The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, July 10, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Casey Eaton, Kerri Jensen, Josh Sweaney and Jami Thiessen. Members absent were: Linda Crotts and Carrie Williams. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Cord Baldwin, HS Assistant Principal, Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal and Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator.

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. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 5-0.

Josh Sweaney made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from June 12 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 5-0.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to consider exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate for the 2023-2024 School Year. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft discussed the Student Safety Task Force.

Superintendent Pendergraft sought a motion to negotiate the property at 0 West 16th, Baxter Springs, KS with the City of Baxter Springs. Josh Sweaney made motion to allow Superintendent Pendergraft to negotiate on behalf of the district. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 5-0.

Jason Walker reported on a change to the MS handbook.

Cory White reported on non-public school participation in KSHSAA sponsored activities.

Arthur Commons reported on the Early Literacy Instruction Requirements.

Kerri Jensen made a motion to accept the MS handbook changes and to adopt the Early Literacy Instruction Requirements. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 5-0.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 3 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

6:21 p.m. Enter executive session.

6:24 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to hire Travis Avery as the Head HS Track Coach. Josh Sweaney made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 5-0.

6:25 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                              Casey Eaton

Clerk/Board of Education           President/Board of Education