Board approves retirement of two longtime Montezuma teachers

MONTEZUMA — Two longtime Montezuma educators will be retiring at the end of the 2025 — 26 school year.

The school board approved the notices of retirement from kindergarten teacher Kris Ferguson and high school teacher and FFA adviser Rick Swenson during a meeting of the Montezuma Community School Board Jan. 21.

The board also approved the request of Janelle Burgess to step down as the junior high softball coach.

The board reviewed policy 904.3R1 regarding sexual offenders who have been convicted of crimes against a minor in any school district and whether they can be on school property.

Superintendent Rich Schulte outlined the policy and how the district handles requests from individuals with a conviction who may want to attend a school event. After looking at options, the board voted to have zero tolerance on allowing such people on school grounds or at school events on school property.

Prior to that time, requests were handled case by case.

In a related matter, two Montezuma residents addressed the school board regarding its decision to name the Grinnell Herald Register as the school’s legal newspaper.

Kathy Gorsuch, who noted that the owner of The Record, Derek Bates, has served his time and needed to be given a second chance. Jacki Bolen also spoke in support of The Record. She noted that The Record was instrumental in getting the bond issue passed and that the school needs to support its community and local businesses.

Bates is listed on the Iowa Sex Offender Registry as having convictions from 2017 on two counts of sexual exploitation of a male under the age of 17 by a counselor, therapist or school employee.

In other business, the board heard a short presentation from athletic director Tim Burgess regarding scheduling of athletic events.

Schulte praised the great job of the honor choir at its latest competition. He also gave kudos to the DECA students and Mr. Gartman for their hard work and their success competing against larger schools.

Schulte presented a certificate of achievement to board member Cori Henkle, who successfully completed some board training.

The board approved an agreement with Denovo, a general contractor from Des Moines, regarding district improvements and discussed a construction timeline. Montezuma residents approved a bond issue of $12,55 million In November to pay for the project.

The board’s next regular meeting will be Feb. 18 at 5:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria.