The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, April 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne 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, Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Bryan and Camille Sturdy and Steven Bell, First Assembly of God.

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 Steven Bell led in prayer. 

Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.

Linda Crotts made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from March 4 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 7-0.

Bryan and Camille Sturdy addressed the board concerning a student issue.

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on the food service contract renewal with OPAA! Food Service for the 2024-2025 school year. Carrie Williams made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Kerri Jensen seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft discussed the development of the Needs Assessment for the District and each building. He also discussed, per new statute, the district’s process for establishing capacities.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended passing district capacities for the 2024-2025 school year. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the recommendation. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 7-0.

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

6:48 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:03 p.m. Resume regular session.

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

7:03 p.m. Enter executive session

7:18 p.m. Resume regular session

Josh Sweaney made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss employer/employee negotiations 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 7-0.

7:18 p.m. Enter executive session

7:33 p.m. Resume regular session

Superintendent Pendergraft presented a resignation letter from Kelly Nicholson (MS StuCo), Ida Applegate (Bus Driver) and Tiffany Silkey (Language Arts Teacher/Senior Class Sponsor). Josh Sweaney made a motion to accept the resignations as presented. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.

Jami Thiessen left the meeting at 7:35 pm.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended the following hirings:

Linde Myers – Bus Para

Mark LaTurner – HS Head Girls Basketball

Lynn Hartley – HS Assistant Girls Basketball

Rylee Hammons – CS Elementary Teacher

Kolton Williamson – CS Elementary Teacher

Brittany Abernathy – LS Elementary Teacher

Heather Schutz – MS Cheer Coach

Carrie Williams made a motion to accept the hirings as presented. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-1, with Jami Thiessen abstaining.

Jami Thiessen returned to the meeting at 7:36 pm.

7:40 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                     Casey Eaton

Clerk/Board of Education                  President/Board of Education