Work continues at Inman Elementary

The Red Oak School Board tackled several action items at a recent meeting.
Board member Bryce Johnson also shared an update on the progress currently being made regarding renovations at Inman Elementary.
“The work continues to move forward as planned although we’ve had some rain and some other short-term challenges. So far we’ve lost about eight work days, but they are going to try to make that up with different schedules in the future to try to bring some of those back in. They’re also going to put up some additional screening which will also be installed to reduce the distractions and keep students away from the active work areas,” explained Johnson.
The structural steel is expected to begin installation this month and Johnson said the contractors will probably do some schedule compression in order to bring some of that time back in from those eight lost days.
“The most notable constraint at this point is the lead time and installation of the HVAC equipment. The operation may not be achieved until approximately two weeks after the school year starts, and that’s kind of a best-case scenario. Contractors are exploring some different options to try to make the installation quicker. We’re also making some contingency plans, especially at that time of the year because it can be very hot which could cause some problems. We’re also looking at trying to figure out the flooring that goes into the cafeteria area So they can figure out some elevations,” said Johnson.
From a financial and standpoint, the project remains within the expected parameters and mechanical revisions are tracking close to budget.
“As of now, we’re still staying on budget which is a good thing. The team is continuing to coordinate construction activities and school operations including upcoming student testing and events. One example that is discussed was the possibility of relocating the May school carnival to the high school to help reduce congestion and improve safety during the construction process,” Johnson stated.  “The team continues to proactively address issues, maintain progress, and tries to minimize disruptions to student and staff while keeping the project on track overall.”
Superintendent Ron Lorenz led board discussion on waiving the athletic eligibility period due to upon enrollment.
“I’ve talked to the board about the fact that we are seeing a sort of uptick in terms of open enrollment that we believe stems the tide of individuals who are leaving our district. This relates to a family that is actually open enrolling into our district from Griswold. There are multiple siblings, one of which I believe is a senior, and they want all the kids to come at the same time,” Lorenz explained. “This open enrollment request was submitted in a timely manner, it has been approved by both Griswold and Red Oak however, the high school youth wants to participate in athletics typically under the Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Girls Union, kids who open enroll are generally ineligible for competition for 90 days unless both districts agree to waive that requirement. This is a situation where the child is not open enrolling for purposes of athletics. It’s actually a family decision but the child would like to participate in football.”
Lorenz said the district has spoken with the Griswold School District, which has already acted to waive that 90 days. Lorenz recommended the Red Oak Board do the same. The board agreed to waive the 90 day stipulation as presented.
The board also held discussion on a 2026 certified budget amendment.
“We are recommending the board approve a $600,000 amendment in our current year certified budget. This is merely to provide the necessary spending authority to meet our applications. It will have no impact on the tax rate, it will have no impact on anythin else, it’s just making sure that we satisfy all the procedural requirements, and all of our audit requirements,” commented Lorenz.
The deadline for the amendment to be approved is June 30, but Lorenz said the county auditor prefers amendments be passed before the next year’s budget is approved. The board approved the budget amendment as presented.
In other business, the board:
Approved the hirings of BrieAnne Pester as Secretary at Inman Elementary effective July 1; Tymberlee Bentley as senior high school assistant softball coach effective for the 2025-26 school year; Alec Ruskell as junior high school football coach for the 2026-27 school year; and Kate Johnson and Karla Glass as elementary classroom teacher at Inman Elementary School for the 2026-27 school year.
Approved the resignations of Kelsey Mangold as school counselor and TLC assessment lead at the Red Oak Jr./Sr. High School; Kathleen Miner as elementary classroom teacher at Inman Elementary, effective at the end of the 2025-26 school year; Brian Orr as special education teacher at the Red Oak Jr./Sr. High School effective at the end of the 2025-26 school year; Abigail Ellsworth as elementary classroom teacher at Inman Elementary and girls track head coach at Red Oak Jr./Sr. High School, effective at the end of the 2025-26 school year; Beth Burges as TAG teacher at Red Oak Community School District effective at the end of the 2025-26 school year; Tracy Vannausdle as student council sponsor at Red Oak Jr./Sr. High School effective at the end of the 2025-26 school year; and Ireland Palmer as art teacher at Red Oak Jr./Sr. High School effective at the end of the 2025-26 school year.
Approved a contract for Syncquip Mechanical Group for replacing the HVAC compressor at Inman Elementary School, in the amount of $18,984.
Approved a contract with Relay Medicaid Claiming Service.
Approved the renewal of the Interscholastic Activity sharing agreement for boys’ and girls’ golf, boys’ and girls’ soccer, and boys’ tennis with the Stanton Community School District for the 2025-26 school year.
Approved the renewal of Voluntary Dental Insurance through Lincoln Financial Group.