The Baxter Springs board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, January 9, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Chuck Sweeton,, Dusty Deringer, Casey Eaton, Mary Kirkpatrick, Brandon Williams and Josh Sweaney (6:03 p.m.) Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Vicki Bradley, Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Roger Reynolds, HS Asst. Principal, Ken Boeckman, Lincoln Principal and Chris Swartz, HS teacher/HS Athletic 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.
Dusty Deringer made a motion to approve the annotated agenda. adding an executive session Under Item V to include non-elected personnel, and Under Item VII, adding reviewing the current student drug testing policy. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 6-0.
Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of payment of bills, approval of minutes of the December 12, 2016 meeting, and approval of the treasurer’s report . Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 6-0.
DeAnne Binns, President had no report to give.
Superintendent Pendergraft recognized the board for National School Board Recognition month and expressed his gratitude to all the board members for their service.
Josh Sweaney arrived at 6:03 p.m. and was present for the remainder of the meeting.
Superintendent Pendergraft reported to the board that the state had lowered the mileage reimbursement rate to .535 cents per mile and asked the board for a motion to approve that rate.
Chuck Sweeton made a motion to lower the mileage reimbursement rate to .535 cents per mile as requested. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.
The board heard reports from building principals as follows:
Ken Boeckman, Lincoln Principal – reported that the custodial and maintenance staff had completed some projects over the Christmas break and he expressed his appreciation to them. He also reported that the professional development session on January 2 was very informative and beneficial to the staff.
Cory White, HS Principal - reported that KU Honor Students have been chosen. Nine students will be honored and they are as follows: Riley Abernathy, Karley Bailey, Tyler Bottorff, Alexis Dewey, Jazmyne Graves, Shayla Hopkins, Alisha Houser, Drake Shaw and Sarah Spencer. He also reported that the Kent Warstler Honor Banquet will be held in February. Mr. White reported on a basketball tournament and that the incentive program has been expanded to encompass 9-12 grades instead of just 11-12 grades.
Josh Sweaney made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss negotiations and non-elected personnel in order to protect the publics interest in negotiating a fair and equitable contract and to protect the privacy interests of the individuals to be discussed and that we return to open session in this room after a 20 minute period of time. This session shall include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 7-0.
6:13 p.m. Enter executive session.
6:33 p.m. Resume regular session.
Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss negotiations and non-elected personnel in order to protect the publics interest in negotiating a fair and equitable contract and to protect the privacy interests of the individuals to be discussed and that we return to open session in this room after a 10 minute period of time. This session shall include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.
6:34 p.m. Enter executive session.
6:44 p.m. Resume regular session.
David Pendergraft, Superintendent, presented a Resolution to extend the term of office for school board members for approval. The resolution is as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Board of education of Unified School District No. 508, Cherokee County, Kansas hereby extends the term of office for any elected board member whose term would expire at any time in 2017 until the second Monday in January of 2018, when newly elected members of the governing body and other newly elected officials shall take office pursuant to K.S.A. 2015 Supp. 25-21a01.
Dusty Deringer made a motion to approve the resolution as presented. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.
Dusty Deringer presented a resolution to support the installation of a stoplight at the entrance of the Baxter Springs High School/Middle School for approval. After the board reviewed the resolution the following resolution was presented for approval:
WHEREAS: The Board of Education believes that the safety of students, employees, and the general public is of paramount concern and top priority, and;
WHEREAS: Installation of the stoplight will increase the safety of students, employees, and the general public and;
THEREFORE, Be It RESOLVED that the U.S.D. 508 Board of Education believes that the cost of this project should be shared between governmental entities and pledges and commits to funding a portion of the total cost for the installation of a stoplight at the entrance of Baxter Springs High School/Middle School.
Dusty Deringer made a motion to approve the resolution as presented. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.
The board discussed the existing student drug testing policy. After discussing proposed changes it was he consensus of the board to have Superintendent Pendergraft bring a proposed policy change to the February board meeting for consideration.
Josh Sweaney made a motion to adjourn. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 7-0.
7:40 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Vicki Bradley DeAnne Binns
Clerk/Board of Education President/Board of Education