Jewell- The South Hamilton Community School Board Tuesday evening approved plans to replace the gym floor at the junior/senior building. A quote from Phillips Flooring of Indianola for $224,100 was accepted with the additional cost to add a Hector Hawk design at mid-court. Due to the extensive time required to remove and replace a gym floor, the AEA has granted a waiver allowing the district to bypass statutory bidding requirements in order to expedite repairs. Prompt action is necessary to avoid significant disruption to physical education classes, as well as fall volleyball practices and competitions, which would create a substantial hardship for the South Hamilton school district. The replacement cost will be covered by insurance.
Plans for the Summer School Program for 2026 were reviewed Tuesday evening. The program will operate from June 1 to 24 on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:00 until 11:00 a.m. Instruction will be delivered in three 50-minute sessions each day, with students placed in targeted reading and or /math classes based on need. The South Hamilton Board approved the trip to the Business Leaders of America National Conference as a district-sponsored, optional trip for students in San Antonio, Texas from June 29th to July 2,2026. A combination of fundraising, RPP funds and student payments will fund the travel expenses. The board approved the trip to the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America National Conference as a district-sponsored, optional trip for students in Washington, D.C. from July 6 through 10,2026. A combination of fundraising and student payments will fund the travel expenses.
In other matters, the South Hamilton School Board approved a resolution declaring an official intent under Treasury Regulations to issue debt to reimburse the South Hamilton District for certain original expenditures paid in connection with specified projects. Approximately $7,500,000 School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds to help pay construction costs from the current SAVE Fund and then reimburse the construction costs when the bond in finalized. The board Tuesday approved the low quote for a trade-in and purchase of two 2026 John Deere ZTrak mowers from Van Wall Equipment for $12,200
In personnel matters, the South Hamilton board accepted the resignations of preschool associate Ava Nolte, individual speech coach Amy Trask, and activities secretary and office assistant Tiffany Nielsen. New contracts were offered to Elementary special education teacher Katie Warren, JV assistant high school volleyball coach Breanne Weiland. Summer school teachers were approved for the program next month including Ashley Flatebo, Taylor Riley, Allison Hassebrock, Gail George, Rachel Soderberg, Molly Wingert, Yadira Hernandez-Rodriguez and Ruth Eley. The Summer School Associates will be Kim White, Jenifer Robbins, Brittany Schroeder and Laken Zanker.
The board accepted a renewal agreement with iJAG for the continuation of the program at South Hamilton at $25,000 with the remaining costs of the program through a grant. The School Technology Service agreement with Prairie Lakes AEA was also accepted by the board for $75,276. An agreement renewal with Walnut Creek for onsite mental health counseling for $10,000 was approved.
Semester testing is underway at the junior and senior high at South Hamilton is underway this week. A year-end assembly celebrating the school year will be held at South Hamilton this Friday afternoon with early dismissal at approximately 1:30 p.m.