The Baxter Springs board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, July 13, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Mary Kirkpatrick, Joseph Skye, Dusty Deringer, Josh Sweaney,(6:03) and Chuck Sweeton. Members absent were: Brandon Williams. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Vicki Bradley, Clerk, Cory White, H.S. Principal, Jason Walker, M.S. Principal, Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Center Director and Rev. Roger Scantlin of Spring River Assembly of God Church.
President Binns called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Chuck Sweeton led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance. Rev. Roger Scantlin led the board and guests in a word of prayer.
Josh Sweaney arrived at 6:03 and was present for the remainder of the meeting.
Joseph Skye made a motion to adopt the agenda removing Item V, as that item is included on the consent agenda. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 6-0.
DeAnne Binns opened the floor for nominations for president.
Chuck Sweeton nominated DeAnne Binns for president. Josh Sweaney moved that nominations cease and DeAnne Binns be elected president for 2015-16 by acclamation. Chuck Sweeton seconded. Carried 5-0 with DeAnne Binns abstaining.
President Binns thanked the board for the vote of confidence in electing her as president and opened the floor for nominations for vice-president. Chuck Sweeton nominated Mary Kirkpatrick. Joseph Skye made a motion that nominations cease and Mary Kirkpatrick be elected vice-president by acclamation for 2015-16. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0.
Chuck made a motion to appoint Dusty Deringer as Governmental Relations Contact and Joseph Skye as Interlocal #637 Board member for 2015-16. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 6-0.
Joseph Skye made a motion to approve the consent agenda as printed. Chuck Sweeton seconded. Carried 6-0.
President BInns presented a letter of resignation from Darrel Dinger as technology technician effective July 10. Dusty Deringer made a motion to accept the resignation of Darrel Dinger as presented. Joseph Skye seconded. Carried 6-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft reported to the board on the recent budget workshop that he attended last week at Greenbush. He also reported the cash balances as of July 1, 2014 to the board.
Jason Walker, MS Principal, reported that Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director, has been working diligently with MS students to make up their requirements. All of the students, with the exception of one, have met their requirements. He expressed his appreciation to Mr. Roberts for helping these students complete the requirements and stay on track.
Mr. Walker and Cory White, HS Principal discussed handbooks for both the MS and HS regarding attendance. The recommendations are as follows for both HS and MS handbooks:
If a student is tardy less than 20 minutes, the first and second times will result in a warning. The third, fourth and fifth time will result in detention. Any tardies beyond that will result in a day of ALC. This is current policy and will remain the same.
A new policy will be:
If a student is tardy by more than 20 minutes to first hour, the first and second times will be automatic detention. The third time and beyond will automatically result in Friday evening school from 3:15 – 6:15 p.m.
For Middle School only, the following change is recommended:
For finals, a student may be absent up to three times with an accompanying doctors note and be exempt from finals. This is to bring the MS handbook in line with the current HS handbook policy regarding exemptions from finals.
For High School only, the following change is recommended:
1. Striking the following rule under dress code: Facial, tongue, nose, or body piercing (except for the ears) will not be allowed.
Mr. White recommended striking this rule and asked that discretion be allowed by administration if any piercings are a distraction to the learning environment and for those to be dealt with on an individual basis.
Chuck Sweeton made a motion to approve the changes recommended by Cory White to the HS handbook and to approve changes recommended by Jason Walker to the MS handbook as presented. Joseph Skye seconded. Carried 6-0.
Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director reported that on June 19, three graduates received their HS diplomas. He also reported that the virtual program has been approved by the State for the 2015-16 school year. Superintendent Pendergraft informed the board on how the state was going to fund virtual students in the 2015-16 school year as well as funding for adults attending virtual school. Mr. Roberts also presented a copy of the handbook for the Virtual School program for approval.
Dusty Deringer made a motion to approve the virtual school handbook as presented. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0.
Mary Kirkpatrick left the meeting at 7:21 p.m. and was not present for the remainder of the meeting.
Josh Sweaney made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel in order to protect the privacy interests of the individuals to be discussed and to discuss negotiations in order to protect the public interest in negotiating a fair and equitable contract and that we return to open session in this room after a 10 minute period of time. This session shall include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Joseph Skye seconded. Carried 5-0.
7:23 p.m. Enter executive session.
7:33 p.m. Resume regular session.
Joseph Skye made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel in order to protect the privacy interests of the individuals to be discussed and to discuss negotiations in order to protect the public interest in negotiating a fair and equitable contract and that we return to open session in this room after a 10 minute period of time. This session shall include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 5-0.
7:34 p.m. Enter executive session.
7:44 p.m. Resume regular session.
Joseph Skye made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel in order to protect the privacy interests of the individuals to be discussed and that we return to open session in this room after a 5 minute period of time. This session shall include the board, Superintendent and Cory White. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 5-0.
7:45 p.m. Enter executive session.
7:50 p.m. Resume regular session.
Cory White, HS Principal made a recommendation to hire Travis Avery as Cross Country Coach for 2015-16. Joseph Skye made a motion to accept the recommendation of Cory White to hire Travis Avery as Cross Country Coach for 2015-16. Dusty Deringer seconded. Carried 5-0.
Cory White, HS Principal made a recommendation to hire Tim Yeargain as HS Head Softball Coach for 2015-16. Josh Sweaney made a motion to accept the recommendation of Cory White to hire Tim Yeargain as HS Head Softball Coach for the 2015-16 school year. Joseph Skye seconded. Carried 5-0.
David Pendergraft recommended hiring David Duree as Custodian at Lincoln School. Chuck Sweeton made a motion to accept the recommendation of David Pendergraft to hire David Duree as Custodian at Lincoln School. Dusty Deringer seconded. Carried 5-0.
Comments and concerns of the board included following up on the science labs at the HS and MS in which Mr. White said they are wanting a partition in the chemistry room and they would be good to go; traffic issues at HS for beginning of school.
Dusty Deringer expressed his appreciation to Chuck Zordel and his classes last year for constructing a bridge over at the old football field. The youth football league purchased the materials and Mr. Zordels classes built the bridge.
Joseph Skye made a motion to adjourn. Chuck Sweeton seconded. Carried 5-0.
8:01 p.m. Meeting adjourned
Vicki Bradley, Clerk/Board of Education
DeAnne Binns, President/Board of Education
The Baxter Springs board of education held a special meeting on Monday, June 29, 2015 at 12:00 noon at 1108 Military. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Mary Kirkpatrick, Chuck Sweeton, and Brandon Williams. Members absent were: Josh Sweaney, Melanie Bingham and Joseph Skye. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Vicki Bradley, Clerk, and Dusty Derringer.
President BInns called the meeting to order at 12:01 p.m.
Brandon Williams made a motion to adopt the agenda as printed. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 4-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft recommended the board raise the Supplemental General Fund Budget up to a maximum of 30% if needed.
Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to raise the Supplemental General Fund budget up to a maximum of 30% as recommended by Superintendent Pendergraft. Brandon Williams seconded.
Brandon Williams made a motion to adjourn. Chuck Sweeton seconded. Carried 4-0.
12:05 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Vicki Bradley, Clerk
DeAnne Binns/President
June 8, 2015 Board of Education Meeting
President Binns called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Brandon Williams led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance.
Joseph Skye made a motion to approve the agenda as printed. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 5-0.
Brandon Williams made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the payment of bills, approval of minutes of the May 11th and May 26th, 2015 board meetings and treasurer’s report as printed. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 5-0.
President Binns introduced Kenny Boeckman who will serve as Lincoln Elementary Principal for 2015-16. Mr. Boeckman introduced his wife and children to the board and gave them some background on his experience.
Josh Sweaney arrived and was present for the remainder of the meeting.
President Binns presented resignations from Shelby Romines as Head Softball Coach and Arthur Commons as Cross Country Track Coach. Brandon Williams made a motion to accept the resignations of Shelby Romines and Arthur Commons as presented. Joseph Skye seconded. Carried 6-0.
Superintendent David Pendergraft requested the board to grant permission to the Superintendent and Clerk to close out the 2014-15 fiscal year and to make transfers as needed. Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to grant permission to the Superintendent and Clerk to close out the 2014-15 fiscal year and make transfers as needed. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 6-0.
Superintendent Pendergraft gave an update on the legislative finance bill to the board.
Robert Womack, Central Principal, reported that summer school is going well and that summer maintenance projects are underway in his building.
Jason Walker, MS Principal, reported that the close of the school year was successful and they had a good awards assembly. Mr. Walker reported that six students failed classes and those students have had the opportunity for recovery classes since January. He reported that a couple of students have now completed those recovery classes. He also reported that the recovery classes have proved to be an incentive for MS students to work harder during the regular school year so they do not have to take recovery classes.
Cory White, HS Principal reported that the students who went to Costa Rica have returned and they had a very successful trip. He also reported that Angela Yarbrough is teaching four courses for Labette Community College at the high school this summer and those classes began today. He extended his congratulations to Coach Mercer, his staff and the HS baseball team for placing third in State Baseball competition. He also reported that several students have received individual honors and they are as follows:
Baseball CNC All-League:
1st team: Craig Karnes, Brendan Skye
2nd team: Cody Rowe
Honorable Mention: Nate Miller
Baseball All-State:
1st team: Brendan Skye
2nd team: Craig Karnes, Cody Rowe
KABC All-State Baseball game: Brendan Skye
Softball CNC All-League:
2nd team: Sarah Spencer
Honorable Mention: Hailey Humphrey
In addition, Coach Chris Mercer was named as CNC League Coach of the Year.
The board extended their congratulations to all the students and coaches for representing Baxter Springs well and for their individual honors.
Daymon McCorkle, Director of Maintenance gave an update to the board on summer projects that the maintenance and custodial crew are working on throughout the district.
Mr. McCorkle also presented bids for a roofing project at Lincoln School. Bids received were:
Midwest Coating - $24,906.75
Giesler Roofing - $27,690.00
Ryan Roofing - $30,000.00
Daymon McCorkle recommended accepting the bid of Midwest Coating for the Lincoln School roof project. Chuck Sweeton made a motion to accept the recommendation of Daymon McCorkle to approve the bid of Midwest Coating for the roofing project at Lincoln School. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 6-0.
Josh Sweaney made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel in order to protect the privacy interests of those individuals to be discussed and to discuss negotiations in order to protect the public interest in negotiating a fair and equitable contract and that we return to open session in this room after a 30 minute period of time. This session shall include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 6-0.
6:27 p.m. Enter executive session.
6:57 p.m. Resume regular session.
Joseph Skye made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel in order to protect the privacy interests of those individuals to be discussed and that we return to open session in this room after a 15 minute period of time. This session shall include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 6-0.
6:58 p.m. Enter executive session.
7:13 p.m. Resume regular session.
Joseph Skye made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel in order to protect the privacy interests of those individuals to be discussed and that we return to open session in this room after a 5 minute period of time. This session shall include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Chuck Sweeton seconded. Carried 6-0.
7:15 p.m. Enter executive session.
7:20 p.m. Resume regular session.
Jason Walker made a recommendation to hire Tammy Porter as MS 7th & 8th grade English teacher and MS cheerleading coach for 2015-16. Brandon Williams made a motion to accept the recommendation of Jason Walker to hire Tammy Porter as MS English and cheerleading coach for 2015-16. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 6-0.
David Pendergraft made a recommendation to re-hire all classified staff in each building for 2015-16. Brandon Williams made a motion to accept the recommendation of David Pendergraft to re-hire all classified staff in each building for 2015-16. Joseph Skye seconded. Carried 6-0.
Josh Sweaney made a motion to adjourn. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 6-0.
7:23 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Vicki Bradley, Clerk/Board of Education
DeAnne Binns, President/Board of Education
May 11, 2015 Board of Education Meeting
The Baxter Springs board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, May 11, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Mary Kirkpatrick, Joseph Skye, Chuck Sweeton, and Josh Sweaney. Members absent were: Melanie Bingham and Brandon Williams. Also present were:David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Vicki Bradley, Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Roger Reynolds, HS Asst. Principal, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Robert Womack, Central Principal, Dennis Burke, Lincoln Principal, Ross Davis, Director of Technology, Daymon McCorkle, Director of Maintenance and Dusty Deringer.
President Binns called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
President Binns led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance.
Joseph Skye made a motion to adopt the agenda as printed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 5-0.
Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to adopt the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of the minutes of the April 13th and April 28th, 2015 meetings and approval of the treasurer’s report.
Joseph Skye seconded. Carried 5-0.
Superintendent David Pendergraft recommended extending the food service contract with Oppa! for the 2015-16 school year. Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to accept the recommendation of David Pendergraft to extend the food service contract with Opaa! for the 2015-16 school year. Joseph Skye seconded. Carried 5-0.
David Pendergraft made a recommendation to set the meal prices for the 2015-16 school year as follows:
Breakfast
Elementary $1.35
MS/HS $1.35
Adult $1.90
Lunch
Elementary $2.20
MS/HS $2.45
Adult $3.45
Chuck Sweeton made a motion to accept the recommendation of David Pendergraft to increase meal prices as presented. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 5-0.
Chuck Sweeton made a motion to accept an anonymous monetary gift to Baxter Springs Middle School to be matched by General Mills Corporation. Joseph Skye seconded. Carried 5-0.
President Binns presented resignations from Ryan Byrd and Michael Clyburn who is retiring at the end of the 2014-15 school year. Josh Sweaney made a motion to accept the resignations of Ryan Byrd and Michael Clyburn as presented. Carried 5-0.
Dennis Burke, Lincoln Principal reported on scheduling for the 2015-16 school year. He also reported that the new reading series has arrived and teachers are looking forward to using the new series beginning next fall. Mr. Burke reported that the last few days of school involves many fun activities for the primary grade school kids.
Robert Womack, Central Principal reported on end of the year activities including a fun day provided by PTO. He reported that summer school dates have been set for June 1 – 26 and enrichment classes at the Soda Fountain will be held July 6-July 31. Mr. Womack also reported that for the 2015-16 school year, Micah Crotts will be reassigned to Title I and the fifth grade will have three classrooms instead of four due to the number of students. Principal Womack also reported that Federal Rural Schools monies will be invested in purchasing iPads for Central to move toward a 1:1 initiative at Central School. He also reported that Prairie View schools came to visit today to observe the 1:1 initiative at Central.
Jason Walker, MS Principal reported that state assessments have been completed at the MS as well as the MS Track season is now complete. Several students received individual awards and the 7th grade girls team received 2nd place in two track meets. Mr. Walker wanted to publicly thank all the people who helped make the MS invitational track meet a success. He also wanted to thank Marilyn Gilmore and Cindy Sutterby for making the hospitality room a success. Mr. Walker reported that MS reward day is this Friday at which time students will be rewarded for attendance, GPA, and discipline points for this semester.
Cory White, HS Principal reported that state assessments are complete at the HS level. He reported that prom was very successful and extended his appreciation to all the staff that were involved in helping to make it a success. He also reported that the after prom party was a success and expressed his appreciation to all the parents who assisted with the party. Mr. White reported that state music contest was recently held at Andover and music instructors, Louis Morgan and Brenda Locke took several students. Many of the students earned I & II ratings. He also reported that the spring music concert will be held tomorrow night at 6:30 at BHS. Mr. White also reported that the Senior Trip went well with no glitches and thanked the sponsors for all of their help as well as extending his appreciation to the board for the transportation and pizza meal. He informed the board that the Senior awards assembly will be held this Friday and graduation ceremonies will be held Saturday at 6:00 p.m. with baccalaurate being held at 4:00 p.m.
Roger Reynolds, HS Athletic Director, congratulated HS Baseball Coach Mercer and his coaching staff on earning the title of CNC Conference Champs. He also reported that league golf meet will be held Wednesday at Schifferdecker Course in Joplin, league track will be at Girard, Baseball Regionals begin Monday with Baxter playing at 2:00 on Tuesday and the girls will play Monday at Parsons but the time slots have not been assigned yet.
Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director reported that the virtual audit has been completed. He also reported that there will be an increase in funding for 2015-16 since we are now a stand alone virtual school. This funding is in conjunction with the block grant. If the block grant gets shot down in court, then funding will revert to the old formula. Funding for adults will be paid at $933 per credit hour. New legislation also changes the age limit restriction for adult students. If they are 19 years of age before August 31 they will be considered an adult for funding purposes. Mr. Roberts also reported that there will be a field trip to MSSU on Wednesday and adult graduation ceremonies have been set for June 19, at 6:00 p.m. at BHS with a reception following at the Soda Fountain.
Daymon McCorkle, Director of Maintenance reported that the recent fire marshall visit went well and the few infractions that were noted have been corrected and documentation has been sent to the state. He also reported that the sound system has been installed at the Field of Dreams. Mr. McCorkle also commended the coaches for the time and effort they spend helping to maintain the fields. He and his staff really appreciate the work they do. He reported that recent projects have included removing the speed bump at the HS entrance, installing partitions at the MS staff restrooms and working on the installation of new playground equipment at Central. Daymon reported that summer projects include replacing some roof panels at Central School and irrigating the front lawn at Lincoln School. He also reported that he will obtain bids for asphalt work at the HS parking lot, and repairing the southwest wing roof at Lincoln School. President Binns commended the maintenance staff for a job well done in keeping our schools looking attractive.
Josh Sweaney made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel in order to protect the privacy interests of the individuals to be discussed, to discuss negotiations in order to protect the public interest in negotiating a fair and equitable contract, to discuss acquisition of real property in order to protect the public interest in obtaining the property at a fair price and that we return to open session in this room after a 20 minute period of time. This executive session shall include the board, Superintendent, Dusty Deringer and administrators as needed. Joseph Skye seconded. Carried 5-0.
7:00 p.m. Enter executive session.
7:20 p.m. Resume regular session.
Joseph Skye made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel in order to protect the privacy interests of the individuals to be discussed, to discuss negotiations in order to protect the public interest in negotiating a fair and equitable contract, to discuss acquisition of real property in order to protect the public interest in obtaining the property at a fair price and that we return to open session in this room after a 20 minute period of time. This executive session shall include the board, Superintendent, Dusty Deringer and administrators as needed. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 5-0.
7:21 p.m. Enter executive session.
7:41 p.m. Resume regular session.
Joseph Skye made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel in order to protect the privacy interests of the individuals to be discussed, to discuss negotiations in order to protect the public interest in negotiating a fair and equitable contract, to discuss acquisition of real property in order to protect the public interest in obtaining the property at a fair price and that we return to open session in this room after a 10 minute period of time. This executive session shall include the board, Superintendent, Dusty Deringer and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 5-0.
7:42 p.m. Enter executive session.
7:52 p.m. Resume regular session.
Josh Sweaney made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel in order to protect the privacy of the individuals to be discussed and that we return to open session in this room after a 10 minute period of time. This session shall include the board, Superintendent, Dusty Deringer and Cory White. Joseph Skye seconded. Carried 5-0.
7:53 p.m. Enter executive session.
8:03 p.m. Resume regular session.
David Pendergraft made a recommendation to re-hire all certified staff for the 2015-16 school year. Chuck Sweeton made a motion to accept the recommendation to re-hire all certified staff for the 2015-16 school year. Joseph Skye seconded. Carried 5-0.
David Pendergraft recommended hiring Kenneth Boeckman as Lincoln Elementary Principal for the 2015-16 school year. Chuck Sweeton made a motion to accept the recommendation of David Pendergraft to hire Kenneth Boeckman as Principal for Lincoln School for the 2015-16 school year. Joseph Skye seconded. Carried 5-0.
Roger Reynolds recommended hiring Christine Egan for HS head cheerleading sponsor for the 2015-16 school year. Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to accept the recommendation of Roger Reynolds to hire Christine Egan for HS Head Cheerleading Sponsor for the 2015-16 school year. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 5-0.
Chuck Sweeton wanted to extend his appreciation to the principals who sat in on the interviews for Lincoln School principal.
Dennis Burke addressed the board and thanked them for their support through his tenure as Superintendent of Schools and as Principal at Lincoln School. He expressed his appreciation for the way the board has always made their decisions based on what was best for the students of USD#508 and expressed that working for the district will always be dear to him and his family.
The board extended their appreciation to Dennis for his years of service to the district and wished him well in his new position at Colgan-St. Mary’s in Pittsburg.
Josh Sweaney made a motion to adjourn. Joseph Skye seconded. Carried 5-0.
8:11 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Vicki Bradley, Clerk/Board of Education
DeAnne Binns, President/Board of Education