The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, January 10, 2022 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 Brandon 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, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Jeff Street, First Baptist Church, Dan Jensen and Amber Helwig, Columbus News-Report.

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

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

The board observed a moment of silence for Carla Weston, former elementary para at Lincoln School.

Carrie Oakes, Clerk, administered the oath of office to newly elected board members, Linda Crotts and Kerri Jensen. Upon taking the oath of office, Crotts and Jensen assumed their duties as active board members and participated in all further business of the board meeting.

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

DeAnne Binns made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from December 13 and approval of the treasurer’s

report. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 7-0.

President Williams opened the floor for election of officers:

Brandon Williams made a motion to nominate Casey Eaton as president. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 7-0.

Brandon Williams made a motion to elect DeAnne Binns as vice president. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0, with DeAnne Binns abstaining.

DeAnne Binns made a motion to elect Kerri Jensen as governmental relation contact. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to elect Linda Crotts as the representative to the SEK Interlocal 637 board. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0, with Linda Crotts abstaining.

Superintendent Pendergraft recognized the board members for National School Board Member month and expressed thanks for all they do.

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on COVID information, possible new guidelines for substitute teachers, and the upcoming purchase of properties. Superintendent Pendergraft also apprised the board on attendance policies concerning finals exemption.

Brandon Williams made a motion to adopt the previous attendance policy with the exception of COVID related absences. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 7-0.

Jami Thiessen 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 and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.

6:24 p.m. Enter executive session.

6:29 p.m. Resume regular session.

Jami Thiessen 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 and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.

6:29 p.m. Enter executive session.

6:34 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented a letter of resignation from Jared Miller for MS Assistant Football Coach. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the resignation as presented. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 7-0.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to adjourn. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.

6:35 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                              Casey Eaton

Clerk/Board of Education           President/Board of Education