The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, September 13, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne Binnes, 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, Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Director, Kerri Jensen, Todd Hessee, Scot & Lori Shafer and Amber Helwig, Columbus News-Report. 

Vice-President Eaton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 

Josh Sweaney led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance. 

Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the amended agenda adding under item X, executive session to discuss confidential student information. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from August 9 & 18 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Josh  Sweaney seconded. Carried 5-0.

Vice President Eaton opened the public hearing regarding the Revenue Neutral Rate for the 2021-2022 USD 508 Budget at 6:01 pm.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve resolution #91321 to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate for the 2021-2022 school year. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

Vice-President Eaton opened the budget hearing at 6:07 pm.

DeAnne Binns made a motion to approve the 2021-2022 budget as printed. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented resolution #91421 for the board position vacated by

Dusty Deringer. Josh Sweaney made a motion to approve the resolution as presented. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on enrollment numbers and a recent KDHE grant awarded to the district.

Principal White updated the board on league changes concerning football.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss confidential student information pursuant to the exception relating to actions adversely or favorable affecting a student 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. DeAnne Binnsseconded. Carried 5-0.

6:34 p.m. Enter executive session.

6:44 p.m. Resume regular session.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss confidential student information pursuant to the exception relating to actions adversely or favorable affecting a student 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. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

6:44 p.m. Enter executive session.

6:54 p.m. Resume regular session.

Jami Thiessen 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. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

6:55 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:05 p.m. Resume regular session.

Jami Thiessen 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. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

7:05 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:20 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended hiring Mike Hunley as Bus Driver, Daymon McCorkle as Part Time Maintenance Director and Bryce Cullers for Assistant Softball. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept recommendations as presented. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented the following resignations: Sandy Davis, Bus Driver and Wendy Zustiak, MS Assistant Track. He also presented a retirement letter from Missy Swob as elementary teacher. Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to accept the retirement/resignations as presented. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to sell property at 10th & Cherokee to Billy York in the amount of $8,000. Josh Sweaney made a motion to accept the recommendation. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to approve all building handbooks. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the recommendation. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to adjourn. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 5-0.

7:30 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                      Casey Eaton

Clerk/Board of Education                   Vice-President/Board of Education