The Baxter Springs board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, October 9, 2017 at 1108 Military.  Members present were:  DeAnne Binns, Casey Eaton, Chuck Sweeton, Brandon Williams, Mary Kirkpatrick and Dusty Derringer (via phone).   Members absent were:  Josh Sweaney.  Also present were:  David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Vicki Bradley, Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Roger Reynolds, HS Asst. Principal, Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director, Ken Boeckman, Lincoln Principal,  Robert Womack, Central Principal, Aaron Ketchum, PSU Student and Rev. Shane Dotson,  President of the Ministerial Alliance.

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

Brandon Williams led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance and Rev. Shane Dotson led the board and guests in a word of prayer.

Brandon Williams made a motion to approve the agenda as printed.  Casey Eaton seconded.  Carried 6-0.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of the payment of bills, approval of minutes of the September 11, 2017 meeting and approval of the treasurer’s report.  Brandon Williams seconded.  Carried 6-0.

President BInns extended her pride on the Homecoming celebration this weekend and the support of the community and students in this wonderful tradition.  She also reported that President Donald J. Trump has announced his intent to nominate Baxter Springs High School graduate, Robert (Robbie) Weaver to the Department of Health and Human Services.  If he is confirmed, Robert will serve as Director of the Indian Health Service for a term of four years. President BInns expressed congratulations to Robert for this distinctive honor.

Superintendent Pendergraft reported on a meeting he had with Spring River Mental Health Services to discuss having a certified therapist on staff to deal with mental health issues.  Spring River Mental Health is checking on the costs of providing this service.  Superintendent Pendergraft will report back to the board at the November board meeting.

Mr. Pendergraft also reported that he met with Shawn Turner to discuss engineering services for the proposed traffic light at the High School entrance. 

Chuck Sweeton made a motion to allow Superintendent Pendergraft permission to proceed with hiring Trans Systems for an engineering study for the traffic light at BHS.   Brandon Williams seconded.  Carried 6-0. 

Building Administrator reports were as follows:

LINCOLN – Principal Boeckman reported that November 10^th is the date set for the fall festival, which is the big fundraiser for PTO for the year.  Lincoln students will participate in the Trunk n Treat event which will be held on Halloween at 9:00 a.m. on the Library grounds.  Mr. Boeckman also reported on upcoming parent/teacher conferences next week.   Principal Boeckman reported that students will be participating in fire prevention week activities which will include going to a presentation at the Coleman Theater in Miami, OK and   activities with the Baxter Springs Fire Department.  He also reported that the Title math program  has been re-organized and Mrs. Vicki O’Neal is now teaching that program.  He is beginning to see improvement in the students achievement in this program.

CENTRAL – Principal Womack reported that students will be attending a presentation at the Coleman Theater in Miami tomorrow and will also be doing activities with the Baxter Springs Fire Department for fire prevention week. Mr. Womack also reported that the PTO fund raiser, the 5K Color Run will be held on October 14.  Parent/teacher conferences are coming up next week.  Principal Womack said the students will also participate in the Trunk n Treat celebration on Halloween at the Library grounds. 

HIGH SCHOOL – Principal White reported that Emily Spencer has been recognized at the Commended Status in the  2018 National Merit Scholarship Program and extended his congratulations to her.  Mr. White reported on the Homecoming celebration and said it takes a lot of people to make this event successful.  He extended special thanks to Jennifer Thater and Student Council for their help and to Jami Thiessen  for organizing the parade.  Principal White also extended congratulations to Homecoming King and Queen, Kenny Herrenbruck and  Olivia Conner.

Principal White said the HS is looking to expand relevant certification for students through OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) and Work Keys.  He reported that HS Counselor Shelly Bottorff has organized College Day for the 24^th of October in which over 60 universities, colleges, trade and vocational schools will be coming to speak with students.  Mr. White reported that tomorrow night is the jazz band concert; preparation and rehearsals are underway for the upcoming HS Musical, “Guys and Dolls”; girls regional golf was held at Chanute today; Cross country track will be at Columbus on Thursday, with regionals 10/21 at Burlington; Volleyball has a couple more competitions before sub-state on 10/21 at Frontenac; district football play offs begin this week.  Mr. White also reported that classifications have been released for football and for 2017-18 we will remain at 4A, but will change to 3A for the 2018-19 season.  We will remain at 4A for all sports this year, but anticipate changing to 3A classification for all sports for the 2018-19 school year, but the rest of the sports have not been released as of today.

ALETERNATIVE LEARNING – Director Art Roberts commended everyone involved with the Homecoming festivities.  He enjoyed being in the parade.  He reported that on the official count day, he had 23 full-time students. They are preparing for parent/teacher conferences next week.

Chuck Sweeton made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss the hiring of a para-professional for the alternative learning center to protect the privacy interests of the individual(s) to be discussed pursuant to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 5 minutes in the board room.  This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and Art Roberts.   Brandon Williams seconded.  Carried 6-0.

6:32 p.m.  Enter executive session.

6:37 p.m.  Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to hire Stacy Skye as a part-time Para-Professional at the Alternative Learning Center.  Chuck Sweeton made a motion to accept the recommendation of Superintendent Pendergraft to hire Stacy Skye as a part-time Para-Professional at the Alternative Learning Center.  Brandon Williams seconded.  Carried 5-0, as phone connection with Dusty Derringer was lost and he was not present for the remainder of the meeting.

Brandon Williams made a motion to adjourn.  Casey Eaton seconded.  Carried 5-0.

6:40 p.m.  Meeting adjourned.

Vicki Bradley                                             DeAnne Binns

Clerk/Board of Education                  President, Board of Education