USD 428 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
July 8 - 5 p.m.
1809 24th Street, Great Bend
Agenda
1. CALL TO ORDER
1.1 Roll Call
1.2 Adoption of Agenda
1.3 Recognition of Visitors
1.4 Request to Speak Reminder
• Persons may present ideas or concerns regarding USD 428. The Board will take no action at this meeting. Such items will be referred to the appropriate administrator(s) for future information and researched and reported back to the Board at a later meeting. Personalities and behavior of employees are not to be presented during this period but are to be reported to the employee’s immediate supervisor. The president shall determine the amount of time to be spent for citizen participation.
1.5 Citizen’s Open Forum
2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
A. President
B. Vice-President
Nominations are now in order for the office of president and vice-president. The Board will elect a president and a vice-president by vote.
3. PRESENTATIONS / RECOGNITIONS / ACHIEVEMENTS
None
4. COMMUNICATIONS
• Board Members’ Comments
• Citizens Open Forum
• Written Communications / Correspondence
ORGANIZATION OF THE 2024-2025 BOARD OF EDUCATION
5. APPOINTMENTS / DESIGNATIONS
A. Board Clerk Recommendation: John Popp
It is recommended that Assistant Superintendent John Popp would be appointed as the Clerk of the Board of Education.
B. Assistant Clerk Recommendation: Cathie McManaman
The Board needs to appoint an Assistant Clerk to serve in the absence of the Board Clerk and provide continuity to district services. Cathie McManaman will continue to serve in this capacity.
C. Treasurer
Recommendations: April Harbaugh
It is recommended that April Harbaugh, Payroll Clerk, will serve in this capacity.
D. Assistant Treasurer Recommendation: Kathy Roberts
The Board appoints an Assistant Treasurer to serve in the absence of the Board Treasurer and to provide continuity to district services. It is recommended that Kathy Roberts will serve as Assistant Treasurer.
E. Truancy Officers
Recommendation: All Learning Center Principals and Assistant Principals.
These administrators have been serving as Truancy Officers, and it is recommended that they will continue in this position.
F. Hearing Officer for Free and Reduced
Recommendation: Khris Thexton
The Superintendent has been serving as this officer, and it is recommended that this practice will continue.
G. Food Service Representative
Recommendation: Kristy Alvord
It is recommended that Food Service Director Kristy Alvord continues serving in this capacity.
H. KPERS Representative
Recommendations: April Harbaugh
It is recommended that April Harbaugh will serve in this capacity.
I. Federal / State Grant Representatives
Recommendations: Traci Burns, JoAnn Blevins, and Ashley Riley
These persons are recommended to serve as representatives since they play major roles in grant areas.
J. USD 428 Education Foundation Representative
Recommendation: Chad Burroughs
The BOE member who has fulfilled this role is Aaron Emerson. It is recommended that Chad Burroughs fill this role.
K. Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, and Section 504 Representatives
Recommendations: John Popp and Ashley Riley
These persons are recommended to serve as representatives since they play major roles in related matters. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicap in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.
L. KASB Governmental Relations Network Representative
Recommendation: Aaron Emerson
Aaron Emerson has served in this capacity in the past and will continue to fill this role.
M. Freedom of Information Officer
Recommendation: Andrea Bauer
The Public Information Director has been serving as the district's Freedom of Information Officer, and Andrea Bauer is recommended to fill this capacity.
N. Records Custodian Recommendation: John Popp
It is recommended that John Popp will serve in this capacity.
O. Name Depository for District Funds
Recommendation: The administration recommends that the Board continue with the current accounts.
Active Accounts (Operating Account): July 2025, First Kansas Bank
Direct Deposit (Payroll): July 2025, Farmers Bank and Trust
Direct Deposit (from the State of Kansas): July 2025, Farmers Bank and Trust
Idle Funds: The district will invest idle funds with bank(s) within the district that will pay the public fund rate. Depository banks will have a Kansas charter.
P. Selection of Official District Newspaper
Recommendation: Great Bend Tribune
The school district has relied on The Tribune as its official newspaper in the past, and the administration recommends that it continue to be USD 428's official newspaper.
Q. Selection of District Insurance Committee Members
Recommendation: Jacquie Disque
Committee Membership:
1 Board of Education Member
4 Teachers* (selected by GB-NEA)
3 Principals* (selected by DEC Administrators)
1 Classified: Custodial/Maintenance/Transportation/Grounds* (selected by Directors of Maintenance and Transportation/Grounds)
1 Classified: Food Service* (selected by Director of Nutrition Services)
1 Classified: Other—Not Custodial/Maint/Trans/Grounds/Food Service* (selected by Assistant Superintendent)
1 Director* (selected by DEC Administration)
1 GB-NEA President
1 DEC Administrator (Assistant Superintendent John Popp) *Three-year term, with a maximum of two terms.
Insurance and Plan 125 issues are important to employees of the district. A committee comprised of persons from a cross-section of licensed and classified job categories will meet throughout the 2024-2025 year to review the status of the offerings and alternative possibilities and bring recommendations for insurance offerings to the Board for the subsequent year. Jacquie Disque has served as a committee member representing the Board of Education, and reappointment is recommended.
R. Homeless Coordinator
Recommendation: JoAnn Blevins
In compliance with BOE Policy JBCA, a Homeless Coordinator is being named. The administration recommends that Mrs. Blevins would serve in that position.
S. Selection of BOE Members to 2025 IBB Team
Recommendation: Deanna Essmiller, Randy Wetzel
The administration appoints representatives to the 2025 Interest-Based Bargaining Team for teacher negotiations. Deanna Essmiller and Randy Wetzel will continue to serve in this position.
T. Attorney Services
Recommendation: Watkins Calcara, Chtd.
The administration recommends that the contract with Watkins Calcara, Chtd., for legal services be approved. The firm has been an excellent resource for the BOE and the school district.
U. BOE Representative to the GBHS Hall of Fame Committee
Recommendation: Randy Wetzel
The GBHS Hall of Fame Committee includes one Board of Education member. The administration recommends Randy Wetzel for the position.
V. BOE Representative to the Supplemental Salary Committee
Recommendation: Deanna Essmiller
Membership on the Supplemental Salary Committee includes one Board of Education member. The administration recommends Deanna Essmiller serve in this position.
6. ORGANIZATIONAL PROCEDURES
A. Recommendation for Early Payment of Claims
This allows payment of certain types of bills prior to the BOE meetings. Such bills include utility bills, bills which allow a discount if paid by a certain date, or bills that would result in a penalty for late payment. The BOE must authorize such action each year, and the authority must be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
B. Adoption of 1,116-Hour Calendar for 2024-2025
This is a routine action that is required by state law. The 2024-2025 calendar has already been approved. This action provides the district with more flexibility throughout the year.
C. Approval of Mileage Rate for Approved Travel for District Employees
The Licensed Employees’ Agreement stipulates that the annual mileage rate for reimbursement to employees for approved miles traveled is established each July, according to the Kansas state rate. The current state rate is 67 cents.
D. Rescind Previous Policy and Adopt BOE Policy Manual for the 2024-2025 Year
To be in compliance with Kansas law, the administration recommends the adoption of the following resolution.
RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that all policy statements found in the minutes of this Board of Education prior to June 30, 2024 (with the exception of the 2024-2025 student and teacher handbooks, which were approved on May 13, 2024), be rescinded and that the Board of Education adopt the BOE Policy Manual as presented and recommended by the Superintendent of Schools, to govern this school district during the 2024-2025 school year, subject to periodic review, amendment, and revision by the Board of Education.
E. Authorization of Certificates for Manual Signature
On occasions, manual signatures are required in Board-approved business functions of USD 428. The administration recommends authorization of manual signatures for the Superintendent of Schools as well as the following BOE positions: President, Clerk, Assistant Clerk, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer.
F. Approval of 2024-2025 Petty Cash Resolution
The Board of Education must establish separate petty cash funds for each entity and authorize employees to administer the petty cash funds. The funds may not exceed $3,000.00. See details on designated treasurers and assigned petty cash amounts. The administration recommends approval.
G. Approval of Resolution to Maintain Activity Funds
It is recommended that a Board of Education resolution be on file to authorize maintaining and operating the district's activity funds for financial purposes. The administration recommends that the resolution be approved.
H. Approval of Resolution to Waive Annual Requirements of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Fixed Assets Accounting for 2024-2025
This is a standard annual procedure to avoid a complex depreciation accounting system which has no value for a school district. The administration recommends approval.
I. Resolution to Establish Home Rule by Board of Education
To be in compliance with BOE Policy A, the administration recommends adoption of the resolution: Resolution to Establish Home Rule by Board of Education.
J. Approval to Publish Notifications
Approval of these notifications must be part of the BOE minutes.
• Equal Employment / Educational Opportunity Agency
• Rights Through Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (includes disclosure of directory information)
• Asbestos Notification
• Student Data Privacy Act
K. Resolution to Authorize Bank Signature Card Designees
Resignations, appointments, and reassignments necessitate changes in authorized signers for district bank accounts. The Board of Education resolution will allow the administration to change signers, as deemed appropriate, with Board of Education approval.
L. Freedom of Information Copy Costs
In regard to copies approved and prepared by the Freedom of Information Officer, the administration recommends the cost per copy at $.30.
M. Disposition of Property
The administration seeks BOE approval to regularly dispose of unneeded, out-of-date districtowned property valued at $750 or less.
N. Destruction of Records
The administration seeks BOE approval to destroy all BOE meeting agendas and financial records older than five years (current practice). See the attached resolution for destruction of the documents. The intent is to include this resolution in the BOE each year with the applicable date applied, thereby maintaining manageable document storage.
O. 2024-2025 Substitute Teacher Pay
The USD 428 substitute teacher per-day pay is $125 per day. The half-day substitute rate is $62.50.
P. Internet Filtering Software
The district has a contract with TwoTrees (7/1/24 – 3/8/25) for Windows computer internet filtering and a contract with GoGuardian for Chromebook filtering (7/1/24 – 6/30/25).
Q. Travel Expenses: Meal Rate
In reference to BOE Policy GAN, the maximum allowance per meal is to be recommended by the superintendent for approval by the BOE. The recommendation is to authorize $10 per meal in state and $15 per meal out of state.
R. Fees: Application for Use of School Facilities
District facilities are utilized by in-district and outside agencies for various functions (e.g., private group athletic practices, and tournaments), and fees (when applicable) are charged according to preset amounts. The recommendation is to keep fees unchanged for the upcoming fiscal year.
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Second Reading of BOE Policy
At the meeting of 6/10/2024, BOE members heard the first reading of KASBrecommended new and revised policies. In addition, Mr. Thexton will discuss recent legal rulings affecting four new policy changes. At this second reading, the administration recommends approval of policies not affected by the legal ruling.
B. Communication Table
Mr. Thexton will discuss a Kansas Association of School Board (KASB) Communication Table program and how it is applied to USD 428.
C. Athletic Trainer Discussion
At the June meeting, the Board approved RFQ specifications to fill the vacant athletic trainer position before the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year. Mr. Thexton will provide information and recommend that the Board approve a contract proposal. More information will be provided.
D. Approval to Amend Science Pilot
The administration seeks approval to add the following resource to the K-12 Science curriculum pilot:
• Conceptual Physics 13th Edition 2022 Hewitt
The text is updated and part of an online physics component in our current physics program. The high school would like to pilot this resource in addition to the two already slated for pilot use.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Financial Audit
Mr. Thexton will discuss the financial audit engagement letter for the audit of the regulatory basis financial statement and disclosures, which collectively comprise the basic financial statement of USD 428 for the year ended June 30, 2024.
B. Approval of Maintenance Vehicle
The Maintenance department requests approval to purchase a used 2001 GMC Savana 3500 cargo van to replace a van in their department. Mr. Thexton will provide details and recommend approval to purchase.
9. CURRICULUM REPORT
A. Summer School finality:
Mrs. Blevins will provide an update on the 2024 Summer School program and its impact on USD 428 students.
B. Professional Development: National Conferences
Mrs. Blevins will provide an update on national conferences.
C. Beginning of Year Schedule:
• July 30-31 – Capturing Kids Hearts Training for new licensed staff
• August 1-2 – Enrollment
• August 1-2, 5-7 – New Teacher Orientation (5 Days)
• August 8-9 – Teacher Inservice
• August 8 – District Kick-Off/Business Showcase
• August 12-13 – Teacher Workdays
• August 14 – First Day of Classes – K-6, Grades 7, 9
• August 15 – First Day of Classes – Grades 8, 10-12
D. Curriculum Meetings
▪ Curriculum Steering Committee: Next meeting is 9/10/24
▪ Professional Development Council (PDC): Next meeting is on 8/12/24
10. BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS REPORT
A. Personnel Information (Licensed)
Mr. Popp will discuss a list of personnel details summarizing current personnel changes this school year.
▪ 59 position changes
▪ 9 Retirements
▪ 14 Resignations
▪ 11 Transfers
▪ 22 new-to-district hires
▪ 0 position reductions
▪ four positions added 3 LPP Preschool, 1 RISE teacher
▪ ten not fully licensed staff: 8 Instructional Support, 2 Student Teachers
▪ 3 Yet to be filled: Riley- Grade 6, Eisenhower- Instructional Coach, GBHS- Athletic Trainer.
11. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
A. Budget Update
B. Summer Meal Program
C. Superintendent Evaluation Timeline
D. Approval of Grant Applications / Contributions (Attachment 11.D)
12. FINANCIAL PRESENTATION
13. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of BOE Meeting Minutes [June 10, and June 26, 2024]
B. Bills and Financial Reports
C. Personnel Report (Attachment 13.C)
14. UPCOMING MEETING DATES
•BOE Regular Meeting: The next BOE regular monthly meeting is scheduled for August 12, 2024, at the District Education Center
• BOE Luncheon Meeting: Wednesday, August 28, 2024, Riley Elementary School
15. ADJOURNMENT