The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, September 11, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnn Binns, Linda Crotts, Casey Eaton, Kerri Jensen, Josh Sweaney, Jami Thiessen and Carrie Williams. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator, Rick Chriestenson, Susan Jones, Mary Bell, Christine Morrison, Gene Bennett and Russell Presson, Grace Baptist Church.
President Eaton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Josh Sweaney led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance and Russell Presson led in prayer.
DeAnne Binns made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 7-0.
Kerri Jensen made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from August 14 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.
President Eaton opened the public hearing regarding the Revenue Neutral Rate for the 2023-2024 USD 508 Budget at 6:02 pm. Linda Crotts made a motion to approve resolution #91123 to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate for the 2023-2024 school year. Carrie Williams seconded. Roll Call Vote: DeAnne Binns-Y, Linda Crotts-Y, Casey Eaton-Y, Kerri Jensen-N, Josh Sweaney-Y, Jami Thiessen-Y and Carrie Williams-Y. Carried 6-1.
The board entertained comments from visitors and there was conversation pertaining to the budget and Revenue Neutral Rate.
President Eaton opened the budget hearing at 6:05 pm. President Eaton proposed for consideration the approval of the LOB resolution #91223 for the 2023-2024 school year. Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the LOB resolution #91223 as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 7-0.
DeAnne Binns made a motion to approve the 2023-2024 budget as published. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 7-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft reported on an upcoming visit from Mark Tallman, KASB, who is doing research on the increase in test scores at USD 508, enrollment numbers, open enrollment and Monday school.
Policy Updates will be discussed in October.
Josh Sweaney left at 7:05 pm and returned at 7:07 pm.
Josh Sweaney 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 5 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 7-0.
7:11 p.m. Enter executive session.
7:16 p.m. Resume regular session.
Superintendent Pendergraft presented a retirement letter from Tina Gandy as elementary teacher at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year. Josh Sweaney made a motion to accept the retirement as presented. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 7-0.
7:17 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Carrie Oakes Casey Eaton
Clerk/Board of Education President/Board of Education