The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: Linda Crotts, Casey Eaton, Kerri Jensen, Josh Sweaney, Jami Thiessen and Carrie Williams (6:18 pm). Members absent were: DeAnne Binns. 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, MS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Director, Ross Davis, Technology Directory, Matt Campbell, Ali Dake, Machelle Smith, Kayla Cullers, Kyla White, Kamdyn Nickles, Barry Albious, Kristi Davis, Cheyenne Fry and Josh Fry.
President Eaton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Josh Sweaney led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance.
Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 5-0.
Linda Crotts made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from January 9 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 5-0. Kayla Cullers and Matt Campbell spoke to the board about the C4 Wrestling Academy and requested the board consider a wrestling program in the future at USD 508 for MS & HS.
Superintendent Pendergraft discussed policy updates.
Kerri Jensen made a motion to accept Chapter D as presented. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 6-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft sought approval from the board to sell the Building Trades home located at 220 E 11th, Baxter Springs, KS. Jami Thiessen made a motion to allow the sale of the house. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 6-0.
Josh Sweaney made a motion to move the March 24 make up day to March 31. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 6-0 Superintendent Pendergraft presented the proposed 2025-2026 school calendar for consideration. Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the 2025-2026 school calendar. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0.
Ross Davis updated the board on the upcoming E-rate cycle and bids. The CDW bid for Wired and Wireless Network upgrade is $79,548 and the Provision Data Solutions bid for FireWall is $13,990. The district will be reimbursed 80% of these costs. Carrie Williams made a motion to accept the presented bids. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0
Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on the Neighborhood Revitalization Program for the City of Baxter Springs. Josh Sweaney madea motion to renew the Neighborhood Revitalization Program. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 6-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on the new practice facility.
Arthur Commons addressed the board on future college credit hours for high school students.
Josh Sweaney 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. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 6-0.
7:18 p.m. Enter executive session.
7:28 p.m. Resume regular session.
Josh Sweaney 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. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 6-0.
7:28 p.m. Enter executive session.
7:33 p.m. Resume regular session.
Superintendent Pendergraft presented a resignation from Katie Patterson, 3rd grade teacher and a retirement from Nancy Daniels, HS teacher. Kerri Jensen made a motion to accept the resignation/retirement as presented. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 6-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft recommended hiring Landon Abbott as Assistant High School Baseball. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the recommendation. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 6-0.
7:34 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Carrie Oakes Casey Eaton
Clerk/Board of Education President/Board of Education