The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, May 13, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Linda Crotts, Casey Eaton, Kerri Jensen, Josh Sweaney, Jami Thiessen and Carrie Williams. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Cord Baldwin, HS Assistant Principal, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Art Roberts, Virtual Director, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator and Jeff Street, First Baptist Church.

President Eaton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Josh Sweaney led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance and Jeff Street led in prayer.

Linda Crotts made a motion to approve the agenda, changing the date in Item 3, b from May to April. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.

DeAnne Binns made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from April 8 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended Food Service prices for the 2024-2025 school year for approval (Student Breakfast – $2.45, Elementary Student Lunch – $3.40, Secondary Student Lunch - $3.65, Adult Breakfast - $3.20, Adult Lunch - $5.05). Kerri Jensen made a motion to approve the recommendation. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft spoke briefly about the 2023-2024 fiscal audit.

Superintendent Pendergraft discussed the District Needs Assessment.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented policy updates for Chapter F, H and I.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to adopt the policy updates as presented. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft requested that the board forgive May 7, 2024 due to no electricity. Josh Sweaney made a motion to forgive the day as requested. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft sought a motion to surplus old district phones on PurpleWave. Linda Crotts made a motion to proceed. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft discussed flooring for the new weight room and recommended accepting a bid from Mammoth for $42,700. Carrie Williams made a motion to accept the bid as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft discussed the recent Student Safety Task Force meeting.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 10 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.

6:48 p.m. Enter executive session.

6:58 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended hiring Chelsea Woodring (HS Assistant Basketball) and Becky Qualls (HS Language Arts) beginning the 2024- 2025 school year. Linda Crotts made a motion to accept the hirings as presented. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented a resignation letter from Adison Craig (Secondary Counselor), Alan Hibler (MS Co-Head Track) and DeAnn Hill (Treasurer). Kerri Jensen made a motion to accept the resignations as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 7-0.

The board expressed their condolences to Becky Qualls for the recent loss of her husband, Kirk Qualls.

The board commended Mr. Boeckmen for his professionalism in keeping kids safe on a trip during recent bad weather.

7:02 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                   Casey Eaton

Clerk/Board of Education                President/Board of Education

The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, April 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Linda Crotts, Casey Eaton, Kerri Jensen, Josh Sweaney, Jami Thiessen and Carrie Williams. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Bryan and Camille Sturdy and Steven Bell, First Assembly of God.

President Eaton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Josh Sweaney led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance and Steven Bell led in prayer. 

Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.

Linda Crotts made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from March 4 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 7-0.

Bryan and Camille Sturdy addressed the board concerning a student issue.

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on the food service contract renewal with OPAA! Food Service for the 2024-2025 school year. Carrie Williams made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft discussed the development of the Needs Assessment for the District and each building. He also discussed, per new statute, the district’s process for establishing capacities.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended passing district capacities for the 2024-2025 school year. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the recommendation. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 7-0.

Josh Sweaney made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 15 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 7-0.

6:48 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:03 p.m. Resume regular session.

Josh Sweaney made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 15 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 7-0.

7:03 p.m. Enter executive session

7:18 p.m. Resume regular session

Josh Sweaney made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss employer/employee negotiations under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 15 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 7-0.

7:18 p.m. Enter executive session

7:33 p.m. Resume regular session

Superintendent Pendergraft presented a resignation letter from Kelly Nicholson (MS StuCo), Ida Applegate (Bus Driver) and Tiffany Silkey (Language Arts Teacher/Senior Class Sponsor). Josh Sweaney made a motion to accept the resignations as presented. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.

Jami Thiessen left the meeting at 7:35 pm.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended the following hirings:

Linde Myers – Bus Para

Mark LaTurner – HS Head Girls Basketball

Lynn Hartley – HS Assistant Girls Basketball

Rylee Hammons – CS Elementary Teacher

Kolton Williamson – CS Elementary Teacher

Brittany Abernathy – LS Elementary Teacher

Heather Schutz – MS Cheer Coach

Carrie Williams made a motion to accept the hirings as presented. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-1, with Jami Thiessen abstaining.

Jami Thiessen returned to the meeting at 7:36 pm.

7:40 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                     Casey Eaton

Clerk/Board of Education                  President/Board of Education

The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Linda Crotts, Casey Eaton Kerri Jensen, Josh Sweaney, Jami Thiessen and Carrie Williams. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Cord Baldwin, HS Assistant Principal, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator and Michael Pearce, Riverton First Baptist Church.

President Eaton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Josh Sweaney led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance and Michael Pearce led in prayer.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 7-0.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from February 12 and approval of the treasurer’s report. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft discussed policy updates with the board. Kerri Jensen made a motion to accept recommendations to Policy E as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft discussed the installation of a new district wide phone system, an upcoming tax sale, online enrollment and updates on facilities.

Principal White discussed changes to the Drivers Ed program for the 2024- 2025 school year.

Jami Thiessen discussed current computer skills for high school students.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 15 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.

6:56 p.m. Enter executive session. 7:11 p.m. Resume regular session.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 10 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.

7:11 p.m. Enter executive session. 7:21 p.m. Resume regular session.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 5 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.

7:21 p.m. Enter executive session. 7:26 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented a resignation letter from Anthony Roberts, HS Girls Basketball Coach, Art Roberts, HS Assistant Girls Basketball Coach and Wendy Zustiak as Elementary Teacher at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to accept the resignations as presented. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.

Linda Crotts made a motion to extend the contract of Superintendent Pendergraft through the 2026-2027 school year. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to extend all administrator contracts through the 2025-2026 school year.

Josh Sweaney made a motion that all administrator contracts be extended through the 2025-2026 school year. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 7-0.

DeAnne Binns commended the eSports team on their recent victory.

Casey Eaton discussed moving the superintendent evaluation to December.

Linda Crotts commended three high school students that were recently accepted into PSU’s Honors College.

7:31 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                   Casey Eaton

Clerk/Board of Education                President/Board of Education

The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, January 8,2024 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Linda Crotts, Casey Eaton, Kerri Jensen and Josh Sweaney. Members absent were: Jami Thiessen and Carrie Williams. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Cord Baldwin, HS Assistant Principal, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator, Cody Graves, First Christian Church and Matt and Sami Turley.

President Eaton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Josh Sweaney led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance and Cody Graves led in prayer.

DeAnne Binns made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 5-0.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from December 11 and approval of the treasurer’s report. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

President Eaton opened the floor for election of officers. Josh Sweaney nominated Casey Eaton as president and motioned the nominations cease. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

Josh Sweaney nominated Carrie Williams as Vice President. Linda Crotts made a motion to elect Carrie Williams as vice president. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 5-0.

Josh Sweaney nominated Kerri Jensen as Governmental Relation Contact. Josh Sweaney made a motion to elect Kerri Jensen as governmental relation contact. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

Kerri Jensen nominated Linda Crotts as Representative to the SEK Interlocal 637 Board. Kerri Jensen made a motion to elect Linda Crotts as the representative to the SEK Interlocal 637 board. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

Matt and Sami Turley addressed the board concerning a student matter.

Superintendent Pendergraft reported board policy updates for Chapter D, requesting a motion for approval. Kerri Jensen made a motion to readopt chapter D. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on the 24-25 school calendar and a boardsmanship conference through KASB.

Arthur Commons updated the board on recent Professional Development opportunities.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 5 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 5-0.

6:43 p.m. Enter executive session.

6:48 p.m. Resume regular session.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 15 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 5-0.

6:48 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:03 p.m. Resume regular session.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 5 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 5-0.

7:03 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:08 p.m. Resume regular session.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 5 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 5-0.

7:08 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:13 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented a resignation letter from Jaedyn Wyrick as HS Assistant Softball for 2024. Kerri Jensen made a motion to accept the resignation as presented. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended hiring Preston Crockett as Custodian. DeAnne Binns made a motion to accept the recommendation. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendegraft updated the board on the Student Safety Task Force.

7:21 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                             Casey Eaton

Clerk/Board of Education                          President/Board of Education

The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Linda Crotts, Casey Eaton, Jami Thiessen and Carrie Williams. Members absent were: Kerri Jensen and Josh Sweaney Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Cord Baldwin, HS Assistant Principal, Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Director, Michael Pearce, Riverton First Baptist Church and Makenzie Holsey.

President Eaton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Jami Thiessen led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance and Michael Pearce led in prayer.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

DeAnne Binns made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from November 13 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft reported board policy updates for Chapter J, requesting a motion for approval. Carrie Williams made a motion to readopt chapter J and approve the new sections JBC and JBCC. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft requested the substitute teacher rate increase to $115/day effective January 2024. Linda Crotts made a motion to increase substitute pay as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on investment of idle funds.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 10 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 5-0.

6:11 p.m. Enter executive session.

6:21 p.m. Resume regular session.Boared

Superintendent Pendergraft presented a retirement letter from Jeff McCandless as HS Building Trades teacher as of January 1, 2025 and Dave Duree as Custodian effective January 1, 2024. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the retirement as presented. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 5-0.

Jami Thiessen commended the HS staff and students for their preparation and conduct at the recent Hometown Heroes banquet.

Kenny Boeckman commended the MS students that participated in the recent Williamsburg trip.

6:25 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                             Casey Eaton

Clerk/Board of Education                          President/Board of Education

The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, November 13, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Linda Crotts, Casey Eaton, Kerri Jensen, Jami Thiessen and Carrie Williams. Members absent were: Josh Sweaney. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Cord Baldwin, HS Assistant Principal, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator and Jeff Street, First Baptist Church.

President Eaton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Jami Thiessen led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance and JeffStreet led in prayer.

DeAnne Binns made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from October 9 and approval of the treasurer’s report. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 6-0.

President Eaton opened the public hearing regarding Open Enrollment Policies JBC and JBCC at 6:02 pm.

Superintendent Pendergraft spoke regarding the new policies and the timeframe for which they will be approved. Hearing closed.

Superintendent Pendergraft reported on Section C of the board policy with no changes for approval. Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve section C. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft reported on the district’s new eSports program, investment of idle funds, updates to the daycare and updates to the new maintenance building.

Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to invest idle funds through American Bank. Jami Thiessen made a motion to allow the superintendent to invest as discussed. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Arthur Commons discussed district curriculum data and the new KESA process for the district.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 5 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 6-0.

7:03 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:08 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to hire Kenny Metcalf as a substitute bus driver. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented a retirement letter from Terri Adams as preschool teacher at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year, Elizabeth Smith as part time daycare worker effective December 18, 2023 and Jeff McCoy as MS Assistant Track. Linda Crotts made a motion to accept the retirement/resignations as presented. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to reassign Alan Hibler to MS Assistant Track and AJ Himes to HS Assistant Track. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the recommendations presented. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Linda Crotts updated the board on changes that are occurring with SEK Inter Local #637 along with the proposed TLC South in Columbus, KS.

7:20 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                  Casey Eaton

Clerk/Board of Education               President/Board of Education

The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, October 9, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Linda Crotts, Casey Eaton, Kerri Jensen, Josh Sweaney, Jami Thiessen and Carrie Williams. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator and Pastor Bill Whetstone, Baxter Springs Church of the Nazarene.

President Eaton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Josh Sweaney led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance and Bill Whetstone led in prayer.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from September 11 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on KASB policy updates.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept Sections A & B in the district policy book as read. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 7-0

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on open enrollment and a visit from KASB.

Linda Crotts made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 10 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 7-0.

6:57 p.m. Enter executive session. 7:07 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented a retirement letter from Rhonda Houghton as elementary paraprofessional at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year. Carrie Williams made a motion to accept the retirement as presented. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 7-0.

The board would like to commend the MS Football Coaching team for their conduct at a recent game.

7:09 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                 Casey Eaton
Clerk/Board of Education              President/Board of Education

The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, September 11, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnn Binns, Linda Crotts, Casey Eaton, Kerri Jensen, Josh Sweaney, Jami Thiessen and Carrie Williams. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator, Rick Chriestenson, Susan Jones, Mary Bell, Christine Morrison, Gene Bennett and Russell Presson, Grace Baptist Church.

President Eaton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Josh Sweaney led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance and Russell Presson led in prayer.

DeAnne Binns made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 7-0.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from August 14 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.

President Eaton opened the public hearing regarding the Revenue Neutral Rate for the 2023-2024 USD 508 Budget at 6:02 pm. Linda Crotts made a motion to approve resolution #91123 to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate for the 2023-2024 school year. Carrie Williams seconded. Roll Call Vote: DeAnne Binns-Y, Linda Crotts-Y, Casey Eaton-Y, Kerri Jensen-N, Josh Sweaney-Y, Jami Thiessen-Y and Carrie Williams-Y. Carried 6-1.

The board entertained comments from visitors and there was conversation pertaining to the budget and Revenue Neutral Rate.

President Eaton opened the budget hearing at 6:05 pm. President Eaton proposed for consideration the approval of the LOB resolution #91223 for the 2023-2024 school year. Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the LOB resolution #91223 as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 7-0.

DeAnne Binns made a motion to approve the 2023-2024 budget as published. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft reported on an upcoming visit from Mark Tallman, KASB, who is doing research on the increase in test scores at USD 508, enrollment numbers, open enrollment and Monday school. 

Policy Updates will be discussed in October.

Josh Sweaney left at 7:05 pm and returned at 7:07 pm. 

Josh Sweaney made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 5 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 7-0.

7:11 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:16 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented a retirement letter from Tina Gandy as elementary teacher at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year. Josh Sweaney made a motion to accept the retirement as presented. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 7-0.

7:17 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                     Casey Eaton

Clerk/Board of Education                  President/Board of Education

The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, August 14, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Linda Crotts, Casey Eaton, Kerri Jensen and Carrie Williams. Members absent were: Josh Sweaney and Jami Thiessen. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Cord Baldwin, HS Assistant Principal, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director and Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator.

President Eaton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Carrie Williams led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

Carrie Williams made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from July 10 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on the 2023-2024 budget. There will be a Revenue Neutral Rate hearing and a budget hearing on September 11, 2023 during the regularly scheduled board meeting.

Cory White discussed changes to the HS Student Handbook

Superintendent Pendergraft discussed changes to the USD 508 Daycare Handbook.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to accept all handbook changes. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft discussed online enrollment, current enrollment numbers, procedures for Mondays at Lincoln Elementary, procedures for upcoming policy changes and the HS Musical.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 5 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

7:11 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:16 p.m. Resume regular session.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss employeremployee negotiations under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in XX minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

7:16 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:21 p.m. Resume regular session.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss employer employee negotiations under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in XX minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

7:21 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:26 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to hire Randi Wixon as Senior Sponsor, Rebecca Selenke as Kindergarten Paraprofessional, Erica LaForge as PK Paraprofessional and Alayna Roberts as Junior Sponsor. Linda Crotts made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 5-0.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to approve the negotiated agreement for 2023-2024 as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended a 2% increase for classified and administrative staff and a $1/hour raise for daycare employees. Carrie Williams made a motion to approve the increases as presented. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 5-0.

7:32 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                               Casey Eaton

Clerk/Board of Education            President/Board of Education

The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, July 10, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Casey Eaton, Kerri Jensen, Josh Sweaney and Jami Thiessen. Members absent were: Linda Crotts and Carrie Williams. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Cord Baldwin, HS Assistant Principal, Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal and Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator.

President Eaton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Josh Sweaney led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 5-0.

Josh Sweaney made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from June 12 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 5-0.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to consider exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate for the 2023-2024 School Year. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft discussed the Student Safety Task Force.

Superintendent Pendergraft sought a motion to negotiate the property at 0 West 16th, Baxter Springs, KS with the City of Baxter Springs. Josh Sweaney made motion to allow Superintendent Pendergraft to negotiate on behalf of the district. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 5-0.

Jason Walker reported on a change to the MS handbook.

Cory White reported on non-public school participation in KSHSAA sponsored activities.

Arthur Commons reported on the Early Literacy Instruction Requirements.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to accept the MS handbook changes and to adopt the Early Literacy Instruction Requirements. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 5-0.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 3 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

6:21 p.m. Enter executive session.

6:24 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to hire Travis Avery as the Head HS Track Coach. Josh Sweaney made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 5-0.

6:25 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                              Casey Eaton

Clerk/Board of Education           President/Board of Education