Scott County Catholic Schools (SCCS) Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Aug 24, 2026 — 5:30 PM
Assumption High School Board Room
Attendees: Mike Fisher, Carol Foster, Linda Duffy, Beth Tinsman, Mike Byrne, Rosie Barton, Tammy Askeland-Nagle
Absent: Rob Edel, Jim Hannon, Fr. Jason Crossen
Guests: Martha Korneisel, Cindy Schulenberg
Invocation
The meeting began with a prayer at 5:32 PM.
Approval of Minutes
Minutes from the July board meeting were approved.
Bylaws & Bishop Meeting Update
Michael Fisher reported on a meeting with the Bishop that followed discussion of proposed bylaw revisions.
Discussion focused primarily on budget approval responsibilities and the role of pastors in school governance.
The Bishop expressed a desire for pastors to be more engaged with the schools and to have a greater understanding of school operations and finances.
Current direction indicates pastors will be expected to review and approve school budgets.
Board members discussed the opportunity this presents for principals and pastors to collaborate more closely during the budgeting process.
Board Member Selection
Draft selection process includes nominations, vetting, interviews, and board review.
Revise pastoral-letter requirement to apply only to final candidates.
Following bylaw approval, all board members will need diocesan reaffirmation and complete required conflict-of-interest/affirmation forms.
Mission Statement
The Bishop formally approved the revised SCCS mission statement.
A formal letter of approval is expected.
Once received, SCCS will update the mission statement on its website and communications materials.
Grant School Feasibility
Bishop requires an independent feasibility study before considering a middle school at Grant.
Study should address demographics, enrollment, community input, facility options, and financial impact.
A small committee will vet firms and recommend a selection.
Pre-construction cost estimating may continue in parallel; Bush and Estes are engaged.
Finance
ESA – 26/27 fall tuition has been entered. Parents have until 9/30/26 to confirm it. We received $133k as of 8/20 from the State of Iowa for 26/27.
Financial Summary – Net surplus for July is $460,824. Year to date surplus is $460,824.
Capital improvement accruals increased to $350 per student, up from $275 per student.
Honkamp, P.C. are scheduled to come September 22 and 23, 2026.
The Bishop is expected to require formal audits every three years rather than financial reviews.
SCCS leadership will work to ensure implementation timelines allow adequate budget planning for the increased cost.
Enrollment
Enrollment remains above budgeted levels across SCCS schools.
Total enrollment exceeded projections by approximately 20 students.
Several schools continue to experience capacity pressures.
Discussion included classroom capacity, staffing needs, and future space considerations.
Staffing & Human Resources
Discussion occurred regarding teacher turnover and retention trends.
Board members expressed interest in tracking annual teacher attrition rates, reviewing exit interview findings and better understanding reasons staff choose to leave.
SCCS has hired a nurse who will start by helping schools with required annual medication administration training.
Other Updates
Schools are progressing through Catholic identity self-studies.
SCCS will explore NCEA membership costs.
Mississippi Bend AEA funding can now carry over year to year.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:58 PM.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held in the AHS Board Room at 5:30 PM on Monday, September 28, 2026.
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Cindy Schulenberg, SCCS Executive Assistant