Scott County Catholic Schools (SCCS) Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
May 18, 2026 — 5:30 PM
Assumption High School Board Room
Attendees: Andy Craig, Rob Edel, Rosie Salazar, Carol Foster, Linda Duffy, Beth Tinsman (online), Mike Byrne, Rosie Barton, Tammy Askeland-Nagle, Jim Hannon
Absent: Fr. Jason Crossen
Guests: Fr. Bruce DeRammelaere, Ethan Connors, Julie Delaney, Logan Ahnquist, Martha Korneisel, Cindy Schulenberg
Invocation
Fr. Bruce began with a prayer at 5:28 PM.
St. Paul Capital Improvement Plan
Representatives from St. Paul presented a proposed capital improvement project which would add a fine arts wing and two fifth grade classrooms. The current proposal would include increases to daycare and preschool capacity, as well as an addition to the main school building. Discussion centered on enrollment trends, preschool and daycare demand, parking and pickup logistics, playground use, projected construction costs, and how the proposal fits within broader systemwide facilities planning. Presenters did not see this project as working against a possible grade realignment, such as the development of a shared middle school.
Board members also discussed the importance of coordinating parish-level capital projects with long-term Scott County Catholic Schools planning so that fundraising efforts, facility investments, and enrollment growth strategies remain aligned.
Approval of Minutes
Minutes from the April board meeting were approved.
Reports
Mission/Governance
The board discussed upcoming board term renewals and vacancies. Current members whose terms are expiring shared whether they intended to continue serving or step down. Rob Edel and Rosie Barton will continue to serve on the board. Rosie Salazar indicated an intention to step down while remaining willing to continue supporting the Building and Grounds Committee. Because Rosie currently serves as vice president and has one year remaining in that officer term, the vice president role will need to be filled for the coming year.
The board discussed the process for identifying new board members and emphasized the importance of balancing parish representation, needed skill sets, and long-term board effectiveness. Members suggested seeking candidates with experience in areas such as facilities, communications/marketings or technology, while also considering underrepresented parishes.
Education
An enrollment update was shared, and numbers look encouraging overall. Enrollment is up from last year, with additional students still in the registration process. Some grade school classes are getting close to full, and several campuses are seeing steady growth.
The board noted that the enrollment increase is a positive sign for SCCS. At the same time, members recognized that continued growth would require ongoing planning to make sure there is enough classroom space across all schools.
Finance
April finances were routine with no major surprises. There was a modest net surplus for April, driven largely by fundraising revenue. The balance sheet reflected prepaid expenses tied to laptop purchases that had been ordered but not yet received.
Human Resources
An update was provided on staffing and recruitment. Teacher recruitment has been progressing smoothly, and it was noted that recent salary improvements have likely supported both recruitment and retention efforts. The principal position at All Saints remains unfilled, and contingency planning is underway in the event a candidate is not hired soon.
The board also received an update on a new state requirement. Effective July 1, all schools are to use employment verification procedures. In addition, time has been spent addressing employee concerns and supporting internal personnel matters.
Communication/Marketing
No updates to report.
Facilities
The board discussed facilities planning at length. Members reviewed ongoing concerns related to long-term building capacity, enrollment growth, and the condition of existing school buildings. Attention was given to the need for a workable backup plan if building conditions at a current school worsen or if enrollment growth outpaces available space.
Discussion also included the Grant building and possible ways to make it functional for future school use, as well as the need for clearer cost estimates from the architect and construction manager. Members agreed that facilities planning will need to continue as enrollment and building needs continue to escalate.
Technology
No updates to report.
Other: Legislative Update
Linda reported on recent passage by the Iowa legislature that replaces lost SWVPP funding by SJA’s move from Bettendorf to PV school district. This will allow replacement of eligible expenses previously covered by the Joan of Arc Foundation.
Andy reported that the four Catholic dioceses in Iowa will form a SGO captive at the direction of the bishops.
Unfinished Business
No updates to report.
New Business
No updates to report.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:29 PM.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held in the AHS Board Room at 5:30 PM on Monday, June 22, 2026.
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Cindy Schulenberg, SCCS Executive Assistant