The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, November 14, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Linda Crotts, Casey Eaton, Kerri Jensen, Jami Thiessen and Carrie Williams. Members absent were: Josh Sweaney. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Cord Baldwin, HS Assistant Principal, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Art Roberts, Virtual Coordinator, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator and Amber Helwig, Columbus News-Report.

President Eaton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Jami Thiessen led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance. 

Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the agenda, adding the approval of minutes from the October 21 meeting. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from October 10 and 21 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on two amendments to policy DFAC.

Linda Crotts made a motion to adopt the presented amendments to policy DFAC. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on the upcoming premium pay for employees, the forum at Central School and the Hometown Hero banquet.

Art Roberts spoke with the board about an alternative program for the district.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve an alternative program for the district. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 6-0.

Kerri Jensen 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 15 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 6-0.

6:17 p.m. Enter executive session.

6:32 p.m. Resume regular session.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss employer-employee negotiations 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. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 6-0.

6:32 p.m. Enter executive session.

6:52 p.m. Resume regular session.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss employer-employee negotiations 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. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 6-0.

6:52 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:02 p.m. Resume regular session.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss employer-employee negotiations 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. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 6-0.

7:02 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:12 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented retirement letters from Brenda Locke, Secondary Vocal Music Teacher (end of 22-23 school year) and William Davis, HS Custodian (effective 12/30/22). He also presented resignations from Russell Burr, HS Head Football Coach and Tonya Burggraf, MS Head Volleyball. DeAnne Binns made a motion to accept the recommendations as presented. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 6-0.

7:14 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                           Casey Eaton

Clerk/Board of Education                        President/Board of Education