UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 428
Barton County, 201 South Patton Road, July 13, 2015 5:00 p.m.
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
1. CALL TO ORDER Mr. Mauler
1.1 Roll Call
1.2 Adoption of Agenda of Meeting
1.3 Recognition of Visitors
1.4 Request to Speak Reminder
Persons may present ideas or concerns regarding USD 428. The Board will take no action at this meeting. Such items will be referred to the appropriate administrator(s) for future information and researched and reported back to the Board at a later meeting. Personalities and behavior of employees are not to be presented during this period but are to be reported to the employee’s immediate supervisor. The president shall determine the amount of time to be spent for citizen participation.
2. STUDENT / STAFF PRESENTATIONS Mr. Mauler
3. RECOGNITIONS / ACHIEVEMENTS Mr. Mauler
Appreciation to the Retiring Board Members
A sincere thank you is extended to Doug Bender, Wade Babcock, and Dwight Young for their past service on the USD 428 Board of Education.
4. COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Mauler
Board Members’ Comments
Citizens Open Forum
USD 428 Education Foundation
Written Communications / Correspondence
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
6. ADJOURNMENT OF 2014-2015 BOARD OF EDUCATION President
The 2014-2015 Board of Education adjourns.
ORGANIZATION OF THE 2015-2016 BOARD OF EDUCATION
1. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL BOE Clerk
Clerk of the Board Khris Thexton calls the meeting to order, opening the 2015-2016 year. The Board welcomes Lori Reneau, Chris Umphres, and Susan Young as elected Board of Education members. Each has signed an Oath of Office at the office of the Barton County Clerk.
2. ADOPTION OF 7/13/15 AGENDA BOE Clerk
3. ELECTION OF OFFICERS BOE Clerk
A. President
B. Vice-President
Nominations for the office of president and vice-president will be taken the night of the BOE meeting. If you have any questions regarding officers, feel free to contact Mr. Reed prior to the meeting. A motion to nominate and confirm each will be needed.
ACTION ITEMS 4,A THROUGH 4,V BY CONSENT AGENDA
4. APPOINTMENTS / DESIGNATIONS President
A. Board Clerk Recommendation: Khris Thexton
It is recommended that Khris Thexton, the Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, would be appointed as the Clerk of the Board of Education.
B. Assistant Clerk Recommendation: Patty Vratil
The Board needs to appoint an Assistant Clerk to serve in the absence of the Board Clerk and provide continuity to district services. Patty Vratil has been serving in this capacity, and it is recommended that she will continue.
C. Treasurer Recommendation: Kathy Roberts
It is recommended that Kathy Roberts, Payroll Clerk, will continue serving in this capacity.
D. Assistant Treasurer Recommendation: Shannon King
The Board needs to appoint an Assistant Treasurer to serve in the absence of the Board Treasurer and to provide continuity to district services. It is recommended that Shannon King will be appointed as Assistant Treasurer.
E. Truancy Officers
Recommendation: All Learning Center Principals and Assistant Principals
These administrators have been serving as Truancy Officers, and it is recommended that they will continue in this position.
F. Hearing Officer for Free and Reduced
Recommendation: Brad Reed
The Superintendent has been serving as this officer, and it is recommended that this practice will continue.
G. Food Service Representative
Recommendation: Karl Sprague
It is recommended that Food Service Director Karl Sprague will be named in this capacity.
H. KPERS Representative
Recommendation: Kathy Roberts
It is recommended that Kathy Roberts will serve in this capacity.
I. Federal / State Grant Representatives
Recommendations: Randy Wetzel, Khris Thexton, and Christie Gerdes
It is recommended that these persons will serve as representatives since they play major roles in grant areas.
J. USD 428 Education Foundation Representative
Recommendation: Joyce Carter
It is recommended that Joyce Carter will fill this position.
K. itle VI, Title VII, Title IX, and Section 504 Representatives
Recommendations: John Popp and Christie Gerdes
It is recommended that these persons will serve as representatives since they play major roles in related matters. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicap in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.
L. KASB Governmental Relations Network Representative
Recommendation: Susan Young
It is recommended that Susan Young will serve in this capacity.
M. Freedom of Information Officer
Recommendation: Jan Keeley
The District Accountant has been serving as the district’s Freedom of Information Director, and it is recommended that Jan Keeley will continue in this capacity.
N. Records Custodian
Recommendation: Khris Thexton
It is recommended that Khris Thexton will serve in this capacity.
O. Name Depository for District Funds
Recommendation: The administration recommends that the Board will continue with the rotation system (two-year plan) in an attempt to give no monetary advantage to a bank.
Active Accounts (Operating Account):
July, 2015 First Kansas Bank
Direct Deposit (Payroll):
July, 2015 Farmers Bank and Trust
Direct Deposit (from State of Kansas):
July, 2015 Farmers Bank and Trust
Idle Funds:
The district will invest idle funds with bank(s) within the district that will pay the public fund rate. Depository banks will have a Kansas charter.
P. Selection of Official District Newspaper
Recommendation: Great Bend Tribune
The school district has relied on the Tribune as the official newspaper in the past. The administration recommends that the Tribune will continue to be USD 428’s official newspaper.
Q. Selection of District Insurance Committee Members
Recommendation: Dr. Larry Kutina
Committee Membership
1 Board of Education Member
4 Teachers* (selected by GB-NEA)
3 Principals* (selected by DEC Administrators)
1 Classified: Custodial/Maintenance/Transportation/Grounds*
(selected by Directors of Maintenance and Transportation/Grounds)
1 Classified: Food Service* (selected by Director of Nutrition Services)
1 Classified: Other—Not Custodial/t/Maint/Trans/Grounds/Food Service*
(selected by Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations)
1 Director* (selected by DEC Administration)
1 GB-NEA President
1 DEC Administrator (Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations)
*Three-year term, with a maximum of two terms.
Insurance and Plan 125 issues are important to employees of the district. A committee, comprised of persons from a cross section of licensed and classified job categories, will meet throughout the 2015-2016 year, according to a pre-arranged schedule. They will review the status of the offerings, research alternative possibilities, and eventually will bring to the Board a recommendation for insurance and Plan 125 offerings for the subsequent year. Dr. Kutina has served as a committee member representing the Board of Education. The administration recommends his reappointment.
R. Homeless Coordinator
Recommendation: Khris Thexton
In compliance with BOE Policy JBCA, a Homeless Coordinator is being named. The administration recommends that Mr. Thexton would serve that position.
S. Selection of BOE Members to 2016 IBB Team
Recommendation: Cheryl Rugan and Kevin Mauler
The administration appoints representatives to the 2015 Interest-Based Bargaining Team for teacher negotiations. Cheryl Rugan and Kevin Mauler have served in those positions and have expressed interest in serving again this year. Anyone else interested in serving should contact Mr. Reed prior to the meeting.
T. Attorney
Recommendation: Watkins Calcara, Chtd.
The administration recommends approval of the contract with Watkins Calcara, Chtd., for legal services. The firm has been an excellent resource to the BOE and the school district during the past year. Financial terms show a $5 per hour rate increase from the prior year.
U. BOE Representative to the GBHS Hall of Fame Committee
Recommendation: Chris Umphres
Membership on the GBHS Hall of Fame Committee includes one Board of Education member. The administration recommends Chris Umphres for the position.
V. BOE Representative to the Supplemental Salary Committee
Recommendation: Lori Reneau
Membership on the Supplemental Salary Committee includes one Board of Education member. The administration recommends Lori Reneau for the position.
ACTION ITEMS 5,A THROUGH 5,R BY CONSENT AGENDA (Folder 6.0)
5. ORGANIZATIONAL PROCEDURES
A. Recommendation for Early Payment of Claims President
This allows payment of certain types of bills prior to the BOE meetings. Such bills include utility bills, bills which allow a discount if paid by a certain date, or bills that would result in a penalty for late payment. The BOE must authorize such action each year, and the authority must be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
B.Adoption of 1,116-Hour Calendar for 2015-2016 President
(Refer to Mr. Reed)
This is routine action which is required by state law. The 2015-2016 calendar has already been approved. This action provides the district more flexibility throughout the year.
C. Approval of Mileage Rate for Approved Travel for District Employees President
The Licensed Employees’ Agreement stipulates that the annual mileage rate for reimbursement to employees for approved miles traveled is established each July according to the Kansas state rate. The 2015-2016 state rate is 57.0 cents.
D. Rescind Previous Policy and Adopt BOE Policy Manual for the 2015-2016 Year President
To be in compliance with Kansas law, the administration recommends adoption of the following resolution.
RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that all policy statements found in the minutes of this Board of Education prior to June 30, 2015 (with the exception of the 2015-2016 student and teacher handbooks which were approved on April 13, 2015), be rescinded, and that the Board of Education adopt the BOE Policy Manual as presented and recommended by the Superintendent of Schools, to govern this school district during the 2015-2016 school year, subject to periodic review, amendment, and revision by the Board of Education.
E. Authorization of Certificates for Manual Signature President
On occasions manual signatures are required in Board-approved business functions of USD 428. The administration recommends authorization of manual signatures for the Superintendent of Schools as well as the following BOE positions: President, Clerk, Assistant Clerk, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer. See Folder 5.0.
F. Approval of 2015-2016 Petty Cash Resolution President
The Board of Education must establish separate petty cash funds for each entity and authorize employees to administer the petty cash funds. The funds may not exceed $3,000.00. See details on designated treasurers and assigned petty cash amounts. The administration recommends approval. See Folder 5.0.
G. Approval of Resolution to Maintain Activity Funds President
It is a recommended practice to have a Board of Education resolution on file to authorize maintaining and operating the district’s activity funds for financial purposes. The administration recommends approval of the resolution. See Folder 5.0.
H. Approval of Resolution to Waive Annual Requirements of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Fixed Assets Accounting for 2015-2016 President
This is a standard annual procedure to avoid a complex depreciation accounting system which has no value for a school district. The administration recommends approval.
I.Resolution to Establish Home Rule by Board of Education President
To be in compliance with BOE Policy A, the administration recommends adoption of the resolution: Resolution to Establish Home Rule by Board of Education. See Folder 5.0.
J. Approval to Publish Notifications President
Approval of these notifications must be part of the BOE minutes. See Folder 5.0.
Equal Employment / Educational Opportunity Agency Rights Through Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (includes disclosure of directory information)
Asbestos Notification
Student Data Privacy Act
K. Resolution to Authorize Bank Signature Card Designees President
Resignations, appointments, and reassignments necessitate changes in authorized signers for district bank accounts. The Board of Education resolution will allow the administration to change signers, as deemed appropriate, with Board of Education approval. See Folder 5.0.
L. Freedom of Information Copy Costs President
In regard to copies approved and prepared by the Freedom of Information Officer, the administration recommends the cost per copy at $.30.
M. Disposition of Property President
The administration seeks BOE approval to regularly dispose of unneeded, out-of-date district-owned property valued at $750 or less.
N. Destruction of Records President
The administration seeks BOE approval to destroy all BOE meeting agendas and financial records which are more than five years old (current practice). See the attached resolution for destruction of the documents. It is the intent to include this resolution to the BOE each year with the applicable date applied, thereby maintaining manageable storage of documents. See Folder 5.0.
O. 2015-2016 Substitute Teacher Pay President
The USD 428 substitute teacher per-day pay has remains unchanged at a rate of $100 per day and $50 per half-day.
P. Internet Filtering Software President
The district has a contract with TwoTrees (7/1/15 – 6/30/18) for internet filtering.
Q. Travel Expenses: Meal Rate President
In reference to BOE Policy GAN, the maximum allowance per meal is to be recommended by the superintendent for approval by the BOE. The recommendation is to authorize $10 per meal in state and $15 per meal out of state.
R. Fees: Application for Use of School Facilities President
District facilities are utilized by in-district and outside agencies for various functions (i.e., private groups’ athletic practices and tournaments), and fees (when applicable) are charged according to preset amounts. The recommendation is to have unchanged fees for the upcoming fiscal year. See Folder 5.0.
6. NEW BUSINESS
A. Ratification of 2015-2016 Licensed Employees’ Agreement President
GB-NEA announced on 7/7/15 their ratification of the 2015-2016 Licensed Employees’ Agreement. The administration recommends BOE approval of the agreement. (Folders 6,A)
B. First Reading of BOE Policies President
BOE members are receiving copies of the following policies, which are being presented as first readings. The policies will be returned to the BOE at a subsequent meeting for action.
Revision CEF Expense Reimbursement and Credit Cards
Revision DC Annual Operating Budget
Revision EDAA School Vehicles (District-Owned Buses
New GAAB Complaints of Discrimination
Revision GAAC Sexual Harassment
Revision GAACA Racial and Disability Harassment: Employees
Revision GAAF Emergency Safety Interventions
Revision GAHB Political Activities
Revision GANA Expense Reimbursement and Credit Cards
Revision GAOE Workers Compensation
Revision IHF Graduation Requirements
New IKA Financial Literacy
Revision JBC Enrollment
Revision JCDBB Weapons
Revision JCE Complaints
Revision JGEC Sexual Harassment
Revision JGECA Racial and Disability Harassment
Revision KBA District or School Websites
Revision KGD Disruptive Acts at School or School Activities
Revision KN Complaints
C. Approval of Change Order President
With BOE approval on 5/11/15, a flooring project by Kustom Floors is underway at Eisenhower Elementary School. The administration requests approval of a $11,800 change order which is necessitated by a concrete-moisture content.
D. Budget Update President
Current information will be provided.
7. CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION John Popp / President
A. 2014-2015 Report of Professional Development Council (PDC)
A summary of the 2014-2015 PDC operations and accomplishments itemizes the following details.
Total points approved: 17,519.28
Total college credits approved: 231
Total certified employee IPDPs on file: 358
B. Professional Development: National Conferences
A list is provided showing the conferences to which the district sends personnel to each year. Some are required for programs and some are required for federal funding we receive. Attendance costs for nearly all are paid from federal funds. (Folder 7,B)
C.Personnel Changes
As a result of the changing personnel needs in the district, several changes were made this last year in additions and reductions. With the addition of 21 instructional coaches (1 Math, 1 Literacy, 1 Technology at each building), and adding Orchestra, Career/ACT coordinator, and a family support worker, the district was still able to reduce 3.5 positions overall. This happened with repurposing current people and reducing positions that were not needed due to student numbers. These changes will be discussed.
D. Meeting Minutes.
Curriculum Steering Committee: The next meeting of the committee is 9/1/15.
Professional Development Council (PDC): 6/1/15.
8. BUSINESS / OPERATIONS / CLERK /
A. Project Updates
B. Riley School Door Intercom System
C. Summer Meal Program
The USD 428 School Food Service successfully facilitated a meal program during June 2015. Details will be provided.
9. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Mr. Reed / President
A. Kansas School Finance
B. Kansas K-12 Education
C. Kansas Due Process Law Suit
D. Kansas Election Laws
10. FINANCIAL PRESENTATION Mr. Thexton
11. CONSENT AGENDA President
A. Approval of BOE Meeting Minutes (June 13 and 30, 2015)
B. Bills and Financial Reports
C. Personnel Report
Licensed Teacher Appointment
Ms. Danielle Carrasco, Special Education Teacher for BT Co. SE Cooperative.
Mr. John Westbrook, Teacher of Math at GB Middle School.
12. UPCOMING MEETING DATES President
•BOE Meeting to Approve Publication of the Budget: Date to be determined following receipt of county information.
•Breakfast and Back-to-School Celebration: at 7:00 a.m., on August 13, 2015, at the GBHS Commons.
•First Day of School for Students: August 17, 2015 (full day for elementary, with kindergarten half days for two days; seventh grade at GBMS, and freshmen at GBHS).
13. ADJOURNMENT President