The Baxter Springs board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, November 14, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military.  Members present were:  DeAnne Binns, Mary Kirkpatrick, Chuck Sweeton, Brandon Williams, Dusty Deringer and Josh Sweaney.  Also present were:  David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Vicki Bradley, Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Roger Reynolds, HS Asst Principal, Robert Womack, Central School Principal, Kenneth Boeckman, Lincoln School Principal, Linda Crotts, Rev. Jeff Street, Vicki Faulkner, Stephanie Dewey, Brian Smith, Kevin Kemp, Pam Kemp, Chris Swartz, Dee Riley, Lori Kellum, Cordaro Baldwin, Jennifer Grant, Janet Peterson, Cory Moates, Philip Peterson, Jacy Sheffer, Amber McCoy, Lori Colbert, Rhonda McDonald and several BHS and BMS athletes from the Spring River Soccer Association.

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

Brandon Williams made a motion to approve the annotated agenda adding Cory Moates under Item VI, (b) to discuss a proposed stop light at Baxter Springs High School.  Josh Sweaney seconded.  Carried 6-0. 

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes of the October 10, 2016 meeting, and approval of the treasurer’s report. Brandon Williams seconded.  Carried 6-0. 

President Binns reported on the vacant board seat which was open due to the passing of Joseph Skye.  Several patrons had applied for the open seat and had made a presentation to the board at earlier meetings.  President Binns opened the floor for nominations to fill the vacant board position.  Dusty Deringer nominated Casey Eaton.  Chuck Sweeton nominated Beth Cullum.  Chuck Sweeton made a motion that all nominations cease.  Josh Sweaney seconded.  Carried 6-0.

President Binns called for a vote on the two nominees in alphabetical order.  Beth Cullum received one vote from Chuck Sweeton.    Casey Eaton received 5 votes from Dusty Deringer, Mary Kirkpatrick, Brandon Williams, Josh Sweaney and DeAnne Binns.

Casey Eaton was appointed to the USD#508 Board of Education.  This term will expire in January 2018.

The consensus of the board was to appoint Casey Eaton as their representative on the SEK Interlocal # 637 Special Education board.  If Mr. Eaton declines to serve on the interlocal board, Dusty Deringer volunteered to serve in that capacity.   

Dee Riley made a presentation to the board to institute a soccer program at BHS.  She presented a petition with over 200 signatures requesting that the board institute a soccer program at BHS.   Three students, Mariah Bender , Kaitlin McCoy and Henry Riley made presentations to the board in favor of a soccer program.

President Binns expressed her pride in the students for their well organized presentation and request.  She stated that the board will take their request under advisement and will research to see if a soccer program would be feasible or not.

Cory Moates, newly elected County Commissioner, addressed the board concerning the proposed stop light at Baxter Springs High School.  Superintendent Pendergraft reported that since the beginning of school in August, there have already been two accidents there.  Commissioner Moates is seeking information on how to assist the board in working with KDOT to get the stop light installed.  The board expressed their appreciation to him for his assistance.

President Binns reported that the HS Musical was excellent and congratulated the directors and cast on a job well done.

Superintendent Pendergraft reported that he had recently attended a negotiations workshop and updated the board on the campaign to raise funds to purchase new seating for the High School Auditorium.

Building administrators reported on their respective buildings:

Lincoln School – Principal Ken Boeckman reported on the successful trick or treat event held on October 31 and said they wish to make this an annual event.  Mr. Boeckman expressed his appreciation to the businesses and people who contributed candy to make this event successful.  He also reported that the fall festival was a success and expressed his appreciation to the staff, students and volunteers who helped to make this event a success.

Central School – Principal Robert Womack reported that intramural volleyball season was a success.  He also reported that the book fair is currently underway; students attended the HS Musical last week and will attend the MS Play tomorrow; the VFW came and gave a presentation on Veterans Day and gave students pencils and flags.  He also reported that book character day is Friday and invited everyone to attend.  Mr. Womack expressed his appreciation to his teachers for continuing to do a good job each and every day.

High School – Principal Cory White reported that Dr. Steve Scott from PSU recently came and made a presentation to the students.  He also reported that a lot of activities have been going on this past month.  The fall concert was a great success; the HS Musical was outstanding; the Volleyball team did a great job representing BHS at State Contest in Salina; Garrett Gantt did an outstanding job representing BHS at Cross Country with a 16^th place finish in which he received a medal.  Principal White congratulated all the coaches, Garrett Gantt and the Volleyball team for a great season; Scholar Bowl is underway and Mrs. Bowman is pleased with the efforts of our team; students did a community service project with a cleanup effort recently;  Veterans Day Assembly was held Friday and was well attended; students recently went to Girard for ACT prep; a couple of student athletes will sign their letters of intent this week.

Josh Sweaney made a motion to adjourn.  Brandon Williams seconded.   Carried 6-0.

Meeting adjourned:  6:56 p.m.

Vicki Bradley                                    DeAnne Binns

Clerk/Board of Education                  President/Board of Education