The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, October 11, 2021 at 6:00p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Mary Kirkpatrick, Josh Sweaney, Jami Thiessen and Brandon Williams. Members absent were: Casey Eaton. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Cord Baldwin, HS Assistant Principal, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator, Gene Nelson, CS Counselor, Linda Crotts, Kerri Jensen, John & Natalie Zanatta, and Amber Helwig, Columbus News-Report.

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

Jami Thiessen led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 5-0.

DeAnne Binns made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from September 13 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft introduced the candidates for the open board position due to the resignation of Dusty Deringer. Each candidate was given a portion of time to introduce themselves. The candidates were: Linda Crotts, Kerri Jensen and John Zanatta.

President Williams opened the floor for nominations to fill the vacant board position. Jami Thiessen nominated Linda Crotts. Josh Sweaney made a motion that all nominations cease. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 5-0.

President Williams called for a vote. Linda Crotts received 5 votes from DeAnne Binns, Mary Kirkpatrick, Josh Sweaney, Jami Thiessen and Brandon Williams.

Linda Crotts was appointed to the USD 508 Board of Education. This term will expire in January 2022.

Gene Nelson updated the board on a new crisis plan. The administrators updated the board on the new counselor evaluation form. Superintendent Pendergraft recommended approving the counselor evaluation form with the noted changes.

Josh Sweaney made a motion to accept the recommendation. Mary Kirkpatrick 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 30 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

6:37 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:07 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. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

7:07 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:22 p.m. Resume regular session.

Mary Kirkpatrick 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 he open meeting will resume in 2 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

7:22 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:24 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to purchase the community building at 506 W 4th Street for $25,000 from the City of Baxter Springs. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the recommendation. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended hiring AJ Himes for MS assistant track and reassigning AJ Himes to Lincoln Elementary Para. Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0.

Jami Thiessen commended the HS teachers for recent homecoming events. She also thanked the administration for providing an ACT prep course.

President Williams inquired about technology security for students. This will be discussed at an upcoming board meeting. Linda Crotts made a motion to adjourn. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

7:29 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                         Brandon Williams

Clerk/Board of Education                      President/Board of Education