The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Linda Crotts, Casey Eaton, Josh Sweaney (6:12 pm), Jami Thiessen and Carrie Williams. Members absent were: Kerri Jensen. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cord Baldwin, HS Assistant Principal, Cory White, HS Principal, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Art Roberts, Virtual Learning Director, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator and Mark Kerr, Bethel Church.

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

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

Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

Carrie Williams made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from July 11 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft reported on the budget, daycare renovations and handbook changes.

Linda Crotts made a motion to accept the handbook changes as presented. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft requested permission from the board to purchase a district vehicle coming off its 3-year lease (2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee) for $29,381.15. DeAnne Binns made a motion to allow the purchase of the vehicle. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft discussed liquidated damages for tuition reimbursement.

Kenny Boeckman discussed policy updates. Jami Thiessen made a motion to adopt Chapter N. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 6-0.

Josh Sweaney 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. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 6-0.

6:49 p.m. Enter executive session. 7:04 p.m. Resume regular session.

Josh Sweaney 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 10 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 6-0.

7:04 p.m. Enter executive session. 7:14 p.m. Resume regular session.

Josh Sweaney 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 10 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 6-0.

7:14 p.m. Enter executive session. 7:24 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented resignations from Austin Buchanan, HS Teacher, Ryleigh Sills, Daycare and Amy Wilson, Elementary Para. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the resignations as presented. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended hiring Trey White, HS Para, Sam Eddington, Co-head MS Track Coach, Aleigh Grimes, Daycare, Shelby Lopez, Elementary Para and Tonya Burggraf, HS Assistant Volleyball Coach. DeAnne Binns made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Carrie Williams seconded. Carried 6-0.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the negotiated agreement for 2024-2025 as presented. Linda Crotts seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended a 1.5% increase for classified and administrative staff and a $1.50/hour raise for daycare employees. Carrie Williams made a motion to approve the increases as presented. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0.

7:40 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                             Casey Eaton
Clerk/Board of Education          President/Board of Education