Board to consider Sargent's daughter as new girls hoops coach

FORT MADISON - The Lady Hounds basketball team could be turned over to the daughter of the late Tony Sargent, who ran the program for the past three years.
At Monday's regular Fort Madison School Board meeting, the board will consider the hiring of Toni Sargent, who served as her father's assistant, and former Bloodhound Landon Bentley to lead the program.
Fort Madison Activities Director Jeff Lamb said he is recommending the hiring of both individuals.
George A. "Tony" Sargent died as a result of a sudden illness on August 11, 2022.
Sargent completely turned around the program for the Lady Hounds who were 2-20 in 2018. Sargent led the Hounds to eight wins in 2019 his first year, and then amassed a 34-7 overall mark over the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
Bentley is also being recommended as the middle school volleyball coach, while Keith Helling is being recommended as middle school football coach.
Lamb will also be giving a facilities update to the board as part of agenda discussions.
The board is also expecting an update on the Middle School and High School construction projects as well as regular district policy reviews.
A full agenda is located at the district's website or at the following link: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/SB_MeetingListing.aspx?S=36031089.