjournment The next board meeting is February 11, 2026. Leslie Vicary moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:33 P.M., seconded by Travis Kuhlman, carried. 5-0. President Secretary OPERATING FUND ACCESS SYSTEMS INC., LEASE AGREEMENT COPIERS, 913.15 ACT, TESTING SERVICE, 2,190.00 AHLERS & COONEY PC, LEGAL SERVICES, 1,497.00 BISHOP HEELAN CATHOLIC H S, SHOW CHOIR REG 2026, 250.00 BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS OF AMERICA, ADVISOR DUES, 43.00 CAPITAL SANITARY SUPPLY CO, PLANT OPERATION & MAINT SUP., 286.06 CENTRAL IOWA DISTRIBUTING INC, PLANT OPERATION & MAINT SUP., 801.00 CONTINUING EDUCATION IWCC, DRIVERS CLASS, 520.00 DAVE LYON AUTO & TRUCK REPAIR, BUS FROM TABOR TO LOGAN, 900.00 DREES COMPANY, WATER PRESSURE ADJUSTMENTS, 242.00 ED M FELD EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC., SAFETY GRANT EQUIP CAMERAS HIGH SCG DOME & ELEM DOME, 27,827.10 EGAN SUPPLY CO, PLANT OPERATION & MAINT SUP., 111.60 FORMLABS INC., JIMMY KING IND ARTS, 544.15 HARLAN COMMUNITY SCHOOLS, SHOW CHOIR REG., 275.00 HARRISON COUNTY TIMES - NEWS, LEGAL PRINTING, 20.96 HINTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT, SHOW CHOIR REG., 250.00 IOWA ASSOC. OF SCHOOL BOARDS, REG FEES BOARD CONF, 2,025.00 IOWA COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK, PORT CHARGE/INTERNET, 721.46 J W PEPPER & SON INC, INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES, 402.96 KRUEGER, BAILEY, travel hotel/food TEACHER QUALITY, 506.99 LOFTUS HEATING, INC., SERVICE CALL, REPAIR PARTS BOILER, 1,118.63 LOGAN FLOURS BAKING CO., SUPPLIES (TEACHER QUALITY PROF DEVEL), 289.80 MO VALLEY TIRES, LLC, TIRES & TUBES, 381.00 NIEHUS, CAITLYN, travel hotel TEACHER QUALITY, 442.40 OFFICE DEPOT, SUPPLIES, 167.44 OFFICE DEPOT, SUPPLIES, 184.10 OLOFFS REPAIR, REPLACE DRUMS AND SHOES AND FILTER, 500.00 SIOUX CENTER MUSIC BOOSTERS, DUES & FEES, 275.00 SPARKY'S WELDING, steel protection, 595.00 VERIZON WIRELESS, TELEPHONE, 153.92 WESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, SHOW CHOIR REG., 300.00 WINDSTREAM IOWA COMMUNICATIONS, TELEPHONE, 570.52 Fund Total: 45,305.24 CAPITAL PROJECTS EMSWILER ARCHITECTURE, ARCHITECT FEES, Reversal: ARCHITECT FEES, 0.00 Fund Total: 0.00 LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX ACCESS SYSTEMS INC., LEASE AGREEMENT COPIERS, 1,985.76 C & A SCALE SERVICES INC, SCALE, 1,270.00 EMSWILER ARCHITECTURE, Correction: ARCHITECT FEES, 15,000.00 H2I GROUP, P RAILS DOME, 4,185.00 Fund Total: 22,440.76 PHYSICAL PLANT & EQUIPMENT CMC NEPTUNE, COMPUTER SOFTWARE, 2,300.00 DREES COMPANY, REPAIR BOILER, 4,205.53 Fund Total: 6,505.53 Checking Account Total: 74,251.53 STUDENT ACTIVITY FUND ABRAHAM LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL, GIRLS WRESTLING TOURNEY, 125.00 ARGOTSINGER, MATTHEW, OFFICIATING 12/2/25, 170.00 BOB JOHNSON, OFFICIATING 12/19/25, 170.00 BRYCE SHABEN, OFFICIATING 12/19/25, 180.00 BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS OF AMERICA, DUES & FEES BPA, 616.00 CHRISTINA REMIJIO CHOREOGRAPHY, DUES FOR TEAM CHORE., 350.00 COLLINS, DEVIN, OFFICIATING 12/16/25, 200.00 ELITE SPORTSWEAR LP, bb cheer uniform, 206.67 GRAFFIX INC., SCHOOL STORE SUPPLIES, 6,432.00 HARRISON CO. HUMANE SOCIETY, MIDDLE SCHOOL FUNDRAISER DONATION, 725.00 INTREPID SPORTSWEAR, UNIFORMS, 233.00 JEREMY HOFF, OFFICIATING 12/16/25, 200.00 KIP SHANKS, OFFICIATING 12/2/25, 170.00 KRUSE, SEAN, OFFICIATING 12/2/25, 170.00 LOFTUS, CHRISTOPHER, OFFICIATING 12/16/25, 200.00 MANN, QUIN, GIRLS WRESTLING TOURNEY SUPPLIES, 586.14 MARK ARKFELD, OFFICIATING 12/19/25, 180.00 NATIONAL ACADEMIC QUIZ, TOURNAMENTS, QB DUES, 800.00 RAPSODO, BASEBALL TECH HIT/PITCH, 5,500.00 REGG CARNES, OFFICIATING 12/19/25, 170.00 TOTAL PRINTING SYSTEMS, YEARBOOKS, 1,775.04 WALTERS, JOHN, OFFICIATING 12/16/25, 200.00 WAYNE GRUNDLE, OFFICIATING 12/19/25, 170.00 Fund Total: 19,528.85 LATCH KEY PROGRAM MARTIN BROTHERS, FOOD KC/PR, 393.24 Fund Total: 393.24 Checking Account Total: 19,922.09 SCHOOL NUTRITION FUND PAN-O-GOLD BAKING CO, FOOD, 843.25 Fund Total: 843.25 Checking Account Total: 843.25 HCTR 1-21-26
