SEP Board Minutes 5/7/26
Attendance
Voting Board Members
Chad Crabb, Board President
Brett Handy, Board Vice-President
Tracy Dawson, Board Member
Brigid Ernst, Board Member
Grant Gillon, Board Member
Kelly Simmons, Board Member
Lori Slings, Board Member
Other Attendees
Dr. Dirk Halupnik, Superintendent
Lacey Beals, Board Recorder
Kevin Baccam, Board Secretary
I. Call to Order
A. Roll Call/Quorum - Declaration
B. Agenda Adoption
Motion was made to adopt the agenda.
Motion made by: Kelly Simmons
Motion seconded by: Lori Slings
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
C. Pledge of Allegiance
D. District Vision and Mission
E. Public Comments
Katie Kephart spoke to the board about energy consumption and allowing access to mini fridges for staff members at Clay Elementary.
1. SEP Boys Swim Team
The Boys Swim Team was recognized for their great season and performance at state this year. Head coach of the boys swim team, Dustin Cassler, and assistant coach, Todd Woolums, along with Boys Swim Team members Desmond Ortega and Kale Lincoln were in attendance. Desmond Ortega was the state champ for the 100 Backstroke and Kale Lincoln was the state champ in the Para 100 Breaststroke.
2. IASB Board Recognition
May is School Board Recognition month. Lou Gvist of the Iowa Association of School Boards Development Team recognized our school board members for their volunteer service and commitment to education and the Southeast Polk community.
II. Consent Agenda
Motion was made to adopt the consent agenda.
Motion made by: Lori Slings
Motion seconded by: Brett Handy
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
A. Certified Personnel Action [communication]
B. Classified Personnel Action (communication)
C. Approval of Minutes (communication)
D. Open Enrollment
III. New/Old Business
A. Farm Leases (fiscal integrity)
1. Gibson Farms Lease
Motion was made to approve the Rent Farm Lease Agreement for 2026 with Gibson Farms (Matt Gibson).
Motion made by: Lori Slings
Motion seconded by: Brigid Ernst
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
2. Patterson Family Farm Lease
Motion was made to approve the Rent Farm Lease Agreement for 2026 with the Patterson family (Joe Patterson).
Motion made by: Grant Gillon
Motion seconded by: Lori Slings
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
3. Fick Family Farm Lease
Motion to approve the Rent Farm Lease Agreement for 2026 with M and D Land Improvements, Inc. (Evan Fick).
Motion made by: Tracy Dawson
Motion seconded by: Brett Handy
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
B. SEPEA Agreement (fiscal integrity)
Motion to approve this tentative agreement.
Motion made by: Lori Slings
Motion seconded by: Kelly Simmons
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
C. Depository Resolution (fiscal integrity)
Motion to approve the Resolution Naming Depositories as indicated.
Motion made by: Brigid Ernst
Motion seconded by: Kelly Simmons
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
D. Board Policies- First Read (communication)
Motion to approve the first read of policy updates.
Motion made by: Lori Slings
Motion seconded by: Brigid Ernst
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
E. Staffing Plan Updates
Motion was made to approve the positions listed in the staffing plan for hire for 2026-2027.
Motion made by: Lori Slings
Motion seconded by: Brigid Ernst
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
IV. Topics for Discussion
A. Board Recognition (communication)
May is School Board Appreciation month. Dr. Halupnik recognized our school board members for their dedication, service, and passion for supporting Southeast Polk education.
B. Secondary Math Updates (academic achievement)
Jayne Beecham, the PK-12 math coordinator, gave updates on the secondary math curriculum. Reveal Math was chosen as the preferred curriculum by the committee. This curriculum package will be presented to the board for vote at the next meeting.
C. Social Studies Updates (academic achievement)
Dr. Jo Ellen Latham gave a presentation on the new Iowa standards and requirements for Social Studies as well as the new civics exam graduation requirement.
D. IASB Metro Board Workshop Summary (communication)
The board discussed attending the Metro Board Workshop where they were able to break into small group discussions with other metro area schools on a variety of topics. The different board members were able to share ideas of things that are working well for them and get ideas for areas that they would like to improve.
V. Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 6:24 pm.
Motion made by: Brett Handy
Motion seconded by: Grant Gillon
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
May 20 2026
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