Meeting: Scott County Catholic Schools (SCCS) Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Date: October 27, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Grant School
Attendees: Andy Craig, Rob Edel, Rosie Salazar, Carol Foster, Linda Duffy, Beth Tinsman, Mike Byrne, Rosie Barton, Tammy Askeland-Nagle
Absent: Jim Hannon, Fr. Jason Crossen
Guests: Logan Ahnquist, Martha Korneisel, Cindy Schulenberg
Prayer
The meeting began with a prayer at 5:33 PM.
Approval of Minutes
Minutes from the September board meeting were approved.
Reports
Mission/Governance
A November Mission and Governance meeting will be scheduled to discuss improving the middle school experience.
There was discussion on chronic absenteeism in local public middle schools, highlighting opportunities for SCCS.
Education
Enrollment has increased for the third consecutive year with 2,087 for a total.
St. Paul’s and JFK schools are near full capacity. All Saints saw a decrease in enrollment.
Assumption High School’s retention from 8th to 9th grade is now in the mid-to-high 80% range, up from the usual 72%.
All schools have submitted required state reports.
Ongoing work with other Iowa STOs regarding school choice funding (SGO). Next meeting will be held in Des Moines on Thursday October 30.
Discussion about space limitation is under review, and potential solutions are being explored.
Finance
Honkamp P.C will present the financial statement review at the Finance Committee meeting on December 19. Those will be available to the Board at the November meeting.
September net surplus: $33,000.
Technology expenses increased mainly due to higher costs (Lenovo Thinkpads, UPS project).
Facilities expenses included cleaning at all schools, science lab furniture at Assumption, and electrical work at All Saints.
Budget revision increased salaries/benefits from $14.6M to just over $15M, mainly due to increased headcount at Assumption.
20% of school year-end profit will be allocated back to schools as restricted funds.
Capital improvement allocation per student will increase from $275 to $350 next year.
A motion was made by Linda Duffy to approve the amended budget. The motion was seconded by Rosie Barton and passed unanimously.
Human Resources
Cindy Schulenberg was hired as the new executive assistant in the business office.
Teddy Bear Club evaluation continues.
Employees have been completing required training courses sent out.
Ongoing compliance with state mandates (e.g., E-Verify for government employers).
State Auditor reviewing Department of Ed licensing and background check procedures.
Communication/Marketing
The SCCS website is live, with regular improvements being made.
The SJA website is coming soon, with exciting updates and improvements in progress before launch.
Facilities
The Building and Grounds committee interviewed architects for Grant School project. Bray was recommended for hire due to their comprehensive approach and experience. Bray’s proposal includes support for SCCS branding and curriculum integration, aiming to differentiate SCCS from public schools and align facilities with educational goals.
The project will be phased, starting with essential upgrades and planning for future renovations.
A motion was made by Linda Duffy to approve hiring Bray for Phase I with a cost not to exceed $50k. The motion was seconded by Rosie Barton and passed unanimously. Bray will conduct a comprehensive facility study and present options for upgrades and renovations. The board will negotiate further terms and monitor progress.
Ongoing maintenance concerns were discussed, especially the frequent repair costs of JFK’s HVAC system. The board agreed to partner with parish councils to address these issues and develop best practices for facility management.
Technology
None.
Other
None.
Unfinished Business
None.
New Business
Board members were invited to tour Grant school following the meeting.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 PM.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held in the AHS Board Room at 5:30 PM on Monday, November 24, 2025.
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Cindy Schulenberg, SCCS Executive Assistant