The Baxter Springs board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, November 9, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military.  Members present were:  DeAnne BInns, Mary Kirkpatrick, Dusty Deringer,(via phone) Joseph Skye, Chuck Sweeton, Josh Sweaney and Brandon Williams (6:19 p.m.)  Also present were:  David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Vicki Bradley, Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Roger Reynolds, HS Asst. Principal, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Robert Womack, Central Principal, Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director and Susan Gant. 

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

Joseph Skye led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance.

Joseph Skye made a motion to approve the agenda as printed.  Mary Kirkpatrick seconded.  Carried 6-0.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of the minutes of the October 12, 2015 meeting and approval of the treasurer’s report.  Joseph Skye seconded.  Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft reported on the upcoming KASB annual convention in December.  He also reported on a meeting today with KDOT officials, Senator Jake LaTurner, and  Mayor Randy Trease regarding a stop light at the entrance of the High School.  Mr. Pendergraft also discussed class scheduling at the high school.

Brandon Williams arrived at 6:19 p.m. and was present for the remainder of the meeting.

Robert Womack, Central Principal, reported that PTO paid for the students to go to a movie right before fall break and he expressed his appreciation to them for that event.  He also reported that PTO is sponsoring a Read-Athon which is going on now.  Mr. Womack also reported that Central will be celebrating Veterans Day on Tuesday, at which time Veterans from the VFW will distribute flags and pencils to the students and talk about Veterans Day.  He also reported that November 24 will be the annual book character day and invited board members to attend.  The Central students will also be attending the High School play next week and the MS play the week after.

Jason Walker, MS Principal reported on the rewards program for students in the spring.  Mr. Walker reported that November 24 will be a rewards day for 8^th graders who earned the reward based on  attendance, discipline, academics, and assessment data during their 7^th grade year.  Mr. Walker also reported that 52 students recently attended the Ft. Scott Community College construction week and this was a great experience for these students. He also reported that 64% of 7th grade parents and 52% of 8th grade parents attended parent/teacher conferences which were recently held at the Middle School.

Cory White, HS Principal, reported that Mrs. Bottorff recently put together a college fair that was held on October 27 and it was a great success.  All BHS students attended the fair as well as Juniors and Seniors from area high schools.  Mr. White reported that the fall concert was recently held and students did an excellent job.  A pie and cake auction was held to benefit these students and it was a great success.  Mr. White also reported that the National Honor Society students attended Special Olympics bowling and got a chance to give back to other students.  He also reported on the scholars bowl tournament which was held last week.  Upcoming events at the high school include the HS Play next week, with a Veterans salute on Thursday of that week with a dinner at 6:00, followed by the play and our annual Hometown Hero’s dinner will be held on November 20, 2015.

Roger Reynolds reported that BHS has several athletes who have been recognized.  They are as follows: Garrett Gant went to State in Cross Country as a Sophomore and did well; HS volleyball girls placed 2^nd in CNC league;  Volleyball CNC honors were 1^st team -  Riley Abernathy; 2^nd Team - Bailey Bush and Hannah White ; Honorable Mention – Cheyenne VonMoss.  Mr. Reynolds also reported that the Fall sports ceremony will be held on November 16 at 7:00 pm at the HS and November 16 will also be the first day of basketball practice. 

Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director reported that they are updating some of the offerings at the Soda Fountain to coincide with HS classes.  Some of the changes include adding Algebra II, beefing up elective courses and some computer classes. 

Susan Gant informed the board that the Williamsburg meeting will be held this Friday at 5 Mile camp and she invited board members to attend.  The meeting will be from 9:00 am – 2:30 pm.

The board discussed purchasing property at 535 E. 10^th Street, which is adjacent to the Larson property that was donated to us. The cost of the property is back taxes plus the closing costs and fees associated with purchasing property for a total cost of $2740.47.   Brandon Williams made a motion to purchase .9 acres at 535 E. 10^th Street, for a total price of $2740.47.  Joseph Skye seconded.  Carried 7-0.

During comments and concerns from the board, Mary Kirkpatrick informed the board that her grand-daughter is graduating from High School this semester in New Zealand.  She attended Baxter Springs school while they lived in the States and was very well prepared academically for school in New Zealand.  After graduation, she will attend Auckland University.  Mary wanted to inform the board that Baxter Springs should be proud of our school system as our students are prepared to compete even in international schools.  The board also discussed budget issues and funding and the possibility of charging tuition to out of state students in the future depending upon what the legislature decides to do concerning school financing.

Brandon Williams made a motion to adjourn.  Josh Sweaney seconded.  Carried 7-0.

7:02 p.m.  Meeting adjourned.

Vicki Bradley                                    DeAnne Binns

Clerk/Board of Education                  President/Board of Education