The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, November 13, 2023 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, Alternative Learning Director, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator and Jeff Street, First Baptist Church.

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 JeffStreet led in prayer.

DeAnne Binns made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. 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 9 and approval of the treasurer’s report. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 6-0.

President Eaton opened the public hearing regarding Open Enrollment Policies JBC and JBCC at 6:02 pm.

Superintendent Pendergraft spoke regarding the new policies and the timeframe for which they will be approved. Hearing closed.

Superintendent Pendergraft reported on Section C of the board policy with no changes for approval. Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve section C. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft reported on the district’s new eSports program, investment of idle funds, updates to the daycare and updates to the new maintenance building.

Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to invest idle funds through American Bank. Jami Thiessen made a motion to allow the superintendent to invest as discussed. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Arthur Commons discussed district curriculum data and the new KESA process for the district.

Kerri Jensen 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 5 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 6-0.

7:03 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:08 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to hire Kenny Metcalf as a substitute bus driver. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented a retirement letter from Terri Adams as preschool teacher at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year, Elizabeth Smith as part time daycare worker effective December 18, 2023 and Jeff McCoy as MS Assistant Track. Linda Crotts made a motion to accept the retirement/resignations as presented. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to reassign Alan Hibler to MS Assistant Track and AJ Himes to HS Assistant Track. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the recommendations presented. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Linda Crotts updated the board on changes that are occurring with SEK Inter Local #637 along with the proposed TLC South in Columbus, KS.

7:20 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                  Casey Eaton

Clerk/Board of Education               President/Board of Education