School board approves resolutions

MONTEZUMA — There was no public comment during two public hearings held at the September meeting of the Montezuma Board of Education.

The board met Wednesday, Sept. 17 in the school auditorium.

The first was a notice of public hearing on a resolution directing expenditures of the school flex fund.

This was followed by a notice of public hearing on participation in the Instructional Support Levy.

The first hearing allowed the board to make transferable $185,402 to be available for any general fund purposes for fiscal school year 2026.

The second hearing allows the district to continue participation in the ISL program for additional five years. According to Superintendent Rich Schulte, it allows the school district to levy a tax for general fund needs.

Also approved was the Special Education Deficit Resolution, which did not require a public hearing. Due to a negative balance in the special education budget, the approval allows the district to capture $250,767.96 in allowable growth and supplemental aid to have funds for the special education program for the 2024-25 school year.

Kelly O’Rourke, elementary and middle school principal, reported that the district was completing FAST Testing in language arts and math. O’Rourke noted that the annual fall screener was taking place between Sept. 15 — 22. It was also noted that all 6th — 11th grade students will start their MAP assessments that they take at the beginning and end of the school year.

O’Rourke noted that the district has enjoyed a great start to the year in the elementary and middle school. He added that the elementary school staff has adopted a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports structure of handing out Gold Tickets to students who are kind, responsible and safe in common areas.

“The positive reinforcement system has helped us all adopt a common language of praise for our students,” said O’Rourke.

It was also reported that having an adviser back in the middle school is helping with our students not missing as much classroom time for activities. Along with this, O’Rourke said its allowing teachers to have another time where they can connect with small groups of students.

It was discussed that the first month of the year brought on the start of new leadership positions. Leaders have stepped up and are carrying out their responsibilities. O’Rourke said the district’s goal is to continue to share its story of all the great things happening at Montezuma Community School District.

Schulte said the district teachers now have the opportunity to participate in a “Create Your Own Path” program. The program allows teachers to use their personal development days to visit other school districts to learn how they do things, or continue to develop new units while staying in the district. There are two times planned this year.

Schulte said he enjoys seeing students have fun during Homecoming week. Earlene Taylor is doing a great job taking care of Homecoming activities, he said.

There was also mention of the district taking part in the Silver Cord program. This program gives students the opportunity to do volunteer work and if they meet the criteria, they will receive a silver cord to be worn at commencement.

Schulte asked the board for recommendations that he can take to a monthly meeting of superintendents held at the Central River AEA in Cedar Falls. The board noted that they wanted to hear any updates of legislation or changes that would impact students and teachers.

Unofficially, Schulte, who also serves as the high school principal, noted that there are 457 students in seats this school year. He said the official count will not be done until October.

And lastly, a school board and city council election will be held Nov. 4. The Montezuma School District has two open board seats — Jason Meyer and Matt Mann. Both have sent in papers to be on the ballot.

The next school board meeting is slated for Oct. 15 at 5:30 p.m. in the school auditorium.