The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at 104 N Military. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Dusty Deringer, Casey Eaton, Mary Kirkpatrick, Josh Sweaney and Jami Thiessen. Members absent were: Brandon Williams. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Robert Womack, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator, Kevin & Angela Wade, Travis Brumback, Labette Community College and Amber Helwig, Columbus News-Report.

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

Casey Eaton led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 6-0.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from March 8 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft introduced the new principal of Central School, Kevin Wade and his wife Angela.

President Deringer reported on legislative updates.

Superintendent Pendergraft introduced Travis Brumback with Labette Community College. Travis spoke on LCC’s welding program currently used at the high school.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended making the Columbus News-Report the official newspaper for USD 508 for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. Casey Eaton made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended appointing himself as hearing officer for grievances filed for Senate Bill 40. Josh Sweaney made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft requested that the board forgive five snow days (1/27, 2/8-11). Jami Thiessen made a motion to forgive the days requested. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft requested permission to surplus two vehicles (suburban and 65 passenger bus) and list them on Purplewave. Josh Sweaney made a motion to grant permission for Superintendent Pendergraft to surplus and list the noted vehicles. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 6-0.

Mary Kirkpatrick 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 15 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board,

Superintendent and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0.

6:44 p.m. Enter executive session.

6:59 p.m. Resume regular session.

Mary Kirkpatrick 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 15 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board,

Superintendent and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0.

6:59 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:14 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented the following resignations: Autumn Carson – Elementary Teacher 

Michele Hensley – Elementary Title Teacher 

Barbra Mason – HS Business Teacher

Larry Qualls – Custodian

Carla Weston – Elementary Para

Austin Williams—MS Assistant Football

Casey Eaton made a motion to accept the resignations as presented. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended reassigning Leslie Bowman to HS FACS. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended hiring Tyler Underhill for MS Head Football. Casey Eaton made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended hiring Kimberly Maute for MS Language Arts. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended reassigning Chase Johnston to half time Strength and Conditioning while remaining half time Social Science. Josh Sweaney made a motion to accept the recommendation. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended reassigning Nancy Daniels to Graphic Design. Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to accept the recommendation. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to adjourn. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 6-0.

7:38 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                              Dusty Deringer

Clerk/Board of Education                           President/Board of Education