NEWS CHRONICLE FILE PHOTO — The resignation of longtime South Tama County wrestling coach and PE teacher Nate Van Dyke, who won a state title at 152 pounds back in 2003 for the Trojans, was accepted by the school board during Monday night’s meeting.

Coming out of Monday’s South Tama County board meeting, one thing was clear: the resignation of high school Physical Education teacher Nathan Van Dyke was felt throughout the whole district. Van Dyke, the longtime boys wrestling coach and an STC alum himself, was a state champion wrestler with the Trojans back in 2003 at 152 pounds.

Before approving the personnel move, board member Beth Wiese shared her thoughts.

“Well, before we approve personnel I just want to say we’re really going to miss Van Dyke. I’m really sad to see him go,” she said. “That’s all I want to say. He’s going to be missed.”

In response to Wiese’s remarks, Superintendent John Cain gave a brief four word statement.

“Good person, good coach,” he added.

At the end of the meeting Cain had more to say in response to the departure of Van Dyke. This came in the form of a shoutout exercise that the board has implemented this school year.

“I’ll give Mr. Van Dyke a shoutout. I know he’s been dedicated to our district, and he will leave behind some big shoes to fill, both in his strength and conditioning role as well as his coaching role,” Cain said.

The board table was more empty than usual with Elizabeth Dolezal and Megan Thiessen both absent from the meeting. With just enough for a quorum the meeting proceeded as planned.

During presentations, Middle School Principal Ben Adams gave an update of current affairs of his building, and Curriculum Director Janelle Pirkl alongside building leads presented on winter testing data.

The board approved Joe Fingerhut coming to speak to the district and community for the amount of $7,500. The funding comes from the Stronger Connections Grant, which goes away if the district doesn’t use all the funding by later in the year. Fingerhut will speak at an assembly in each of the three school buildings along with a community night being held at the Wieting.

Alexis Huff was hired to fill a Spanish position. Huff was found through a recruiting fair and is coming to the district from the University of South Dakota.

The board approved the offering of Graphic Design and Computer Systems and Application courses next year. The two courses will be taught by business teacher Melody Vallente.

A previously tabled item was approved this time around after further administrative discussions. After reviewing caseloads, Sam Peska wanted to offer bonuses by caseload for educators who were serving more students than a set benchmark. This comes off a shortage of special education teachers in the district, which has improved since last year yet still having open positions.

The next board meeting will be held on March 24.