January 11, 2010 Board of Education Meeting
The Baxter Springs board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, January 11, 2010 in the Middle School boardroom. Members present were: Joseph Skye, Mary Kirkpatrick, Melanie Bingham, DeAnne Binns, Chuck Sweeton, Brandon Williams and Bob Hall. Also present were: Dennis Burke, Vicki Bradley, Larry Cannon, Jason Walker, David Jackson, Bobby Womack, Steve Taylor and Roger McKinney, Joplin Globe reporter.
Melanie Bingham made a motion to approve the agenda as printed. Bob Hall seconded. Carried 7-0.
Bob Hall made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, which included the treasurer’s report, approval of minutes of December 14, 2009 meeting and approval of payment of bills. Joseph Skye seconded. Carried 7-0.
Mary Kirkpatrick introduced Arthur Commons, BHS Science Teacher, who is representing Baxter Springs as secondary Kansas Teacher of Year (KTOY) for District 2. Arthur reported on the process of what is involved in applying for KTOY. Once Arthur was chosen as the Regional winner, he had an extensive interview with two people from the State. This interview was videotaped and reviewed by 50 people who chose the Kansas Teacher of the Year. The State id divided into four districts with two teachers from each district chosen to vie for the Kansas Teacher of the Year title. Arthur reported that he will be traveling across the State during the second semester, visiting schools and speaking to legislators and others. He thanked the board for their support of KTOY and for allowing our district to participate in this project. He feels it is very beneficial for our district. President Binns thanked Arthur for being a role model for his students and representing the district in such a great manner.
Mr. Burke reported on a proposal to reorganize Cornerstone Alternative School. The Cherokee County school districts have been working with Greenbush to take over management of Cornerstone High School. With the advanced technology that is now available, this new management will allow Cornerstone to offer students a quality education with minimal staff and will save the district an average of about $40,000 a year. Baxter Springs students who meet our requirements will be allowed to graduate with the graduating class of Baxter Springs at our high school. He asked the board for approval to allow Greenbush to take over management of Cornerstone Alternative School.
Joseph Skye made a motion to approve the proposal to allow Greenbush to take over management of Cornerstone High School as presented. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.
The board discussed a policy for guidelines concerning school performances that are not governed by the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA). The board will take this matter under consideration until the February meeting.
DeAnne Binns, President asked BHS Principal Larry Cannon to report on the U.S. and World News Report that BHS was one of the top High Schools in the country. The board congratulated Mr. Cannon and his staff on this accomplishment. President Binns also reported that she frequently gets comments from people expressing their appreciation for the great staff that we have in our schools and she wanted to express that to the board.
Mr. Burke reported on the snow day on Friday, January 8, 2010. He reported to the board that he plans to make the day up on February 15, 2010 which was scheduled as a day off for Presidents Day. He also reported on the 2010-2011 calendar and asked the board for any suggestions or concerns they might have regarding the 2009-10 school calendar.
Steve Taylor, Lincoln School Principal, reported that he is proud of where he works and the understanding of the administration in dealing with the younger children and the extreme cold weather. He also expressed his appreciation to the community for the way they support the schools by donating necessary items to ensure that our students are warm in this extremely cold weather.
Bobby Womack, Central School Principal reported that Central students are focusing on test prep for the upcoming assessment tests.
David Jackson, MS Principal reported that MS kicked off today with an assembly regarding the upcoming assessment tests. He challenged the students and noted the Standards of Excellence that the MS has accomplished and encouraged the kids to stay on top and achieve these standards again this year.
Jason Walker, BHS Vice-Principal reported that the HS is gearing up for assessment tests as are the other schools in the district. He also reported on the process for hiring a Vice-Principal for 2010-2011. Melanie Bingham expressed her appreciation as a parent, for the HS working on the policy for taking finals. Mr. Walker reported on the policy and how the policy worked this year. He also noted that he did not feel that the change in policy affected the attendance at the HS and felt the change was beneficial for the students. Mr. Walker also expressed his appreciation to Sandy Clark, School Nurse for the great job she has been doing in dealing with student illnesses this year.
Vicki Bradley, Clerk, reported that January is School Board Recognition Month as declared by Governor Parkinson and on behalf of the district, presented the board with a decorated cake in appreciation for the work they do.
Brandon Williams made a motion to take a 10 minute break and then to enter into executive session to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel in order to protect the privacy interests of the individuals to be discussed and that we return to open session in this room after an 8 minute period of time. This executive session shall include the board and Superintendent as needed. Joseph Skye seconded. Carried 7-0.
7:06 p.m. Break began.
7:16 p.m. Break ended.
7:16 p.m. Enter executive session.
7:24 p.m. Resume regular session.
Chuck Sweeton made a motion to extend the contract for Superintendent Dennis Burke for one additional year which will extend his contract through 2013. Melanie Bingham seconded Carried 7-0.
Bob Hall made a motion to adjourn. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.
7:28 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Vicki Bradley, Clerk/Board of Education
DeAnne Binns, President/Board of Education
