South O’Brien School District Board of Education Regular Meeting/Public Hearing
04/20/2026 06:00 PM
Paullina Site Board Room
MEETING MINUTES
Mission
“Preparing students to be responsible citizens and lifelong learners.”
Attendance
Voting Members
John Beck, Board President
Sue McCauley, Board Member
Beth Sibenaller-Woodall, Board Vice President
Jamie Negus, Board Member
Kody Nelson, Board Member
Non-Voting Members
Wade Riley, Superintendent
Aaron Giese, SBO/Board Secretary
Denise Phillips, JH/HS Principal
Jean Steen, Elementary Principal
A. Call to Order
School Board President John Beck called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
B. Roll Call and Declaration of Quorum
Directors Jamie Negus, Sue McCauley, John Beck, Beth Sibenaller-Woodall, and Kody Nelson were present.  Directors Josh Rausch and Dallas Jalas were absent.  Quorum established.
C. Adoption of Agenda
Motion made by: Beth Sibenaller-Woodall
Motion seconded by: Kody Nelson
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
D. Public Hearing
1. Budget Hearing – 2026-2027
Board President John Beck declared the public hearing regarding the District’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget required per Iowa Code 24.9 open at 6:00 PM.  No written or verbal public comments were received.
a. Public Presentation
School Business Official/Board Secretary Aaron Giese provided a brief overview of the District’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget to the board and others in attendance.
b. Consider Resolutions
1. Physical Plant and Equipment Levy
Motion to approve a Physical Plant and Equipment levy in the amount of $0.33/$1,000 to be spent in accordance with Iowa Code.
Motion made by: Kody Nelson
Motion seconded by: Jamie Negus
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
Yes: John Beck
Yes: Sue McCauley
Yes: Beth Sibenaller-Woodall
Yes: Jamie Negus
Yes: Kody Nelson
Motion carried.  Resolution is hereto attached to the agenda and made part of the minutes.
2. Budget Guarantee
Motion to approve the regular program budget adjustment per Iowa Code 257.14.
Motion made by: Sue McCauley
Motion seconded by: Beth Sibenaller-Woodall
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
Yes: John Beck
Yes: Sue McCauley
Yes: Beth Sibenaller-Woodall
Yes: Jamie Negus
Yes: Kody Nelson
Motion carried.  Resolution is hereto attached to the agenda and made part of the minutes.
3. Set Income Surtax Rate – Voted PPEL and ISL
Motion to approve income surtax rates of 1% for the voter-approved Physical Plant and Equipment Levy and 2% for the Instructional Support Levy.
Motion made by: Beth Sibenaller-Woodall
Motion seconded by: Jamie Negus
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
Yes: John Beck
Yes: Sue McCauley
Yes: Beth Sibenaller-Woodall
Yes: Jamie Negus
Yes: Kody Nelson
Motion carried.  Resolution is hereto attached to the agenda and made part of the minutes.
c. Adoption of Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Documents and Authorization to File with the County Auditor and State Comptroller
Motion to adopt the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and authorize School Business Official/Board Secretary Aaron Giese to file the necessary documents with the O’Brien, Cherokee, and Clay County auditors as well as the Iowa Department of Management.
Motion made by: Kody Nelson
Motion seconded by: Beth Sibenaller-Woodall
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
Board President John Beck declared the public hearing closed at 6:04 PM.
E. Welcome and Delegation
1. Public Forum
None.
F. Consider Consent Items
1. Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion to approve minutes from the March 16, 2026, regular meeting-public hearing, and the March 23, 2026, special meeting-public hearing.
Motion made by: Sue McCauley
Motion seconded by: Jamie Negus
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
2. Financial Reports
a. Financial Statements
Board Secretary/School Business Official Aaron Giese provided the board with commentary on the school financials including receipts and expenditures, fund balances, and upcoming items to look for.
Motion made by: Beth Sibenaller-Woodall
Motion seconded by: Sue McCauley
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
b. Consider Payment of Invoices
Board Secretary/School Business Official Aaron Giese highlighted some invoices and expenditures for the month and answered questions posed by board members.
Motion made by: Jamie Negus
Motion seconded by: Sue McCauley
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
G. Reports
1. Reports by Administration
a. Elementary MTSS Presentation
Elementary Principal Jean Steen provided information to the board on Multi-Tiered System of Supports for elementary students focusion on reading and math interventions to support student success.
b. Directors
Superintendent Wade Riley presented information to the board from the directors of the district including buildings, transportation, maintenance, nutrition, technology, and activities.
c. Elementary
Elementary Principal Jean Steen provided an update to the board from the elementary including 21st-century skills, college and career readiness, positive climate and culture, high performance and growth, and facilities.
d. Secondary
Secondary Principal Denise Phillips provided an update to the board from the secondary including 21st-century skills, college and career readiness, positive climate and culture, high performance and growth, and facilities.
e. Superintendent
Superintendent Wade Riley updated the board on a number of items including the bond project at the Paullina site, the elementary playground, the softball field project, upcoming summer projects, progress in the Iowa Legislature, and upcoming dates to look for.
2. Recognition of Staff, Students and Patrons
See the school website and SO’ app for updates.
H. Board Committee Reports
1. Facilities/Transportation/Technology Committee
Members of the committee and Superintendent Wade Riley discussed the possible purchase of two used buses, along with discussion regarding the network vulnerability scanning package.
I. Unfinished Business
J. New Business
1. Consider Approval of First Reading of Board Policy Code 400 Series
Motion to approve the first reading.
Motion made by: Kody Nelson
Motion seconded by: Jamie Negus
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
2. Consider Approval of Class of 2026 Graduates
Motion to approve forty-six graduates of the South O’Brien Class of 2026.
Motion made by: Beth Sibenaller-Woodall
Motion seconded by: Sue McCauley
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
3. Consider Approval of 2026 Summer Projects
Motion to approve summer 2026 projects at the Paullina and Primghar sites.
Motion made by: Jamie Negus
Motion seconded by: Sue McCauley
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
4. Consider Approval of 2026-27 Certified Staff Handbook
Motion to appove the handbook with recommended changes.
Motion made by: Sue McCauley
Motion seconded by: Jamie Negus
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
5. Consider Approval of 2026-27 Classified Staff Handbook
Motion to appove the handbook with recommended changes.
Motion made by: Sue McCauley
Motion seconded by: Jamie Negus
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
6. Consider Approval of Transportation Purchases
Motion to approve the purchase of two buses from American Bus Sales in Fiscal Year 2027:
• 2021 Blue Bird FE 77 Passenger - $93,985.00
• 2020 Chevy Microbird 24 Passenger – $79,985.00
Motion made by: Sue McCauley
Motion seconded by: Jamie Negus
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
7. Consider Approval of Technology Network Scanning
Motion to approve the puchase of a network vulnerability scanning package from Martin Yarborough and Associates LLC in the amount of $3,500.00.
Motion made by: Kody Nelson
Motion seconded by: Beth Sibenaller-Woodall
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
K. Personnel
1. Resignations
Sofia Seliger – JH/HS Counselor
Kevin Poeckes – JH Teacher/Coach
Kim Poeckes – HS Teacher/Coach/Sponsor
Baily Wiltgen – Elementary Teacher
Case Moermond – HS Assistant Basketball Coach
Lincoln Robinson – JH Girls Basketball Coach
Maddy Millan – Elementary Secretary
Traci Nelson – PA Food Service
Michelle Aberson – Color Guard
Motion made by: Sue McCauley
Motion seconded by: Beth Sibenaller-Woodall
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
2. Employment of Staff
John Beck – JH Baseball Coach
Danita Patrick – PA Food Service
Jill Bavier – PR Mentor Teacher
Morgan Eldridge – PR Mentor Teacher
Traci Nelson – PA Paraprofessional
Rhiannon Amos – PR Paraprofessional
Ryan Hale – JH Football Coach
Wyatt Harper – JH Track Coach
Motion made by: Jamie Negus
Motion seconded by: Sue McCauley
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
L. Talking Points
Board members congratulated the jazz band and solo/small ensemble groups on their performances at state events, and discussed the SO’ Music Boosters can cage near the Paullina City Park, 
M. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:08 PM.
Motion made by: Beth Sibenaller-Woodall
Motion seconded by: Sue McCauley
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for May 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Paullina site board room.

SOUTH O’BRIEN BOARD OF ED – APRIL 20, 2026 APPROVED CLAIMS

Checking 1 Fund: 10
GENERAL FUND
ALPHA WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS CO
RADIO MAINTENANCE 193.00
AMAZON.COM SERVICES LLC
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES
1,855.18
ASCENDANCE TRUCKS MIDWEST, LLC
TRANS REPAIR/MAINT 2,114.02 BLACK HILLS ENERGY
NATURAL GAS 10,760.54
BOB & SCOTT’S
GENERAL SUPPLIES 583.85 BOMGAARS SUPPLY, INC
GENERAL SUPPLIES 440.51
BUILDERS SHARPENING & SERVICE
REPAIR/MAINT SERVICE 120.25 CASEY’S BAKERY INC
BREAD PRODUCTS 226.80
CERTIFIED TESTING SERVICES, INC
PURCHASED SERVICE 15.00 CITY OF PAULLINA
UTILITIES 8,778.13
CITY OF PRIMGHAR
UTILITIES 3,137.11 CLAIM AID
FEES 627.94
CRISIS PREVENTION INSTITUTE, INC
FEES 200.00 CULLIGAN IOWA
GENERAL SUPPLIES 359.88
DEMCO, INC
GENERAL SUPPLIES 87.20
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
FEES 50.00
DHS CASHIER
FEES 6,225.84
DOLLAR GENERAL
GENERAL SUPPLIES 69.05
DONOVAN GROUP
PURCHASED SERVICE 1,950.00
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SYSTEMS
INSURANCE 75,568.75
HEARTLAND NATURAL GAS LLC
NATURAL GAS 5,451.77
HICKS ELECTRIC SERVICE INC
REPAIR/MAINT SERVICE 82.87
JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL
TRANSPORTATION SUPPLIES 247.96
JONES SCHOOL SUPPLY CO, INC
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES 513.15
JW PEPPER & SON, INC
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES 81.50
K & W ELECTRIC, INC
PURCHASED SERVICE 179.00
MARCUS NEWS IN
PUBLICATIONS 504.36
MENARD, INC
GENERAL SUPPLIES 394.68
NELNET PAYMENT SERVICES
PURCHASED SERVICE 93.47
NORTHWEST AREA EDUCATION AGENCY
SPECIAL EDUCATION 18,323.50
OC SANITATION INC
GARBAGE SERVICES 180.55
ONE SOURCE THE BACKGROUND CHECK COMPANY
PURCHASED SERVICE 133.50
P & K PEST CONTROL, INC
PURCHASED SERVICE 585.00
PAULILE’S BODY SHOP
PURCHASED SERVICE 875.00
PAULLINA HARDWARE
MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES 190.79
PIZZA RANCH
GENERAL SUPPLIES 245.99
PIZZA RANCH
TRAVEL 27.80
PLAY-PRO RECREATION LLC
EQUIPMENT 35,500.00
PLAYSETPARTS.COM
GENERAL SUPPLIES 387.52
PRAIRIE MARKET
GENERAL SUPPLIES 304.87
QUILL CORPORATION
OFFICE SUPPLIES 246.30
SAM’S CLUB
GENERAL SUPPLIES 89.02
SCHOOL BUS SALES CO
TRANSPORTATION 850.34
SUPPLIES
SECURITY STATE BANK
FEES 10.00
SPENCER OFFICE SUPPLIES
MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES 1,161.83 THOMPSON SOLUTIONS GROUP REPAIR/MAINT SERVICE 50.00
TOWN & COUNTRY DISPOSAL
WASTE REMOVAL 626.22 TRIPLE R REPAIR LLC
REPAIR/MAINT SERVICE 146.23
TSYS MERCHANT SOLUTIONS
FEES 400.51
ULINE
GENERAL SUPPLIES 383.68
WEX BANK
DIESEL/FUEL 8,082.43
ZUB’S SHOP INC
TRANS REPAIR/MAINT 1,847.47 Fund Total: 191,560.36
Checking 1 Fund: 33
SAVE FUND
ALLEGIANT TECHNOLOGY
TECH SUPPLIES 45.87 ALPHA WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS CO
RADIO MAINTENANCE 1,817.87
AMAZON.COM SERVICES LLC
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES
1,954.50
APPLE INC
TECH SUPPLIES 11.76 BAN-KOE SYSTEMS INC
PURCHASED SERVICE 919.40 COMMUNITY AGENCY, THE
PHONE/INTERNET 988.04 GORDON FLESCH COMPANY INC COPIER LEASE 74.00 MARK’S PUMP SALES & SERVICE REPAIR/MAINT SERVICE 6,171.83 PIXOW
TECH SERVICES 22,453.05 RED’S PRINTING CO
GENERAL SUPPLIES 4,841.45 THOMPSON SOLUTIONS GROUP REPAIR/MAINT SERVICE 1,212.50
VERIZON
CELL SERVICE 697.32 Fund Total: 41,187.59
Checking 1 Fund: 36 PPEL FUND AMERICAN FENCE CO. OF SIOUX CITY
PURCHASED SERVICE 10,053.21
ASCENDANCE TRUCKS MIDWEST, LLC
TRANS REPAIR/MAINT 5,183.21 CHRISTIANSEN, DANE
PURCHASED SERVICE 800.00 COMMUNITY AGENCY, THE
PHONE/INTERNET 16,432.47 CROUCH CONSTRUCTION
CONSTRUCTION SERVICE 353.32
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC
PURCHASED SERVICE 1,082.50 FEH ASSOCIATES INC
ARCHITECTURE FEE 15,964.12 GFC LEASING
COPIER LEASE 2,312.15 HOMEDEPOT
GENERAL SUPPLIES 1,556.60
IOWA DEPT OF INSPECTIONS, APPEALS, & LICENSING
FEES 340.00 OPDAHL ELECTRIC
PURCHASED SERVICE 950.00 SCE LLC
REPAIR/MAINT SERVICE 1,128.65
SPARK’S DOOR HARDWARE & LOCKSMITH
REPAIR/MAINT SERVICE 5,969.46 SPENCER OFFICE SUPPLIES
MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES 495.00
SWIFT AIR INC
REPAIR/MAINT SERVICE 4,005.99
VAN HOLLAND LAWN SERVICE, LTD
GROUNDS SERVICE 14,240.00 WILTGEN BROTHERS INC
CONSTRUCTION SERVICE
305,566.55 Fund Total: 386,433.23
Checking 1 Fund: 61 SCHOOL NUTRITION FUND
BOB & SCOTT’S
GENERAL SUPPLIES 17.37 CASEY’S BAKERY INC
BREAD PRODUCTS 2,018.57
CULLIGAN OF SIOUX FALLS
GENERAL SUPPLIES 3,980.00 DFA DAIRY BRANDS FLUID, LLC
DAIRY PRODUCTS 3,539.78
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SYSTEMS INSURANCE 1,475.50
MARTIN BROS DISTRIBUTING CO INC
NUTRITION PRODUCTS 18,864.90
PRAIRIE MARKET
GENERAL SUPPLIES 130.42 Fund Total: 30,026.54
Checking 1 Fund: 63
3YO PS
BOB & SCOTT’S
GENERAL SUPPLIES 175.97
PLAY-PRO RECREATION LLC
EQUIPMENT 20,154.00 Fund Total: 20,329.97
Checking 1 Fund: 68 ENTERPRISE FUND
BOB & SCOTT’S
GENERAL SUPPLIES 390.96
MARTIN BROS DISTRIBUTING CO INC
NUTRITION PRODUCTS 481.65 PRAIRIE MARKET
GENERAL SUPPLIES 33.76 Fund Total: 906.37
Checking 2 Fund: 21
STUDENT ACTIVITY FUND
AKRON-WESTFIELD CSD
FEES 125.00 AMAZON.COM SERVICES LLC
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES 1,182.10
BOMGAARS
GENERAL SUPPLIES 104.93
CASEY’S GENERAL STORE
GENERAL SUPPLIES 118.94
CENTER SPORTS, INC ATHLETIC SUPPLIES 138.00
CF PROMO/I29 SPORTS/CF GEAR
ATHLETIC SUPPLIES 3,266.25
CHAMPIONSHIP PRODUCTIONS INC
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES 509.71
DAKTRONICS INC
ATHLETIC SUPPLIES 2,012.50
DAU CONSTRUCTION
GENERAL SUPPLIES 253.00
ELITE SPORTS
ATHLETIC SUPPLIES 2,214.00
FARQUHAR, RYAN & HEIDI
EVENT WORKER 140.00
FUHRMAN, MARK
OFFICIAL 90.00
GALVA-HOLSTEIN CSD
FEES 300.00
HILTON
TRAVEL 1,155.84
HINTZ, KIMBERLY
EVENT WORKER 80.00
HOMEDEPOT
GENERAL SUPPLIES 778.30
HYVEE INC
GENERAL SUPPLIES (10.69)
IOWA QUIZ BOWL LEAGUE
FEES 90.00
KEEP AIM LLC
RESALE SUPPLIES 651.00
LITTLE INTERNATIONAL
FEES 490.00 MENARD, INC
GENERAL SUPPLIES 166.00 MOERMOND, REBECCA
EVENT WORKER 112.00 ON DECK SPORTS
ATHLETIC SUPPLIES 2,076.71
PAULLINA HARDWARE
MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES 56.16 IOWA STATE BANK
START UP CASH 200.00 PG GOLF LLC
ATHLETIC SUPPLIES 191.88 PRAIRIE MARKET
GENERAL SUPPLIES 885.28 SO’ ATHLETIC BOOSTERS
REIMBURSEMENT 1,014.53
THOMPSON, MAUREEN
EVENT WORKER 80.00 UNITY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL FEES 294.54 WEAVER, ANDREW
OFFICIAL 90.00 Fund Total: 18,855.98