The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, February 14, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Linda Crotts, Casey Eaton, Kerri Jensen, Josh Sweaney and Jami Thiessen. Members absent were: Brandon Williams. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Director, Holly High, School Nurse, Dorcia Johnson, United Methodist Church and Lee & Nadine Eaglin.
President Eaton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Jami Thiessen led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance and Dorcia Johnson led in prayer.
Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 6-0.
Linda Crotts made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from January 10 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 6-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on the recent purchase of the old community center.
Superintendent Pendergraft presented the proposed 2022-2023 school calendar for consideration.
Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the 2022-2023 school calendar. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 6-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft recommended moving the March 14 meeting to March 7 due to Spring Break. Josh Sweaney made a motion to approve the recommendation. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.
Principal Wade addressed the board on an updated policy concerning teacher requests.
Kerri Jensen made a motion to accept the updated policy concerning teacher requests. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0.
Principal White addressed the board concerning early graduation for seniors.
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 20 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0.
6:25 p.m. Enter executive session.
6:45 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 10 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0.
6:45 p.m. Enter executive session.
6:55 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 10 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0.
6:25 p.m. Enter executive session.
7:05 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 6-0.
7:05 p.m. Enter executive session.
7:10 p.m. Resume regular session.
Superintendent Pendergraft presented a letter of retirement from Lori Kellum for MS Counselor. He also presented resignations for Becky Qualls, HS Language Arts, Les Dyke, MS Math & Science and Carly Locke, HS Assistant Volleyball. Linda Crotts made a motion to accept the retirement and resignations as presented. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to hire Kelsey Thompson as half-time HS Science. Kerri Jensen made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 6-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to hire James Panter as HS Softball.
Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 6-0.
Kerri Jensen made a motion to adjourn. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 6-0.
7:13 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Carrie Oakes Casey Eaton
Clerk/Board of Education President/Board of Education