The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, May 14, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Dusty Deringer, Casey Eaton, Mary Kirkpatrick, Josh Sweaney, Jami Thiessen and Brandon Williams. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Kyle Baldridge, HS Assistant Principal, Robert Womack, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director, Amber Helwig, Columbus News-Report, Jody Roher and Mardy Allen.

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

Brandon Williams led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 7-0.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from April 12 and approval of the treasurer’s report. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 7-0.

Jody Roher spoke to the board concerning a student issue.

Mardy Allen spoke to the board concerning a student issue.

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on the subscription rates for the Columbus News-Report.

Superintendent Pendergraft expressed thanks from district teachers for all the activities during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended extending the food service contract with OPAA! For the 2021-2022 school year. DeAnne Binns made a motion to accept the recommendation of Superintendent Pendergraft. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended Food Service prices for the 2021-2022 school year for approval (Student Breakfast - $1.80, Elementary Student Lunch - $2.80, Secondary Student Lunch - $3.05, Adult Breakfast - $2.50, Adult Lunch - $4.30). Josh Sweaney made a motion to approve the recommendation. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft reported the audit revealed additional funding is available due to enrollment in the Virtual Fund and asked the board to republish the Virtual budget in order to capture these funds. Brandon Williams made a motion to support Superintendent Pendergraft’s request to republish the Virtual Fund. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 7-0.

President Deringer updated the board on legislative updates and expressed thanks to the First Assembly of God Church and Steven Bell for their student donations.

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on summer school and an upcoming professional development opportunity.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended increasing pay for summer school employees ($35/hour certified, $25/hour classified) and for the professional development days ($200/day certified, $150/day classified). Brandon Williams made a motion to approve the increase in pay. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on the purchase of a maintenance vehicle. The board granted permission for Superintendent Pendergraft to begin the search for a new maintenance vehicle.

Brandon Williams 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 30 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.

6:48 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:18 p.m. Resume regular session.

Brandon Williams 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 boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.

7:18 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:28 p.m. Resume regular session.

Brandon Williams made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss property pursuant to the exception for preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 20 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.

7:28 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:48 p.m. Resume regular session.

Brandon Williams made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss property pursuant to the exception for preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 10 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.

7:48 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:58 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented the following resignations:

Charles Rector – Powerlifting Coach

Sheena Brubaker – High School Dance and Cheer

Cameron Woodring—High School Boys Assistant Basketball

Brandon Williams made a motion to accept the resignations as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to renew certified contracts for the 2021-2022 school year and the following hirings:

HS Science – Kyler Cook

HS Math—Cris Norton

HS Social Studies—Tayler Boucher

HS Dance and Cheer Head Coach—Tayler Boucher

Elementary Title Reading—Angie Pendergraft

Secondary Reading Intervention Specialist—Kami Butterfield

Elementary Teacher—Erin Commons

Elementary Teacher—Skye Kerr

HS English—Tabled

Secondary Strength and Conditioning Teacher—Austin Buchanan

HS Assistant Football Coach—Austin Buchanan

HS Assistant Football Coach—Tim Parrish

MS Assistant Football Coach—AJ Himes

MS Assistant Football Coach—Kyler Cook

Custodian—Jim Kinsch

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to accept the recommendations. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to adjourn. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 7-0.

8:02 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                                                    Dusty Deringer

Clerk/Board of Education                                                 President/Board of Education