Sergeant Bluff-Luton Community School District
Organizational Board Meeting
12/04/2025 - 06:00 AM
Northwest AEA Building
5800 Discovery Blvd,
Sioux City, Iowa 51111
Parking Lot A, Door 8, Room 4
MEETING MINUTES
Mission Statement
In partnership with parents and the community, the SB-L Schools will challenge students to take personal responsibility for their education and to apply their learning to a diverse and changing world.
Attendance
Voting Members
Tammy Matthey, Board Director
Lillyan Rodriguez, Board Director
Jeff Wright, President
Jason Gehling, Vice President
Chris Barondeau, Board Director
Outgoing Board Member:
Matt Britton, Board Director
1. Retiring Board
a. The Pledge of Allegiance
b. Call to Order
The retiring board December 2025 meeting of the Sergeant Bluff-Luton Board of Education was called to order by President Jeff Wright at 6:00 a.m.
c. Approval of the Agenda
Motion to approve the agenda.
Motion made by: Jason Gehling
Motion seconded by: Tammy Matthey
Voting:
Matt Britton - Yes
Tammy Matthey - Yes
Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes
Jeff Wright - Yes
Jason Gehling - Yes
d. Approval of minutes from the previous meetings
Motion to approve the minutes of the meetings from November 2025.
Motion made by: Matt Britton
Motion seconded by: Lillyan Rodriguez
Voting:
Matt Britton - Yes
Tammy Matthey - Yes
Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes
Jeff Wright - Yes
Jason Gehling - Yes
e. Approve updated bid with the relocation of the scoreboards for baseball and softball Motion to approve the updated bid for $55,410.08 plus $6,200 for the electrical work to be done by O'Dell Electric.
Motion made by: Jason Gehling
Motion seconded by: Lillyan Rodriguez
Voting:
Matt Britton - Yes
Tammy Matthey - Yes
Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes
Jeff Wright - Yes
Jason Gehling - Yes
f. Canvas of official report of school board election
Motion to approve the canvas of the official report of the school board election.
Motion made by: Tammy Matthey
Motion seconded by: Matt Britton
Voting:
Matt Britton - Yes
Tammy Matthey - Yes
Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes
Jeff Wright - Yes
Jason Gehling - Yes
g. Canvas of official report of Public Measure WS
Motion to approve the canvas of the official report of Public Measure WS, bond issue for a new primary school.
Motion made by: Jason Gehling
Motion seconded by: Matt Britton
Voting:
Matt Britton - Yes
Tammy Matthey - Yes
Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes
Jeff Wright - Yes
Jason Gehling - Yes
h. Adjourn the Retiring Board Meeting
Mr. Janzen thanked Director Matt Britton for serving on the School Board.
Adjourn at 6:08 a.m.
Motion made by: Matt Britton
Motion seconded by: Tammy Matthey
Voting:
Matt Britton - Yes
Tammy Matthey - Yes
Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes
Jeff Wright - Yes
Jason Gehling - Yes
2. Organizational Board Meeting
a. Call the Organizational Meeting to Order
The organizational meeting December 2025 of the Sergeant Bluff-Luton Board of Education was called to order by Board Secretary Nissen.
b. Administration of the oath of office to newly elected board members Nissen administered the oath of office to Lillyan Rodriguez and Chris Barondeau.
c. Election of the President
Board Secretary Nissen asked for nominations for the office of the president of the board of education. Gehling nominated Wright. Wright nominated Gehling.
d. Cease nominations for President
Board Secretary Nissen asked for a motion to cease nominations.
Motion made by: Tammy Matthey
Motion seconded by: Lillyan Rodriguez
Voting:
Tammy Matthey - Yes
Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes
Jeff Wright - Yes
Chris Barondeau - Yes
Jason Gehling - Yes
1. Approval and Oath of Office to the President
Board Secretary Nissen declared Jeff Wright the President. The oath of office was administered to President Wright.
e. Election of the Vice President
President Wright asked for nominations for the office of Vice President of the board of education.
President Wright nominated Gehling.
f. Cease nominations for Vice President
President Wright asked for a motion to cease nominations for Vice President.
Motion made by: Tammy Matthey
Motion seconded by: Lillyan Rodriguez
Voting:
Tammy Matthey - Yes
Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes
Jeff Wright - Yes
Chris Barondeau - Yes
Jason Gehling - Yes
1. Approval and Oath of Office to the Vice President
Board Secretary Nissen declared Jason Gehling the Vice President. The oath of office was administered to Vice President Gehling.
g. Welcome Visitors & Guests
President Wright welcomed the visitors and asked if anyone present wished to address the board.
No oral or written comments were given.
h. Approval of the Organizational Agenda
Motion made by: Jason Gehling
Motion seconded by: Tammy Matthey
Voting:
Tammy Matthey - Yes
Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes
Jeff Wright - Yes
Chris Barondeau - Yes
Jason Gehling - Yes
i. Approval of the Secretary’s Monthly Reports
Motion made by: Tammy Matthey
Motion seconded by: Jason Gehling
Voting:
Tammy Matthey - Yes
Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes
Jeff Wright - Yes
Chris Barondeau - Yes
Jason Gehling - Yes
j. Approval of Current Bills
The current bills were reviewed by the board.
Motion made by: Tammy Matthey
Motion seconded by: Lillyan Rodriguez
Voting:
Tammy Matthey - Abstain
Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes
Jeff Wright - Yes
Chris Barondeau - Yes
Jason Gehling - Yes
k. Recognition
Warrior Manufacturing for retrofitting a cart for the popcorn machine.
Shout out to all those involved in Warrior Manufacturing and Warrior Enterprises on how well it is going. Exciting things are happening.
The SBL High School Quiz Bowl team, who were co-champions, went 7-0 at the 2025 West Hall Open at Logan Magnolia High School. Chloe Barragan, Clayton Dunn, Max Kranig, Tyler Guthmiller, Kaylyn Preston.
Recognize our AP teachers, Michelle Ball, Jared Ocker, Matt Sterk and Julie Lovig as well as their students for being recognized for making the top 50 high schools AP Index in the state of Iowa. This is the first year SBL High School has achieved this recognition since beginning AP classes and testing at the high school.
Congratulations to our girls' swimmers, Breanna Ocker and Natalie DeLarosa for qualifying for the state swimming tournament.
All conference volleyball selections: 1st team: Bre VanDen Top and Bailey Ball, 2nd team: Kaitlyn Hardie, and honorably mentioned: Kenleigh Panowicz.
All-State Volleyball 1st Team: Bre VanDen Top, 3rd Team: Bailey Ball.
Football
All District 1st Team: Beckett Verros, Alex Broderson, Avery Jacobson, Ayden Dather, Xavier Jones, Joe Hardy, Gavin Warren, Isaiah Jervik, Brody Wegher, Gavin Merrill
All District 2nd Team: Brody VanKalsbeek, Gavin Ahrendt, Andy Kolar, Parker Kilburn, Joey Gonzalez, Kennik Buschmann, Emmet Kneifl, Aden Konopasek, Justin Ehlers, Landon Panowicz
Honorably Mentioned: Crew Christensen, Dax Koedam
4A District 1 Asst. Coach of the Year: Dan Conway
Academic All District (Sr 3.5): Billy Singvongsa, Abram Keokenchanh, Landon Panowicz, Joe Hardy, Mason VanDeKop, Isaiah Jervik, Blake Harsma, Jack Zeleny, Ayden Dather, Avery Jacobsen, Parker Kilburn
Academic All District H.M. (Sr. 3.25): Gavin Merrill, Gavin Warren, Kennik Buschmann
IFCA All-State 1st Team: Alex Broderson, Joe Hardy, Gavin Warren, Isaiah Jervik
IFCA All-state 2nd Team: Beckett Verros, Avery Jacobson, Xavier Jones
Academic All-State (Starter/Sr 3.7): Billy Singvongsa, Abram Keokenchanh, Landon Panowicz, Joe Hardy, Parker Kilburn
l. Administrative Reports
1. Mrs. Adams and Mrs. Konopasek
Mrs. Adams and Mrs. Konopasek provided a Primary & Elementary Report covering instructional practices, strengthening content and language objectives, professional learning and building sustainable, collaborative teams.
m. Action Items
1. Approve policies of the previous board
Motion to approve the policies of the previous school board.
Motion made by: Jason Gehling
Motion seconded by: Tammy Matthey
Voting:
Tammy Matthey - Yes
Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes
Jeff Wright - Yes
Chris Barondeau - Yes
Jason Gehling - Yes
2. Resignations
Recommendation to approve the new resignation as presented:
Andersen, Tyler - High School Girls Asst Basketball Coach
Motion made by: Tammy Matthey
Motion seconded by: Chris Barondeau
Voting:
Tammy Matthey - Yes
Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes
Jeff Wright - Yes
Chris Barondeau - Yes
Jason Gehling - Yes
a. Resignations for Early Retirement
Recommendation to approve the Early Retirement resignation as presented:
Bak, Katie Primary School Teacher- Early Retirement Request and Resignation
Motion made by: Tammy Matthey
Motion seconded by: Lillyan Rodriguez
Voting:
Tammy Matthey - Yes
Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes
Jeff Wright - Yes
Chris Barondeau - Yes
Jason Gehling - Yes
3. New contracts
Recommendation to approve the below new contracts as presented:
Schaap, Brady - High School Boys Basketball Asst Coach Step 1 $2,986
Conlon, Cole - HS Asst Baseball Coach, Step 1 $2,986
Motion made by: Lillyan Rodriguez
Motion seconded by: Jason Gehling
Voting:
Tammy Matthey - Yes
Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes
Jeff Wright - Yes
Chris Barondeau - Yes
Jason Gehling - Yes
4. Approval of SBRC Application for Increased Enrollment, Open Enrollment Out and Limited
English Proficient Beyond 5 Years
Recommendation to approve modified supplement amount: $211,259 - updated with October 2025 data on 11/18/2025
Increase Enrollment: $0.00
Open Enrollment Out: $187,775.00
LEP Instruction Beyond 5 years: $23,484.00
Motion made by: Tammy Matthey
Motion seconded by: Chris Barondeau
Voting:
Tammy Matthey - Yes
Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes
Jeff Wright - Yes
Chris Barondeau - Yes
Jason Gehling - Yes
5. Committee Assignments 2025-2026
Motion to approve the Board Committees and assignments for 2025-2026:
Committee Name Name
Finance & Negotiations Wright Gehling
Facilities & Transportation Matthey Barondeau
District Advisory Committee Rodriguez X
Sioux City Conference Board Rodriguez X
Athletic Booster Rep Matthey X
Music Booster Rep Barondeau X
*Delegate Assembly Wright X
Motion made by: Chris Barondeau
Motion seconded by: Tammy Matthey
Voting:
Tammy Matthey - Yes
Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes
Jeff Wright - Yes
Chris Barondeau - Yes
Jason Gehling - Yes
6. Approve Mid-Year Graduates
Motion to approve mid-year graduates as presented, pending successful completion of all graduation requirements by January 9.
Motion made by: Tammy Matthey
Motion seconded by: Jason Gehling
Voting:
Tammy Matthey - Yes
Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes
Jeff Wright - Yes
Chris Barondeau - Yes
Jason Gehling - Yes
7. 2nd Policy Readings
Mr. Janzen gave the second reading of the following policies:
102
102.R1
102.E1
102.E2
102.E3
102.E4
302.01
303.02
401.01
603.04
710.01R1
710.01E1
710.01E2
401.05
501.08
506.01
708
804.06
Motion made by: Jason Gehling
Motion seconded by: Lillyan Rodriguez
Voting:
Tammy Matthey - Yes
Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes
Jeff Wright - Yes
Chris Barondeau - Yes
Jason Gehling - Yes
8. 2nd Policy Reading
Mr. Janzen gave the second reading of the following policies:
104
104.E1
104.E2
104.E3
211
402.02
402.03
405.02
411.02
501.03
501.09
501.09R1
505.05
507.01
603.01
603.05
Motion made by: Tammy Matthey
Motion seconded by: Lillyan Rodriguez
Voting:
Tammy Matthey - Yes
Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes
Jeff Wright - Yes
Chris Barondeau - Yes
Jason Gehling - Yes
9. Approve 28E agreement with the City of Sergeant Bluff and the Fire Science Academy
Motion to approve the 28E agreement with the City of Sergeant Bluff for the Fire Science Academy pending recommendations from the city attorney and approval by the City.
Motion made by: Tammy Matthey
Motion seconded by: Chris Barondeau
Voting:
Tammy Matthey - Yes
Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes
Jeff Wright - Yes
Chris Barondeau - Yes
Jason Gehling - Yes
10. Approve At-Risk and Drop-out Identification Process and Prevention Program
Mr. Janzen reviewed the programs funded by At-Risk and the process for identification.
Motion to approve the At-Risk and Dropout Prevention Identification Process and Program.
Motion made by: Chris Barondeau
Motion seconded by: Lillyan Rodriguez
Voting:
Tammy Matthey - Yes
Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes
Jeff Wright - Yes
Chris Barondeau - Yes
Jason Gehling - Yes
n. Superintendent Report
1. Bond Election Information by Precinct
Mr. Janzen reviewed voting information for the November 2025 bond election by precinct.
2. Facility Planning
Mr. Janzen reported on a timeline for discussions regarding a potential 2026 bond issue.
3. Needs Assessment Survey
Mr. Janzen reviewed the Needs Assessment Survey. Based on the excerpts from the SBL Needs Assessment Responses, the three greatest areas identified as strengths or positive achievements that the community feels are worthy of celebration focus on high expectations and academic rigor, dedicated staff support for students, and effective communication and community engagement.
Based on the excerpts from the SBL Needs Assessment Responses, there are no specific survey questions where the combined percentage of respondents selecting "Disagree" or "Ineffective" exceeds the 25% threshold.
4. Employee Satisfaction Survey
Mr. Janzen reviewed the Employee Satisfaction Survey. Based on the Employee Satisfaction Data, the three biggest themes to celebrate are Student Achievement & High Expectations, Staff Commitment & Colleague Relationships, and Administrative Transparency & Technology Satisfaction.
Based strictly on the quantitative data provided in the sources, there are no areas of concern where the combination of Disagree and Strongly Disagree responses exceeds the threshold of 25%.
5. Radon Testing
Mr. Janzen reviewed the radon testing, reporting that the middle school was tested this year.
Our test results came back well below the US EPA advised radon action level of 4.0 pCi/L, and even below the WHO's level of 2.7 pCi/L.
6. January Board Meeting is on the 8th
Due to low board member availability, the board is looking at changing the January board meeting date.
o. Adjourn
Adjourn at 7:41 a.m.
Motion made by: Chris Barondeau
Motion seconded by: Lillyan Rodriguez
Voting:
Tammy Matthey - Yes
Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes
Jeff Wright - Yes
Chris Barondeau - Yes
Jason Gehling - Yes
Board President Board Secretary
Published in the Sergeant Bluff Advocate weekly newspaper, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. The SB-Advocate is the Official Newspaper for the Sergeant Bluff-Luton CSD and is an Official Woodbury County newspaper. (PN#121125-00282)
