The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, May 13, 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, Virtual Director, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator and Jeff Street, 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 Jeff Street led in prayer.
Linda Crotts made a motion to approve the agenda, changing the date in Item 3, b from May to April. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.
DeAnne Binns made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from April 8 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 7-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft recommended Food Service prices for the 2024-2025 school year for approval (Student Breakfast – $2.45, Elementary Student Lunch – $3.40, Secondary Student Lunch - $3.65, Adult Breakfast - $3.20, Adult Lunch - $5.05). Kerri Jensen made a motion to approve the recommendation. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft spoke briefly about the 2023-2024 fiscal audit.
Superintendent Pendergraft discussed the District Needs Assessment.
Superintendent Pendergraft presented policy updates for Chapter F, H and I.
Jami Thiessen made a motion to adopt the policy updates as presented. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 7-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft requested that the board forgive May 7, 2024 due to no electricity. Josh Sweaney made a motion to forgive the day as requested. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 7-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft sought a motion to surplus old district phones on PurpleWave. Linda Crotts made a motion to proceed. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 7-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft discussed flooring for the new weight room and recommended accepting a bid from Mammoth for $42,700. Carrie Williams made a motion to accept the bid as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 7-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft discussed the recent Student Safety Task Force meeting.
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.
6:48 p.m. Enter executive session.
6:58 p.m. Resume regular session.
Superintendent Pendergraft recommended hiring Chelsea Woodring (HS Assistant Basketball) and Becky Qualls (HS Language Arts) beginning the 2024- 2025 school year. Linda Crotts made a motion to accept the hirings as presented. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 7-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft presented a resignation letter from Adison Craig (Secondary Counselor), Alan Hibler (MS Co-Head Track) and DeAnn Hill (Treasurer). Kerri Jensen made a motion to accept the resignations as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 7-0.
The board expressed their condolences to Becky Qualls for the recent loss of her husband, Kirk Qualls.
The board commended Mr. Boeckmen for his professionalism in keeping kids safe on a trip during recent bad weather.
7:02 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Carrie Oakes Casey Eaton
Clerk/Board of Education President/Board of Education