The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, March 6, 2023 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 Carrie Williams. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Cord Baldwin, HS Assistant Principal, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Kenny  Boeckman, LS Principal, Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator, Daryl Eagon, Diehl, Banwart & Bolton, and Cody Graves, First Christian Church.

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

Josh Sweaney led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance and Cody Graves led in prayer.

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

Kerri Jensen made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from February 13 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 7-0.

Daryl Eagon, CPA of Diehl, Banwart & Bolton, presented the audit findings for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. Josh Sweaney made a motion to accept the audit report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2022 as presented. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft discussed graduation and esports. Carrie Williams made a motion to move forward with purchasing esports equipment. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 7-0.

Principal White discussed changes to the HS schedule for the 2023-2024 school year.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee 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. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 7-0.

6:51 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:06 p.m. Resume regular session.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss employer-employee negotiations 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. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 7-0.

7:06 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:21 p.m. Resume regular session.

Jami Thiessen 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. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 7-0.

7:21 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:31 p.m. Resume regular session.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss employer-employee negotiations 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. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 7-0.

7:31 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:36 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented letters of resignation from Bailey Arnall, Bus Para, Karen Hembree, MS Concessions and Arthur Commons, MS Head Basketball. Kerri Jensen made a motion to accept the resignations as presented. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended hiring Jadelyn Wyrick, HS Assistant Softball and Micah Crotts, MS Volleyball. Josh Sweaney made a motion to accept the recommendations as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 7- 0.

Linda Crotts made a motion to extend the contract of Superintendent Pendergraft through the 2025-2026 school year. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to extend all administrator contracts through the 2024-2025 school year. Josh Sweaney made a motion that all administrator contracts be extended through the 2024-2025 school year. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried. 7-0.

Linda Crotts discussed legislation and a KASB resolution supporting public schools and invited any board member wanting to show their support an opportunity to sign the resolution.

7:43 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                              Casey Eaton

Clerk/Board of Education           President/Board of Education