The Baxter Springs board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, December 12, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Mary Kirkpatrick, Dusty Deringer,(via speaker phone), Josh Sweaney, Brandon Williams, Chuck Sweeton and newly appointed member, Casey Eaton. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Vicki Bradley, Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Roger Reynolds, HS Assistant Principal, Robert Womack, Central Principal, Ken Boeckman, Lincoln Principal, Nicky Hastings, HS Special Education Teacher, Don Hastings, Angela Yarbrough, Angela Burrows, Rev. Tracy Rowe and Daymon McCorkle, Maintenance and Grounds Director.
President Binns called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Brandon Williams led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance. Rev. Tracy Rowe led the board and guests in a word of prayer.
Brandon Williams made a motion to adopt the agenda as printed. Josh Sweaney 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 November 14, 2016 meeting and approval of the treasurer’s report. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0.
Vicki Bradley, Clerk, administered the oath of office to newly appointed board member Casey Eaton. Upon taking the oath of office, Mr. Eaton assumed his duties as an active board member and participated in all further business of the board meeting.
Superintendent Pendergraft informed the board that Nicky Hastings, BHS Special Education teacher, had received the Pittsburg State University College of Education Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Teacher in a ceremony at PSU today. He introduced Mrs. Hastings to the board and guests. Nicky shared her story about her childhood and how she is able to help her students because of her life story and her desire to help students achieve their potential. The board and guests gave Mrs. Hastings a standing ovation and were very moved by her story. President Binns congratulated her on her award and expressed her appreciation to her for excelling as a teacher.
Superintendent Pendergraft presented the Kansas State Department of Education policy on exempt fundraisers for approval as follows:
“One exempt fundraiser per school organization per semester that does not meet the Nutrition Standards for All Foods Sold in School during the school day on the school campus will be allowed. An organization is defined as a school group that is approved by the local board of education. Length of the organizations exempt fundraiser cannot exceed 2 days.”
Brandon Williams made a motion to approve the Kansas State Department of Education policy on exempt fundraisers as stated above. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.
The board heard the following reports:
Lincoln – Principal Ken Boeckman reported on the Lincoln Christmas program which was held last week. He expressed his appreciation to Mrs. Smith as well as the HS custodial staff, and paraprofessionals who assisted in helping to make this event a success. Mr. Boeckman also reported that students were taken to American Bank on Friday to visit with Santa Claus. He reported that professional development opportunities for staff will be held in January. Training will include ADHD training and ALICE training for staff. Mr. Boeckman said that the first semester has been a successful one.
Central – Principal Bobby Womack, reported that the Central Christmas program went very well. He congratulated Mrs. Smith and students for a job well done. Central School students also went to American Bank to visit with Santa Claus. Students received pictures and candy canes. Mr. Womack expressed his appreciation to the American Bank for giving students this opportunity as they really enjoyed it. He also reported that this week the Kiwanis Club will give a book to the students and expressed his appreciation to the Kiwanis Club. Mr. Womack reported that Thursday afternoon will be Movie day with students receiving treats and their choice of attending one of several movies in “theatres” set up throughout the building.
HS – Principal Cory White reported that the recent “Home Town Hero” banquet honoring Joe Pat Skye for his service to the school and community was a wonderful tribute. He expressed his appreciation to the Skye and St. Clair families for participating in this tribute. He also expressed his appreciation to the staff and students who were involved with the event as well. Mr. White reported that 21 students were recently inducted into the National Honor Society. He also reported that Mrs. Boman recently held a blood drive and had great participation in that endeavor. Mr. White reported that tonight is the annual Christmas concert presented by the BHS Music Department. Principal White reported that several students recently received CNC League honors in football. Those students are: 1st Team – Doug Dardenne; 2nd Team – Matt Miles, Jace Flood and Donavon Anderson; Honorable Mention – Korben Frisbee and AJ Himes. Seniors who have recently signed with colleges include: Jarret Dotson – baseball at PSU; Cheyenna VonMoss – Volleyball at Ft. Scott Community Colllege; Kaid Karnes – baseball at Cowley County Community College. Mr. White expressed his pride in all of these students for their achievements and how well they represent BHS.
Maintenance & Grounds – Director Daymon McCorkle reported that some of the projects the maintenance and custodial staff will be doing over the holiday break will include: running electric for Opaa! at Lincoln, finishing up the welding shop air cleaner installation at BHS, obtaining quotes on hardware for main gym doors, working on entrances at Central, providing labor to install concrete at Field of Dreams and cleaning and shining at all the buildings. Mr. McCorkle reported he will be finishing up his evaluations. He also expressed his appreciation to the board for having the parking lot sealed and striped at the High School as it greatly improved the looks of the facility.
Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel and negotiations in order to protect the privacy of the individuals to be discussed and to protect the public interest in negotiating a fair and equitable contract and that we return to open session in this room after a 10 minute period of time. This session shall include the board and the Superintendent. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 7-0.
6:29 p.m. Enter executive session.
6:39 p.m. Resume regular session.
Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel and negotiations in order to protect the privacy of the individuals to be discussed and to protect the public interest in negotiating a fair and equitable contract and that we return to open session in this room after a 5 minute period of time. This session shall include the board and the Superintendent. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.
6:39 p.m. Enter executive session.
6:44 p.m. Resume regular session.
David Pendergraft recommended hiring Kelly Noakes as full-time bus driver. Josh Sweaney made a motion to accept the recommendation to hire Kelly Noakes as full time bus driver. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.
Casey Eaton made a motion to adjourn. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.
6:49 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Vicki Bradley DeAnne Binns
Clerk/Board of Education President/Board of Education