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The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Thursday, June
18, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: Amy
Comer, Linda Crotts, Casey Eaton, Josh Sweaney (6:11 pm) and Jami
Thiessen. Members absent were: Josh Sweaney, Carrie Williams and
Robert Womack. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent,
Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Art Roberts, Virtual
Director, Ray Streeter, CS Principal and Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal.
Casey Eaton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Jami Thiessen led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance.
Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Amy
Comer seconded. Carried 4-0.
Linda Crotts made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included
approval of the bills, approval of minutes from May 14 and approval of the
treasurer’s report. Amy Comer seconded. Carried 4-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft discussed the District Needs Assessment for
budget considerations for the 2026-2027 school year. Jami Thiessen made
a motion to approve the 2026-2027 District Needs Assessment. Linda
Crotts seconded. Carried 4-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft asked the board for approval for the
Superintendent and Clerk to close out the 2025-2026 year and make
transfers as needed. Amy Comer made a motion to approve the 2025-2026
closeout. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 4-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft discussed health insurance updates.
Superintendent Pendergraft recommended raising our current daycare
prices to $30/day beginning July 1. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept
the recommendation. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 5-0
After discussion, Josh Sweaney made a motion to appoint David
Pendergraft to the Board of Directors for the CTEC as the representative
for Cherokee County Schools. Amy Comer seconded. Carried 5-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft discussed public usage for the practice facility.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 10 minutes in the boardroom. This
meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as
needed. Amy Comer seconded. Carried 5-0.
6:31 p.m. Enter executive session.
6:41 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 5 minutes in the boardroom. This
meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as
needed. Amy Comer seconded. Carried 5-0.
6:41 p.m. Enter executive session.
6:46 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 5 minutes in the boardroom. This
meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as
needed. Amy Comer seconded. Carried 5-0.
6:46 p.m. Enter executive session.
6:51 p.m. Resume regular session.
Superintendent Pendergraft presented a resignation for Carrie Williams,
Vice-President and Board Member. Amy Comer made a motion to accept
the resignation. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 5-0.
Josh Sweaney nominated Jami Thiessen as vice-president of the board of
education. Amy Comer Seconded. Carried 5-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft presented resignations for Courtney Buck –
PDP Chair and Amber Marrett – Elementary Counselor. Jami Thiessen
made a motion to accept the resignations. Amy Comer seconded. Carried
5-0.Superintendent Pendergraft recommended hiring Cory White for High
School Boys Assistant Basketball. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept
the recommendation. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 5-0.
6:56 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 Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: Amy Comer, Casey Eaton, Josh Sweaney, Jami Thiessen, and Robert Womack. 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, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Director and Ray Streeter.
Casey Eaton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Josh Sweaney led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance.
Amy Comer made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 5-0.
Robert Womack made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from April 9 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Amy Comer seconded. Carried 5-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on the food service contract renewal with OPAA! Food Service for the 2026-2027 school year. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 5-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft recommended Food Service prices for the 2026-2027 school year for approval (Student Breakfast - $2.70, Elementary Student Lunch - $3.70, Secondary Student Lunch - $3.95, Adult Breakfast - $3.50, Adult Lunch - $5.40). Robert Womack made a motion to approve the recommendation. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 5-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft discussed upcoming technology information.Josh Sweaney made a motion to approve a Macbook Neo Pilot Program for upcoming juniors and seniors. Amy Comer seconded. Carried 5-0
Superintendent Pendergraft discussed the development of the Needs Assessment for the district and each building.
Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on information concerning the employee health insurance renewal.
Principal White commended our graduating seniors on their good behavior during senior trip.
Arthur Commons commended our students and teachers on all their recent success with assessments, contests and tournaments.
Jami Thiessen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss anindividual 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. Robert Womack seconded. Carried 5-0.
6:33 p.m. Enter executive session.
6:43 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. Robert Womack seconded. Carried 5-0.
6:43 p.m. Enter executive session.
6:48 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. Robert Womack seconded. Carried 5-0.
6:48 p.m. Enter executive session.
6:53 p.m. Resume regular session.
Superintendent Pendergraft presented the following resignations:
Kevin Wade – Elementary Principal
Alan Hibler – HS Teacher, HS Head Boys Basketball, Assistant MS Athletic Director, Assistant MS Football
Kim Maute – MS Yearbook
Amy Comer made a motion to accept the resignations as presented. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 5-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft recommended hiring the following:
Dr. Ray Streeter – Elementary Principal
Aleigh Grimes – HS Physical Education
Trey White – HS Head Boys Basketball
Cord Baldwin – MS Head Football
Grayson Waldon – MS Assistant Football
Robert Womack made a motion to accept the hirings as presented. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 5-0.
7:00 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 Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: Amy Comer, Linda Crotts, Casey Eaton, Jami Thiessen, Carrie Williams and Robert Womack. Members absent were: Josh Sweaney. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Rick Comer, SRO and several local college students.
Casey Eaton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Jami Thiessen led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance.
Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 6-0.
Robert Womack made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from March 12 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 6-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft discussed policy updates.
Superintendent Pendergraft recommended passing district capacities (Chapter JBCC) for the 2026-2027 school year (removing capacities for Virtual). Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the recommendation. Amy Comer seconded. Carried 6-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft discussed the development of the Needs Assessment for the district and each building. Superintendent Pendergraft informed the board of the upcoming Bike Across Kansas event.
Mrs. Thiessen informed the board of the “Freedom USA – 250 Year Patriotic Music Celebration” on July 3 at Baxter Springs High School.
Carrie Williams 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. Amy Comer seconded. Carried 6-0.
6:25 p.m. Enter executive session.
6:30 p.m. Resume regular session.
Superintendent Pendergraft recommended hiring the following: Nicholas McAnulty – HS Social Science Teacher Tyler Zustiak – HS Musical Assistant Director Holly High – HS Assistant Cheer Coach
Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the hirings as presented. Robert Womack seconded. Carried 6-0.
6:37 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 Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: Amy Comer, Linda Crotts, Casey Eaton, Josh Sweaney, Carrie Williams, Robert Womack. Members absent were: Jami Thiessen. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Cord Baldwin, HS Assistant Principal, Art Roberts, Virtual Director, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Angela Yarbrough and several HS parents and students.
Casey Eaton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Josh Sweaney led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance.
Linda Crotts made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 6-0. Josh Sweaney 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. Robert Womack seconded. Carried 6-0.
Principal White discussed the recent Cherokee County Entrepreneurship Fair and allowed our high school students to speak on their experience.
Superintendent Pendergraft discussed the new practice facility, negotiations, the Compass Academy Network and policy updates.
Linda Crotts made a motion to accept a developed agreement for the use of the practice facility. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 6-0.
Carrie Williams made a motion to accept Policy KM as presented. Robert Womack seconded. Carried 6-0.
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. Amy Comer seconded. Carried 6-0.
6:38 p.m. Enter executive session.
6:53 p.m. Resume regular session.
Superintendent Pendergraft presented the following resignations:
Rebecca Selenke – Elementary Para
Adison Butler – Daycare Worker
Cheryl Moser – HS Musical Music Director
Casi Shaw – Elementary Teacher
Kaitlin Mansfield – Elementary Teacher
Erin Ogle – Elementary Teacher
Carrie Williams made a motion to accept the resignations as presented. Amy Comer seconded. Carried 5-0 with Josh Sweaney abstaining.
Superintendent Pendergraft recommended reassigning the following:
Miranda Clark – Title Reading
Laura Spencer – 6th Grade Teacher
Olivia Moser – 3rd Grade Teacher
Skye Kerr – 2nd Grade Teacher
Superintendent Pendergraft recommended hiring the following:
Jennie Butterfield – 1st Grade Teacher
Mattea Cupp – 2nd Grade Teacher
Grayson Walden – 1st Grade Teacher
Elizabeth Merill – 3rd Grade Teacher
Monica Tanner – 4th Grade Teacher
Dawn Reeser – MS Concessions
Kelly Nicholson – MS Stuco
Heather Schutz – MS Stuco
Linda Crotts made a motion to accept the hirings/reassignments as presented. Amy Comer seconded. Carried 5-0, with Josh Sweaney abstaining.
Robert Womack made a motion to extend the contract of Superintendent Pendergraft through the 2028-2029 school year. Amy Comer seconded. Carried 6-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to extend all administrator contracts through the 2027-2028 school year. Robert Womack made a motion to accept the recommendation. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0.
7:05 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 Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: Amy Comer, Josh Sweaney, Jami Thiessen and Robert Womack. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Cord Baldwin, HS Assistant Principal, Art Roberts, Virtual Director, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator and Mary Caudill.
Mrs. Thiessen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Josh Sweaney led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance.
Josh Sweaney made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Robert Womack seconded. Carried 4-0.
Robert Womack made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from January 8 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 4-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft discussed policy updates.
Superintendent Pendergraft presented the proposed 2026-2027 school calendar for consideration. Amy Comer made a motion to approve the 2026-2027 school calendar. Robert Womack seconded. Carried 4-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft reported on facilities and policy updates.
Robert Womack made a motion to accept Policy J as presented. Amy Comer seconded. Carried 4-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on the upcoming 50 year reveal of the time capsule located at the high school.
Superintendent Pendergraft reported on Bike Across America, Friday, June 12, 2026.
Mrs. Thiessen updated the board on a 250 year celebration at the high School on July 3, 2026.
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 10 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Amy Comer seconded. Carried 4-0.
6:25 p.m. Enter executive session.
6:35 p.m. Resume regular session.
Superintendent Pendergraft presented resignations from Kami Butterfield, MS Stuco and Tyler Underhill, MS Head Football Coach. Josh Sweaney made a motion to accept the resignations as presented. Robert Womack seconded. Carried 4-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft recommended hiring Blake Thiessen, HS Assistant Baseball, Jacob Spence, MS Assistant Track and Wendy Zustiak, MS Assistant Track. Robert Womack made a motion to accept the hirings as presented. Amy Comer seconded. Carried 4-0.
6:37 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Carrie Oakes Jami Thiessen
Clerk/Board of Education Member/Board of Education
The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: Linda Crotts, Kerri Jensen, Josh Sweaney and Carrie Williams. Members absent were: Casey Eaton and Jami Thiessen. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Cord Baldwin, HS Assistant Principal, Art Roberts, Virtual Director, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal and Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator.
Vice-President Williams called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Josh Sweaney led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance.
Kerri Jensen made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 4-0.
Linda Crotts 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. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 4-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft presented updates to policies BCBK and BG.
Linda Crotts made a motion to approve the updates as presented. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 4-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft reported on facilities, a substitute teacher pay increase, and a new after school snack program.
Josh Sweaney made a motion to approve sub pay to $125/day beginning second semester. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 4-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft offered congratulations to Don Karnes, who was recently nominated for the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame.
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 5 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 4-0.
6:40 p.m. Enter executive session.
6:45 p.m. Resume regular session.
Superintendent Pendergraft recommended hiring Blake Thiessen for MS Assistant Basketball. Josh Sweaney made a motion to accept the hire as presented. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 4-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft presented a resignation from Kameron Williamson for Assistant Baseball Coach. Kerri Jensen made a motion to accept the resignation as presented. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 4-0.
Kerri Jensen thanked the staff of USD 508, as well as the community of Baxter Springs, for the time she has spent on the USD 508 School Board.
6:51 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Carrie Oakes Carrie Williams
Clerk/Board of Education Vice-President/Board of Education