The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, September 12, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Linda Crotts, Casey Eaton, Kerri Jensen, Josh Sweeney and Jami Thiessen. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Cord Baldwin, HS Assistant Principal, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator, Gene Nelson, CS Counselor, Carrie Williams, Jan Buck, Sue Garner, Michael Pearce and Amber Helwig.

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 agenda as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 6-0.

Josh Sweaney made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from August 8 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 6-0.

President Eaton opened the public hearing regarding the Revenue Neutral Rate for the 2022- 2023 USD 508 Budget at 6:01 p.m.

Michael Pearce arrived at 6:03 p.m. and led the guests in prayer.

Linda Crotts made a motion to approve resolution #91222 to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate for the 2022-2023 school year. Jami Thiessen seconded. Roll Call Vote: Linda Crotts-Yes, Kerri Jensen-Yes, DeAnne Binns-Yes, Casey Eaton-Yes, Jami Thiessen-Yes, Josh Sweaney- Yes. Carried 6-0.

President Eaton opened the budget hearing at 6:05 pm.

President Eaton proposed for consideration the approval of the LOB resolution #91322 for the 2022-2023 school year. DeAnne Binns made a motion to approve the LOB resolution #91322 as presented. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the 2022-2023 budget as published. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft introduced Carrie Williams for the open board position due to the resignation of Brandon Williams. Ms. Williams was given a portion of time to introduce herself. Linda Crotts made a motion to appoint Carrie Williams to the USD 508 Board of Education. This term will expire in January 2024. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Carrie Williams took the oath and was present for the remainder of the meeting.

Superintendent Pendergraft reported on enrollment numbers.

Kevin Wade and Gene Nelson reported on the House System that has been newly implemented at Central School.

Kerri Jensen commended Kenny Boeckman and staff on the newly implemented programs at Lincoln School.

Cord Baldwin reported on changes to the discipline policies at the high school.

DeAnne Binns made a motion to accept the presented changes in the discipline policies. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Arthur Commons discussed trends in recent test scores.

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. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 6-0.

7:16 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:31 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 5 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 6-0.

7:31 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:36 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented a resignation from James Panter for HS Softball. Kerri Jensen made a motion to accept the resignation as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded.

Carried 6-0.

Jami Thiessen commended the HS staff for their hard work during homecoming week.

Josh Sweaney discussed future furniture purchases for Central School.

7:43 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                             Casey Eaton

Clerk/Board of Education          President/Board of Education