The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, October 11, 2021 at 6:00p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Mary Kirkpatrick, Josh Sweaney, Jami Thiessen and Brandon Williams. Members absent were: Casey Eaton. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Cord Baldwin, HS Assistant Principal, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator, Gene Nelson, CS Counselor, Linda Crotts, Kerri Jensen, John & Natalie Zanatta, and Amber Helwig, Columbus News-Report.

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

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

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 5-0.

DeAnne Binns made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from September 13 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft introduced the candidates for the open board position due to the resignation of Dusty Deringer. Each candidate was given a portion of time to introduce themselves. The candidates were: Linda Crotts, Kerri Jensen and John Zanatta.

President Williams opened the floor for nominations to fill the vacant board position. Jami Thiessen nominated Linda Crotts. Josh Sweaney made a motion that all nominations cease. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 5-0.

President Williams called for a vote. Linda Crotts received 5 votes from DeAnne Binns, Mary Kirkpatrick, Josh Sweaney, Jami Thiessen and Brandon Williams.

Linda Crotts was appointed to the USD 508 Board of Education. This term will expire in January 2022.

Gene Nelson updated the board on a new crisis plan. The administrators updated the board on the new counselor evaluation form. Superintendent Pendergraft recommended approving the counselor evaluation form with the noted changes.

Josh Sweaney made a motion to accept the recommendation. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 6-0.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee pursuant to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 30 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

6:37 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:07 p.m. Resume regular session.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee pursuant 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. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

7:07 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:22 p.m. Resume regular session.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss property pursuant to the exception for preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property under KOMA, and he open meeting will resume in 2 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

7:22 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:24 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to purchase the community building at 506 W 4th Street for $25,000 from the City of Baxter Springs. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the recommendation. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended hiring AJ Himes for MS assistant track and reassigning AJ Himes to Lincoln Elementary Para. Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0.

Jami Thiessen commended the HS teachers for recent homecoming events. She also thanked the administration for providing an ACT prep course.

President Williams inquired about technology security for students. This will be discussed at an upcoming board meeting. Linda Crotts made a motion to adjourn. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

7:29 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                         Brandon Williams

Clerk/Board of Education                      President/Board of Education

The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, September 13, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne Binnes, Casey Eaton, Mary Kirkpatrick, Josh Sweaney and Jami Thiessen. Members absent were: Brandon Williams. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Director, Kerri Jensen, Todd Hessee, Scot & Lori Shafer and Amber Helwig, Columbus News-Report. 

Vice-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 amended agenda adding under item X, executive session to discuss confidential student information. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from August 9 & 18 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Josh  Sweaney seconded. Carried 5-0.

Vice President Eaton opened the public hearing regarding the Revenue Neutral Rate for the 2021-2022 USD 508 Budget at 6:01 pm.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve resolution #91321 to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate for the 2021-2022 school year. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

Vice-President Eaton opened the budget hearing at 6:07 pm.

DeAnne Binns made a motion to approve the 2021-2022 budget as printed. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented resolution #91421 for the board position vacated by

Dusty Deringer. Josh Sweaney made a motion to approve the resolution as presented. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on enrollment numbers and a recent KDHE grant awarded to the district.

Principal White updated the board on league changes concerning football.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss confidential student information pursuant to the exception relating to actions adversely or favorable affecting a student 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. DeAnne Binnsseconded. Carried 5-0.

6:34 p.m. Enter executive session.

6:44 p.m. Resume regular session.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss confidential student information pursuant to the exception relating to actions adversely or favorable affecting a student 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. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

6:44 p.m. Enter executive session.

6:54 p.m. Resume regular session.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss property pursuant to the exception for preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property 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. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

6:55 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:05 p.m. Resume regular session.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee pursuant 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. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

7:05 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:20 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended hiring Mike Hunley as Bus Driver, Daymon McCorkle as Part Time Maintenance Director and Bryce Cullers for Assistant Softball. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept recommendations as presented. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented the following resignations: Sandy Davis, Bus Driver and Wendy Zustiak, MS Assistant Track. He also presented a retirement letter from Missy Swob as elementary teacher. Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to accept the retirement/resignations as presented. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to sell property at 10th & Cherokee to Billy York in the amount of $8,000. Josh Sweaney made a motion to accept the recommendation. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to approve all building handbooks. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the recommendation. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to adjourn. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 5-0.

7:30 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                      Casey Eaton

Clerk/Board of Education                   Vice-President/Board of Education

The board of Education of USD 508 held a special meeting on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. at 1108 Military. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Casey Eaton, Mary Kirkpatrick, Jami Thiessen and Brandon Williams. Members absent were: Josh Sweaney. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent and Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk.

President Williams called the meeting to order at 12:00 p.m.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to approve the agenda as printed. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on bids for the new High School Science Classroom project. The bids received were:

Crossland - $129,700

CSG - $109,470

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended accepting the bid of CSG for $109,470 for the High School Science Classroom project. Casey Eaton made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 5-0.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to adjourn. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 5-0.

12:01 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                   Brandon Williams

Clerk/Board of Education                President/Board of Education

The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, August 9, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Dusty Deringer, Casey

Eaton, Mary Kirkpatrick (6:16 pm), Jami Thiessen and Brandon Williams. Members absent were: Josh Sweaney. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Cord Baldwin, HS Assistant Principal, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator and Amber Helwig, Columbus News-Report.

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

Brandon Williams led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance.

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

Brandon Williams made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from July 6 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 5-0.

President Deringer addressed the board and submitted his resignation from the board effective   immediately. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the resignation. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 4-0.

After the board accepted the resignation, Mr. Deringer left the meeting. (6:04 pm)

DeAnne Binns made a motion to appoint Brandon Williams to Board President. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 4-0.

DeAnne Binns made a motion to appoint Casey Eaton to Board Vice President. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 4-0.

President Williams reported on recent teacher negotiations.

Superintendent Pendergraft reported on substitute teacher rate of pay and recommended raising to $105/day. Casey Eaton made a motion to increase the rate of pay as recommended. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 4-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft reported on enrollment, reopening guidelines and daycare updates.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee pursuant to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 20 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

6:38 p.m. Enter executive session.

6:58 p.m. Resume regular session.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee pursuant 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. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

6:58 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:08 p.m. Resume regular session.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee pursuant 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. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

7:08 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:18 p.m. Resume regular session.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee pursuant 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. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

7:18 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:23 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented a retirement letter from Jo Sweeton as elementary para. Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to accept the resignation as presented. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended hiring Mary Hixon, AJ Himes, and Trish Hull as paras, Shiloh Murphy as maintenance/custodial, Kyler Cook as HS Assistant Baseball and Alan Hibler as MS Assistant Football. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the recommendations as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0. 

Superintendent Pendergraft presented changes to the negotiated agreement.

Casey Eaton made a motion to approve the negotiated agreement for 2021-2022 as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 5-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended a 2.82% increase for classified and administrative staff. Casey Eaton made a motion to approve the recommendation. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 5-0.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to adjourn. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 5-0.

7:28 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                                                             Brandon Williams

Clerk/Board of Education                                                         President/Board of Education

The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: Dusty Deringer, Casey Eaton, Mary Kirkpatrick, Josh Sweaney, Jami Thiessen and Brandon Williams. Members absent were: DeAnne Binns. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Kevin Wade, CS Principal, Art Roberts Alternative Learning Director and Amber Helwig, Columbus News-Report.

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

Brandon Williams led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the agenda, adding under Item VI, b Acquisition of real property. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 6-0. Casey Eaton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from June 14 and 21 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 6-0.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate for the 2021-2022 School Year. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on the plans for a new science lab at the HS and updates to the HS track.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee pursuant 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. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 6-0.

6:16 p.m. Enter executive session.

6:31 p.m. Resume regular session.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss property pursuant to the exception for preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property 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. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 6-0.

6:31 p.m. Enter executive session.

6:46 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented a resignation from Cord Baldwin as HS Assistant Football Coach. He recommended reassigning Auston Himes to HS Assistant Football Coach. Brandon Williams made a motion to accept the resignation and reassignment as presented.

Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended selling property on 0 West 16th Street to Doug Puckett for $4,200. Brandon Williams made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 6-0.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to adjourn. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 6-0.

6:49 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                       Dusty Deringer

Clerk/Board of Education                    President/Board of Education

The board of Education of USD 508 held a special meeting on Monday, June 21, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military. Members present were: Dusty Deringer, Casey Eaton, Mary Kirkpatrick, Josh Sweaney, Jami Thiessen and Brandon Williams. Members absent were: DeAnne Binns. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director and Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator. President Deringer called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to approve the agenda as printed. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Josh Sweaney made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee pursuant 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. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 6-0.

6:01 p.m. Enter executive session

6:11 p.m. Resume regular session

Josh Sweaney made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee pursuant 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. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 6-0.

6:11 p.m. Enter executive session

6:21 p.m. Resume regular session

Cory White recommended hiring Cord Baldwin as part time HS Assistant Principal for the 2021-2022 school year. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the recommendation. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 5-1 with Josh Sweaney abstaining.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to adjourn. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 6-0.

6:23 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                           Dusty Deringer

Clerk/Board of Education                        President/Board of Education

The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, June 14, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Dusty Deringer, Casey Eaton, Mary Kirkpatrick, Jami Thiessen and Brandon Williams. Members absent were: Josh Sweaney. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director, Cord Baldwin, HS Teacher and Amber Helwig, Columbus News-Report. President Deringer called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Brandon Williams led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance.

Brandon Williams made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from May 10 and June 1 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 6-0.

President Deringer opened the hearing on republication of the Virtual Education budget. No one present had any questions or comments. Brandon Williams made a motion to approve the Virtual Education budget as republished. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented a resolution to adopt the authority to increase the LOB to 33%. DeAnne Binns made a motion to accept the recommendation. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 6-0.

President Deringer discussed the July board meeting. President Deringer made a motion to move the July board meeting to Tuesday, July 6. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on upcoming changes to the policy handbooks, changes to the district COVID plan and closing out the 2020-2021 budget. Superintendent Pendergraft asked the board for approval for the Superintendent and Clerk to close out the year and make transfers as needed. Brandon Williams made a motion to approve the 2020-2021 closeout. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft requested permission to surplus a 1993 GMC maintenance truck and food trailer and to post on Purple Wave. Casey Eaton made a motion to grant permission for the surplus. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on ESSER II funding. Jami Thiessen commended Holly High, school nurse and Kenny Boeckman, athletic director on the ease of the sports physicals.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee pursuant to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the openmeeting will resume in 15 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 6-0.

6:24 p.m. Enter executive session.

6:39 p.m. Resume regular session.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss property pursuant to the exception for preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property 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. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 6-0.

6:39 p.m. Enter executive session.

6:54 p.m. Resume regular session.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss property pursuant to the exception for preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property 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. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 6-0.

6:54 p.m. Enter executive session.

6:59 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented a resignation for Rexene Redd for HS Language Arts. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the resignation as presented. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended hiring Adison Swadley for Secondary Counselor, Thad White for HS Language Arts, Austin Buchanan for HS Assistant Basketball and Kami Butterfield for Senior Sponsor. Brandon Williams made a motion to accept the recommendations. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended the purchase of land and houses at 405 W 15th and 407 W 15th in addition to the adjacent empty corner lot in Baxter Springs for $40,000. Casey Eaton made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 6-0.

The board scheduled a special board meeting on Monday, June 21, 2021 at 6:00 pm.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to adjourn. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 6-0.

7:04 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                       Dusty Deringer

Clerk/Board of Education                    President/Board of Education

The board of Education of USD 508 held a special meeting on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Dusty Deringer, Casey Eaton, Mary Kirkpatrick, Jami Thiessen and Brandon Williams. Members absent were: Josh Sweaney. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Jason Walker, MS Principal and Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director.

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

Brandon Williams made a motion to approve the agenda as printed. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Casey Eaton made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee pursuant 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. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 6-0.

6:00 p.m. Enter executive session.

6:10 p.m. Resume regular session.

Casey Eaton made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee pursuant 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. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 6-0.

6:10 p.m. Enter executive session.

6:15 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented resignations from Kyle Baldridge as High School Assistant Principal, Chase Johnston as High School Social Science Teacher, Assistant Football Coach and Assistant Baseball Coach and Brittany Minor as High School Assistant Softball Coach. Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to accept the resignations as presented. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended hiring Rexene Redd as High School Language Arts Teacher and Cheryl Moser as Central Elementary Para for the 2021-2022 school year. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the recommendations. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 6-0.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to adjourn. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 6-0.

6:17 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                              Dusty Deringer

Clerk/Board of Education                           President/Board of Education

The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, May 14, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at 1108 Military Ave. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Dusty Deringer, Casey Eaton, Mary Kirkpatrick, Josh Sweaney, Jami Thiessen and Brandon Williams. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Kyle Baldridge, HS Assistant Principal, Robert Womack, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Art Roberts, Alternative Learning Director, Amber Helwig, Columbus News-Report, Jody Roher and Mardy Allen.

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

Brandon Williams led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 7-0.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from April 12 and approval of the treasurer’s report. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 7-0.

Jody Roher spoke to the board concerning a student issue.

Mardy Allen spoke to the board concerning a student issue.

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on the subscription rates for the Columbus News-Report.

Superintendent Pendergraft expressed thanks from district teachers for all the activities during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended extending the food service contract with OPAA! For the 2021-2022 school year. DeAnne Binns made a motion to accept the recommendation of Superintendent Pendergraft. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended Food Service prices for the 2021-2022 school year for approval (Student Breakfast - $1.80, Elementary Student Lunch - $2.80, Secondary Student Lunch - $3.05, Adult Breakfast - $2.50, Adult Lunch - $4.30). Josh Sweaney made a motion to approve the recommendation. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft reported the audit revealed additional funding is available due to enrollment in the Virtual Fund and asked the board to republish the Virtual budget in order to capture these funds. Brandon Williams made a motion to support Superintendent Pendergraft’s request to republish the Virtual Fund. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 7-0.

President Deringer updated the board on legislative updates and expressed thanks to the First Assembly of God Church and Steven Bell for their student donations.

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on summer school and an upcoming professional development opportunity.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended increasing pay for summer school employees ($35/hour certified, $25/hour classified) and for the professional development days ($200/day certified, $150/day classified). Brandon Williams made a motion to approve the increase in pay. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft updated the board on the purchase of a maintenance vehicle. The board granted permission for Superintendent Pendergraft to begin the search for a new maintenance vehicle.

Brandon Williams made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee pursuant to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 30 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.

6:48 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:18 p.m. Resume regular session.

Brandon Williams made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee pursuant 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. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.

7:18 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:28 p.m. Resume regular session.

Brandon Williams made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss property pursuant to the exception for preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume in 20 minutes in the boardroom. This meeting is to include the board, Superintendent and administrators as needed. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.

7:28 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:48 p.m. Resume regular session.

Brandon Williams made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss property pursuant to the exception for preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property 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. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 7-0.

7:48 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:58 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented the following resignations:

Charles Rector – Powerlifting Coach

Sheena Brubaker – High School Dance and Cheer

Cameron Woodring—High School Boys Assistant Basketball

Brandon Williams made a motion to accept the resignations as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 7-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft made a recommendation to renew certified contracts for the 2021-2022 school year and the following hirings:

HS Science – Kyler Cook

HS Math—Cris Norton

HS Social Studies—Tayler Boucher

HS Dance and Cheer Head Coach—Tayler Boucher

Elementary Title Reading—Angie Pendergraft

Secondary Reading Intervention Specialist—Kami Butterfield

Elementary Teacher—Erin Commons

Elementary Teacher—Skye Kerr

HS English—Tabled

Secondary Strength and Conditioning Teacher—Austin Buchanan

HS Assistant Football Coach—Austin Buchanan

HS Assistant Football Coach—Tim Parrish

MS Assistant Football Coach—AJ Himes

MS Assistant Football Coach—Kyler Cook

Custodian—Jim Kinsch

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to accept the recommendations. Brandon Williams seconded. Carried 7-0.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to adjourn. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 7-0.

8:02 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                                                    Dusty Deringer

Clerk/Board of Education                                                 President/Board of Education

The USD 508 board of education held a regular meeting on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at 104 N Military. Members present were: DeAnne Binns, Dusty Deringer, Casey Eaton, Mary Kirkpatrick, Josh Sweaney and Jami Thiessen. Members absent were: Brandon Williams. Also present were: David Pendergraft, Superintendent, Carrie Oakes, Board Clerk, Cory White, HS Principal, Jason Walker, MS Principal, Robert Womack, CS Principal, Kenny Boeckman, LS Principal, Arthur Commons, Curriculum Coordinator, Kevin & Angela Wade, Travis Brumback, Labette Community College and Amber Helwig, Columbus News-Report.

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

Casey Eaton led the board and guests in the pledge of allegiance.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 6-0.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the bills, approval of minutes from March 8 and approval of the treasurer’s report. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft introduced the new principal of Central School, Kevin Wade and his wife Angela.

President Deringer reported on legislative updates.

Superintendent Pendergraft introduced Travis Brumback with Labette Community College. Travis spoke on LCC’s welding program currently used at the high school.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended making the Columbus News-Report the official newspaper for USD 508 for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. Casey Eaton made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended appointing himself as hearing officer for grievances filed for Senate Bill 40. Josh Sweaney made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft requested that the board forgive five snow days (1/27, 2/8-11). Jami Thiessen made a motion to forgive the days requested. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft requested permission to surplus two vehicles (suburban and 65 passenger bus) and list them on Purplewave. Josh Sweaney made a motion to grant permission for Superintendent Pendergraft to surplus and list the noted vehicles. DeAnne Binns seconded. Carried 6-0.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee pursuant 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. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0.

6:44 p.m. Enter executive session.

6:59 p.m. Resume regular session.

Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee pursuant 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. Josh Sweaney seconded. Carried 6-0.

6:59 p.m. Enter executive session.

7:14 p.m. Resume regular session.

Superintendent Pendergraft presented the following resignations: Autumn Carson – Elementary Teacher 

Michele Hensley – Elementary Title Teacher 

Barbra Mason – HS Business Teacher

Larry Qualls – Custodian

Carla Weston – Elementary Para

Austin Williams—MS Assistant Football

Casey Eaton made a motion to accept the resignations as presented. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended reassigning Leslie Bowman to HS FACS. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended hiring Tyler Underhill for MS Head Football. Casey Eaton made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended hiring Kimberly Maute for MS Language Arts. Jami Thiessen made a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Mary Kirkpatrick seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended reassigning Chase Johnston to half time Strength and Conditioning while remaining half time Social Science. Josh Sweaney made a motion to accept the recommendation. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Superintendent Pendergraft recommended reassigning Nancy Daniels to Graphic Design. Mary Kirkpatrick made a motion to accept the recommendation. Jami Thiessen seconded. Carried 6-0.

Jami Thiessen made a motion to adjourn. Casey Eaton seconded. Carried 6-0.

7:38 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

Carrie Oakes                                              Dusty Deringer

Clerk/Board of Education                           President/Board of Education