USD 428 Board of Education Agenda
June 8, 2026
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. COMMUNICATIONS
· Board Member Comments
· USD 428 Education Foundation
· Written Communications / Correspondence
3. RECOGNITIONS / PRESENTATIONS
· Perfect Attendance Bike Give-Away Program
A special note of appreciation goes to Karen Shaner, Jane Isern, and several local donors and volunteers for providing twenty-nine bikes to the Perfect Attendance Bike Give-Away program. Over the past thirteen years, the group has organized and donated dozens of bicycles that have been given away as perfect attendance incentives to USD 428 elementary students. This year, 34 bikes were awarded across six elementary schools. Winners were also fitted with a new helmet from the Great Bend Pilot Club. Thank you to all the participants who make this program possible!
4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
5. NEW BUSINESS
A. Approval of 2026-2027 Student Accident Insurance
(Refer to Mr. Popp) (Attachment 5.A)
The district provides student insurance for school-sponsored and supervised activities. For the 2026-2027 school year, the administration recommends coverage through KERMP First Agency Student Accident, which features a plan with no deductible and a increased maximum benefit per claim from $25,000, to 5,000,000 as scheduled. Last year's fee was $25,510.10.
Class 1: Base Accident PK-8 ($7.00 @ 1,977 students and athletic) $13,839.00
Class 1: Base Accident 9-12 ($11.25 @ 878 students and athletic) $9,877.50
Class 2: Catastrophic Accidents ($1.15 @ 2,855 students (non athletic)$3,283.25
Total $26,999.75
B. Approval of 2026-2027 KASB Risk Management
(Refer to Mr. Popp) (Attachment 5.B)
The contract premium for KASB Risk Management Workers Compensation for 2026-2027 is $310,120. KASB offers a loyalty credit to participants who agree to a three-year agreement, providing a 10% savings in the first year, 5% in the second year, and 3% in the third year. USD 428’s modification factor has increased 31.19% due to several significant claims, resulting in a higher premium. After applying the third-year 3% loyalty credit of $9,304, the premium for 2026-2027 amounts to $300,816. Last year’s premium with credit was $137,159. The administration recommends approval of the premium.
C. 2026-2027 District Property Insurance Update
(Refer to Mr. Popp)
The Kansas Insurance Cooperative for Schools (KICS) insurance renewal quote for the 2026-2027 school year is not available yet, but will reflect an approximate 2.4% increase. KICS is preparing the invoice, which will be available by the end of the year transfer meeting at the end of June.
D. Implementation of Board Policy JCDC (HB 2299)
(Refer to Mr. Popp) (Attachment 5.D)
In response to Kansas House Bill 2299 enacted this past March, GBHS Principal Mr. Brock Funke will present an operational update regarding the new Board Policy JCDC (Student Personal Electronic Communications Devices). Mr. Funke will review the executive summary of the state law and detail upcoming expectations for staff and students, daily standard operating procedures, and the progressive discipline framework designed to enforce the mandated cell phone policy for the 2026-2027 school year. JCDC is presented to the Board as a First Reading, and will take effect at the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year.
E. First Reading of BOE Policy
(Refer to Mr. Thexton) (Attachment 5.E)
BOE members are receiving copies of the 18 policies listed below, which will be presented as first readings. The policies will be submitted to the BOE for action at a subsequent meeting. (NT=New Title, TC=Title change)
Revision DFE Investment of Funds
Revision EBBE Emergency Drills
Revision EE Food Services Management
Revision/TC GAAC Sex-Based Discrimination
Revision IDAD Title I Programs Policy
Revision IDAD Title I Programs Regulation
Revision IHF Graduation Requirements
Revision IIBGC Staff Online Activities
Revision JB Attendance Records
Revision JBC Enrollment
Revision JBCB Foster Care Students Policy
Revision JBCB Foster Care Students Regulation
Revision JBCC Enrollment of Nonresident Students
Revision JBD Absences and Excuses
New JCDC Student Personal Electronic Communications Devices
Revision/TC JGEC Sex-Based Discrimination
E. 2026-2027 Calendar Change
(Refer to Mr. Thexton)
Mr. Thexton will discuss negotiated calendar changes to the 2026-2027 school year.
ACTION ITEMS 5.F THROUGH 5.G BY CONSENT AGENDA 11.0
Approval of 2026-2027 Fees
Consent Agenda F. Approval of Elementary, Middle School, and High School Fees for 2026-2027
(Refer to Mr. Thexton)
The proposed schedule of enrollment fees for students in grades PreK-12 is listed. The administration recommends the following proposed fees for the 2026-2027 school year.
2025-2026 Proposed 2026-2027 Difference
Pre-K / Kdg $40.00 $40.00 No change
Grades 1-6 55.00 55.00 No change
Grades 7-8 55.00 55.00 No change
Grades 9-12 95.00 95.00 No change
Additional Fees (do not qualify for free or reduced status)
HS/MS Activity Pass $35.00 $35.00 No change
MS Technology Fee 5.00 10.00 $ 5.00 increase
HS Technology Fee 10.00 15.00 $ 5.00 increase
(Technology fees are required for all 7-12 students and do not qualify for free/reduced status)
Meal Prices will be presented at a later meeting, but before enrollment.
Consent Agenda G. Approval of 2025-2026 Mileage Reimbursement Rate
(Refer to Mr. Thexton) (Attachment 5G)
USD 428 offers mileage reimbursement to eligible parents and guardians for transporting students to and from their assigned attendance centers. Eligibility is based on completing the application for students who live 2.5 miles or more from the designated attendance center and reside outside the city limits of Great Bend but within the district’s boundaries. Eighty-five families participated, transporting 141 students and covering a total of 160,576.6 miles. The administration recommends a reimbursement rate of 60 cents per mile.
6. CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION REPORT
(Refer to Assistant Superintendent JoAnn Blevins)
A. 2026 Summer School
Summer school is in session between June 1 and 28 throughout the district. Mrs. Blevins will provide an update on the summer school program.
B. Summer Professional Development & Curriculum Work
Mrs. Blevins will provide an update on licensed staff members engaged in summer professional development and curriculum work.
C. IXL Learning Supplement Update
Mrs. Blevins will provide an update regarding the use of IXL learning in the district for 2026-2027.
D. District Needs Assessment
The board will be presented with the 2026 District Needs Assessment developed from individual building needs assessments for discussion. The district and building needs assessments are used in setting budget and district priorities for 2026-2027.
E. Curriculum Meeting Minutes
Curriculum Steering Committee: Next meeting 9/8/26
Professional Development Council (PDC): Minutes 6/1/26, Next Meeting 8/17/26
7. BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS REPORT
(Refer to Assistant Superintendent John Popp)
A. District Inventory
The district inventory crew, led by Keith Moeder, uses scanners and software to document inventory and is expected to complete the district inventory in June or July. This inventory does not include classroom supplies. The district property insurance requires us to maintain a list of any item valued at $500 or more for accurate accounting in the event of a large-scale disaster.
B. Student Withdrawal Report
Mr. Popp will present data and discuss trends among students who have dropped out or withdrawn from GBHS during the past school year.
C. Project Updates
§ GBHS: HVAC, Roof project
§ GBMS: Parking Lot
§ Elementary Projects
8. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
(Refer to Superintendent Khris Thexton)
A. Summer Meal Update
In June and July, USD 428 food service will provide a complimentary breakfast and lunch to all students up to the age of 18.
B. Capturing Kids’ Hearts
Mr. Thexton will update the Board regarding the start of the school year Capturing Kids’ Hearts speaker.
C. Personnel Report
Below is a summary of personnel details.
· 8 Retirements
· 23 Resignations
· 15 Transfers
· 21 new-to-district hires
· 22 not fully licensed staff
· 0 positions added
· 3 Yet to be filled; GBMS – Science, Special Services Speech Language, GBHS Assistant Principal
D. Strategic Plan Update
USD 428 staff and community were surveyed to collect feedback on the district’s offerings related to academics, preparation for life after graduation, and student health, both physical and mental. Mr. Thexton will discuss the survey results.
E. KSDE Budget Workshop
Mr. Thexton and other administrative staff are planning to attend the annual KSDE Budget Workshop, scheduled for June 15 in Hutchinson, KS.
F. Schedule Special BOE Meeting
Mr. Thexton requests that the BOE hold a brief special meeting at the District Education Center in late June, possibly June 30, for the administration to propose expenditures, transfers, and closing balances for the 2025-2026 budget.
G. USD 428 Staff Appreciation Night
On Wednesday, June 24, USD 428 employees are invited to Employee Appreciation Night at the Great Bend Bat Cats game. First pitch is at 7:00 p.m., and admission is free for everyone!
H. Approval of Grants / Contributions (Attachment 8.H)
9. FINANCIAL PRESENTATION
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board of Education will recess into executive session.
“Madam President, I move the Board recess to executive session to discuss the latest proposal for increasing the base pay rate pursuant to the exception for employer-employee negotiations under KOMA. The open meeting will resume in this Board room at : P.M.”
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board of Education will recess into executive session.
“Madam President, I move the Board recess to executive session to discuss the district emergency operations plan pursuant to the exception under KOMA for security matters to ensure the security of the school, its buildings and/or its systems is not jeapardized. The open meeting will resume in this Board room at : P.M.”
12. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of BOE Meeting Minutes (May 11, 2026)
B. Acceptance of Bills and Financial Reports
C. Personnel Report
D. 2026-2027 Fees (5.F through 5.G)
E. Acceptance of Negotiated Agreement
F. Classified Pay Adjustment
G. Director Contracts
H. Administrative Contracts
13. UPCOMING MEETING DATES
•BOE Special Meeting if approved by the BOE, 7:30 a.m., on June 30, at the District Education Center,
•BOE Regular Meeting The next BOE regular monthly meeting is scheduled for July 13, 2026, at the District Education Center.
14. ADJOURNMENT