August Board Minutes

EXCERPTS of USD #384 Regular Board of Education Meeting

A regular Board of Education meeting for USD #384 Blue Valley was held on August 10, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room.  Members present were Ivan Jones, Marla Webster, Russell Peterson, Carla Schroller, A.G. McLean, Bruce Kaump, Angie Pfizenmaier

The Agenda was amended as follows:

Move 11C Out of District Student Requests to New Business 13G.

During Open Forum Hannah Pralle, Randolph Ramblers 4H member, updated the board on the flagpole installation at the football field.  It will be ready for the first home football game.  The Board again thanked the 4H for their donation.  Also, Marla Webster extended an invitation to the Blue Valley PTO Back to School BBQ/Pool Party at the Olsburg City Park and Pool on Saturday, August 22 at 6:00 p.m.  There will be many activities to participate in.  This along with taking money at the home middle school games is the only fundraiser that PTO does during the year.  Please plan to attend and support Blue Valley PTO.

The Board expressed the following positive comments:

1.   Angie Pfizenmaier mentioned that she has heard some very positive comments from a family that will be attending Blue Valley next year.

2.   Carla Schroller commented on how beautiful everything looks.

The Principal’s Reports were noted with the addition that all district paraprofessional positions have been filled.  Also, all buildings in the district have enrolled several new students. 

In his Superintendent’s Report Brady Burton informed the board that Tim Winter has finished up his course work to gain his superintendent licensure.  He will be taking on a new responsibility in the district as part of his internship.  Brady Burton reminded the Board that August 17 is the back to school breakfast for staff.  Possible Board goals for the Board and Superintendent were included with packets.  These might be helpful in preparing for the August 18 meeting.  A family mentioned that reading information on our district website has been helpful in making a family decision about sending their kids to Blue Valley.

The Consent Agenda was approved as follows:

A.  Approved Minutes of:  July 13, 2009

B.  Approved Activity / Revenue / Expenditure Reports

D.  Approved Resignations:  None to approve

E.  Approved Hirings:  Ramsey Hinkle as middle school girls assistant basketball coach and Curtis Gutsch as half time high school lunch room supervisor

In New Business Warrants and Transfers were approved.

The board discussed the land that the district sold to Linda Conderman.  No action was taken.

The Board set Monday, August 31 at 6:30 p.m. to tour facilities as a group.  The meeting will start at Olsburg at 6:30 p.m. then continue with the high school and middle school in that order. 

The Board approved not charging class fees for In House Training, Publications, Animal Science, Plant and Soil Science, and Career, Personal, and Life Planning for the 2009-2010 school year and to reimburse parents for any fees that have already been paid for said classes for the 2009-2010 school year.

Board Policy IFCB-R was discussed.  This policy deals with out of state events and the board providing $2000 in district funding of these out of state events.  The Board approved suspending Policy IFCB-R for the 2009-2010 school years and that the district will pay up to $500 per out of state event to help offset the sponsor expenses.

Brady Burton updated the Board regarding budget reductions that are being administratively done for the 2009-2010 school year.  Included in this is the decision to freeze the purchasing of new textbooks and athletic uniforms for the 2010-2011 school year.  These items are purchased out of the current year’s budget.  Also field trips outside of Riley, Clay, Pottawatomie, and Marshall County areas will not be allowed this school year unless funded by a non-school source.  Out of district staff development will not be allowed this school year unless an administrator requests a staff member to attend a workshop.

The Board approved the Out of District Student Requests:  Sky Pruyn, Shane Pruyn, and Kimberly Fronce for the 2009-2010 school year.

Meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m.

Melody Pfaff

Board Clerk