The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, March 4, 2024 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 and Michael Pearce, Riverton First Baptist 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 Michael Pearce led in prayer.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Linda Crotts 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 12 and approval of the treasurer’s report. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft discussed policy updates with the board. Kerri Jensen made a motion to accept recommendations to Policy E as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft discussed the installation of a new district wide phone system, an upcoming tax sale, online enrollment and updates on facilities.

Principal White discussed changes to the Drivers Ed program for the 2024- 2025 school year.

Jami Thiessen discussed current computer skills for high school students.

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. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.

6:56 p.m. Enter executive session. 7:11 p.m. Resume regular session.

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 10 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.

7:11 p.m. Enter executive session. 7:21 p.m. Resume regular session.

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 5 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.

7:21 p.m. Enter executive session. 7:26 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented a resignation letter from Anthony Roberts, HS Girls Basketball Coach, Art Roberts, HS Assistant Girls Basketball Coach and Wendy Zustiak as Elementary Teacher at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to accept the resignations as presented. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.

Linda Crotts made a motion to extend the contract of Superintendent Pendergraft through the 2026-2027 school year. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to extend all administrator contracts through the 2025-2026 school year.

Josh Sweaney made a motion that all administrator contracts be extended through the 2025-2026 school year. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 7-0.

DeAnne Binns commended the eSports team on their recent victory.

Casey Eaton discussed moving the superintendent evaluation to December.

Linda Crotts commended three high school students that were recently accepted into PSU’s Honors College.

7:31 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                   Casey Eaton

Clerk/Board of Education                President/Board of Education