December 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 December 14, 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.  Administration present were Brady Burton, Superintendent; Tim Winter, High School and Middle School Principal; Jim McCormick, Olsburg Elementary School Principal; Melody Pfaff, Board Clerk

The Agenda was approved.

The Board and Administration recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

No Guests were present and no one addressed the Board during Open Forum.

The following Positive Board Comments were made:

1.     Marla Webster mentioned that she had heard several comments on how well the lockdown was handled at Olsburg Elementary School.  Olsburg Elementary staff and the Pottawatomie County Sherriff’s office should be commended for a job well done and for keeping our students and staff safe.

2.     Ivan Jones commented that he had heard several positive comments about the John O’Leary presentation at the Blue Valley High School.

3.     Ivan Jones thanked the basketball boys who helped with the Youth Basketball Tournament.  The students are always more than willing to help when needed.

4.     Bruce Kaump commended the music teachers for excellent music programs.  They were well attended and job well done.

5.     Russell Peterson congratulated Grant Jones for being named Defensive Lineman- TVL 2nd Team, Flint Hills Honorable Mention.

6.     Ivan Jones also recognized Zach Sheppard for being named Linebacker- Topeka Capital Journal 8man Honorable Mention.

Principal Reports were noted with the following additions:  Jim McCormick wanted to reiterate that the handling of the lockdown went well and everyone worked as a team.  Tim Winter added that an Internet safety-training program scheduled for December 8, 2009 has been rescheduled for January 5, 2010.  Several FFA students placed at the Beef Expo.

During his Superintendent Report Brady Burton reminded the Board to deliver their holiday gift before December 22.

Consent Agenda was approved as follows:

A.    Approved Minutes of:  November 9, 2009

B.    Approved Activity/Revenue/Expenditure Reports

C.  Approved Hiring:  Sheryl Richter as halftime preschool aid

Warrant/Transfers were approved as presented.

A phone conference with Dave Bogner of Bogner Accounting was conducted to review the 2009-2010 Audit.  The Board accepted the 2008-2009 audit report as presented.

The Board approved the 2010-2011 Audit contract with Bogner Accounting.

President, Ivan Jones gave instruction to the Board on filling out the evaluation tool for the Superintendent’s Evaluation.  Each Board member will complete an evaluation tool and return to President, Ivan Jones by Tuesday, January 5, 2010.  A formal evaluation will be done at the January 11, 2010 board meeting.  No action was taken.

Brady Burton presented information on replacement of middle school front entrance concrete.  The Board directed Brady Burton to contact Weaver Construction and get a rough estimate to possibly complete over the summer.  Brady Burton will bring more information to the Board in January.  No action was taken.

Tim Winter presented information to the Board regarding the future of the middle school football program.  The Administration is recommending that the Randolph middle school continue to offer football at our own facility.  It is possible to combine ninth grade students with seventh and eight grade students with the consent of the Executive Board.  This is an option that other are districts are pursuing.  The Board directed the Administration to continue moving in this direction and felt that this was the best option for Blue Valley.  Tim Winter will be presenting more information to the Board at a later date.  No action was taken.

During Budget Information Brady Burton presented information regarding the Blue Valley USD #384 School Finances.  The state has made significant cuts to the state aid per pupil that will affect the 2009-2010 budget.  These cuts will make an impact on carryover funds for next year.  In the next few months the Board needs to decide if it wants to pursue a capital outlay levy.  This process takes a few months to complete and will need to be started in early spring.  This item was an information item only.  No action was taken.

The Board discussed Negotiations in executive session.  No action was taken.

Meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.

Melody Pfaff

Board Clerk