The Baxter Springs board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, April 9, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military. Members present were: Chuck Sweeton, Mary Kirkpatrick, Dusty Deringer, DeAnne Binns, Casey Eaton and Josh Sweaney. Members absent were: Brandon Williams. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Robert Womack, CS Principal, Ross Davis, Courtney Buck, Stephanie Dewey, Chris Swartz, Cory Moates and Daryl Eagon.

President Binns called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Chuck Sweeton led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to approve the agenda, adding an executive session under item VI for the acquisition of real property. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 6-0.

Chuck Sweeton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes of March 12, 2018 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Dusty Deringer seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft reported on the district’s ongoing accreditation process and the upcoming Challenge Awards Assembly.

Building reports were given as follows:

CENTRAL – Principal Womack expounded more on the Challenge Awards and also reported on state assessments, the accreditation process, Central’s participation in the living history museum and the upcoming field day in May.

MIDDLE SCHOOL – Principal Walker reported on track season, including the BMS invitation on Thursday, recent science classroom activities, state assessments, Challenge Awards, and the upcoming 8th grade play with a special thanks to Lori Kellum and Brenda Locke for their hard work. The play will be at 7:00 pm on April 30 and May 3.

HIGH SCHOOL – Principal White reported on state assessments with a special thanks to Arthur Commons for organizing testing day. He also spoke about spring sports, CNC music festival, the athletic banquet, career day and the combined choir concert that was held on March 15. Last, he reported on the accreditation process, SITE council meetings, LCC concurrent class meetings and gave a special thanks to the technology department for their hard work in the upcoming technology updates for the high school.

Chuck Sweeton commended Mr. White for conducting a discussion with students the day of the Student Walk Out in March. It was noted that it was beneficial for both staff and students.

Daryl Eagon, CPA of Diehl, Banwort & Bolton, presented the audit findings for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017. There were no violations. Chuck Sweeton made a motion to accept the audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017 as presented. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0.

Chuck Sweeton noted a special thanks to the staff members involved in making the audit a success.

Cory Moates, Cherokee County Commissioner, presented a check for $50,000 on behalf of the county to go towards the traffic signal at the high school.

Ross Davis reported on technology changes at the high school and the process of switching from laptops to iPads.

Dusty Deringer made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee pursuant to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 25 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent, Principal White and Principal Walker. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0.

7:27 p.m. Enter executive session. 7:52 p.m. Resume regular session.

Dusty Deringer made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee pursuant 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, Principal White and Principal Walker. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 6-0.

7:52 p.m. Enter executive session. 8:02 p.m. Resume regular session.

Casey Eaton made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss property pursuant to the exception for preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 15 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board and Superintendent. Chuck Sweeton seconded. Carried 6-0.

8:02 p.m. Enter executive session. 8:17 p.m. Resume regular session.

Dusty Deringer made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee pursuant 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, Principal White and Principal Walker. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 6-0.

8:17 p.m. Enter executive session. 8:22 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented a resignation from Heather Parrish for HS Girls Golf and Melinda Martin for HS Science. Josh Sweaney made a motion to accept the resignation of Heather Parrish for HS Girls Golf and Melinda Martin for HS Science as presented. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 6-0.

Cory White made a recommendation to hire Keylie Baldwin as HS Science teacher for the 2018-19 school year. Chuck Sweeton made a motion to accept the recommendation of Cory

White to hire Keylie Baldwin as HS Science teacher for the 2018-19 school year. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft reported on a pending contract to sell the property at 1020 Military Ave, Baxter Springs, for $28,500.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to approve the sale of the property at 1020 Military Ave, Baxter Springs, for $28,500 and to grant permission for Superintendent Pendergraft to sign deeds to the property on behalf of the USD 508 school district. Chuck Sweeton seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation that the board forgive the snow days of January 15-17, 2018 and February 5, 2018. Dusty Deringer made a motion to forgive the snow days of January 15-17, 2018 and February 5, 2018. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0.

Casey Eaton made a motion to adjourn. Chuck Sweeton seconded. Carried 6-0. 8:29 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes DeAnne Binns
Clerk/Board of Education President/Board of Education