The Baxter Springs board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, February 12, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Mary Kirkpatrick, Casey Eaton, Chuck Sweeton, Josh Sweaney and Dusty Deringer. Members absent were: Brandon Williams. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Robert Womack, Central Principal, Kenny Boeckman, Lincoln Principal, Daymon McCorkle, Maintenance Director, Stephanie Dewey, MS Teacher, Tim Yeargain, HS Teacher, Cory Moates, Cherokee County Commissioner, and Jeff Street, pastor of the First Baptist Church.
President Binns called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Chuck Sweeton led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance and Jeff Street led the board and guests in a word of prayer.
Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0.
Casey Eaton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes of January 8 & 12, 2018 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Dusty Deringer seconded. Carried 6-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft introduced Cory Moates, Cherokee County Commissioner, who informed the board of a donation from the county of $50,000 to go towards the traffic signal.
Superintendent Pendergraft gave an update on the Cherokee County Neighborhood Revitalization Plan.
Superintendent Pendergraft asked the board to consider a motion for the 2018-2019 School Calendar.
Chuck Sweeton made a motion to approve the 2018-19 School Calendar. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 6-0.
Building reports were given as follows:
LINCOLN - Principal Boeckman reported on an upcoming Book Fair, camera system updates, the backpack program through the Kansas Food Bank, and also gave an update on the KRR program.
CENTRAL – Principal Womack reported on spring picture day, state testing, upcoming Valentine’s parties, and National School Counselors Week, with a special thank you to Mr. Gene Nelson for all he does.
MIDDLE SCHOOL – Principal Walker reported on a recent student council dance, with a special thanks to Mrs. Dewey and Mrs. Kellum for their help. He also reported about a recent trip to the Oklahoma aquarium, the completion of the MS basketball season and upcoming changes for the 2018-2019 basketball season, MS track, and an upcoming power lifting competition in Afton.
HIGH SCHOOL – Principal White reported on recent power lifting competitions, the basketball season and the completion of the Scholars Bowl Season. He also reported on the Kent Warstler banquet and the recent Culture and Cuisine trip to Oklahoma City. He also noted that the February 10 ACT was postponed to February 24 due to inclement weather. Last, Mr. White expressed his gratitude to the students and staff of USD 508, as well as the community, for the support they showed the Rainey family during the recent loss of their son Tyler.
Daymon McCorkle reported updates to buildings and grounds including fixes of busted lines due to the cold weather. He also addressed the board about upgrading the gym lighting systems this summer.
Superintendent Pendergraft expressed his appreciation to Mr. McCorkle and his crew for their hard work in making our grounds safe during the bad weather.
Dusty Deringer made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee pursuant to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 10 minutes in the board room. This meeting is to include the board and Superintendent. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 6-0.
6:38 p.m. Enter executive session. 6:48 p.m. Resume regular session.
Superintendent Pendergraft presented a resignation from Lori Kellum for MS Play. Josh Sweaney made a motion to accept the resignation of Lori Kellum for MS play as presented. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 6-0.
Jason Walker made a recommendation to hire Nikki Williams as MS Assistant Track Coach for the 2017-18 school year. Dusty Deringer made a motion to accept the recommendation of Jason Walker to hire Nikki Williams as MS Assistant Track Coach for the 2017-18 school year. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0.
Casey Eaton made a motion to adjourn. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 6-0. 6:50 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Carrie Oakes DeAnne Binns
Clerk/Board of Education President/Board of Education