EXCERPTS of USD #384 Regular Board of Education Meeting

 

A Regular Board of Education meeting for USD #384 Blue Valley was held on November 9, 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

 

President, Ivan Jones, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

The Agenda was approved with the following addition:  Add 13A2 Hiring

 

The Board and guests recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

President, Ivan Jones, welcomed guests.

 

No one addressed the Board during open forum.

 

Positive Board Comments:

 

1.     Carla Schroller commented on Codie Webster doing a presentation about her trip to the 7^th grade social studies class.  Codie did a super job and was very patient answering questions.

2.     Marla Webster  and Russell Peterson commended the staff and students for doing a super job on Kansas Assessment Tests.

3.     Carla Schroller and Mr Lee’s 7^th grade science class went on a field trip to collect rocks.  They had a good time and it was a beautiful day.

4.     Brian Innes and Bryan Nelson under the direction of Mrs. Hutson created a cell walk in the middle school gym.  All middle school students went through it and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Look for more information on the website.

5.     Ivan Jones commented on his son’s visit to Kansas State University.  All the students that took them on tours were from small schools.  This is positive for small schools and shows that they are taught skills that students from big schools might not get.

6.     It was exciting to see Megan Whearty in the Manhattan Mercury promoting her hard work for the John O’Leary presentation that will be taking place on Friday, November 13 at the Blue Valley High School old gym.

 

No one was in attendance to be recognized during recognition of students/staff.

 

Principal Reports were noted. Jim McCormick presented the Governor’s Achievement Award that Olsburg Elementary School received.  They are one of 42 schools in the State of Kansas to receive this award.  It is quite an honor and the Board congratulated the students and staff for all their hard work.  Kids are working very hard and putting forth effort on the Kansas Assessment Tests.  Tim Winter presented information on a Blue Valley Family Plan Admission Package that is going to be implemented during basketball season.  This Plan will allow an admission discount for families to home games.  Hopefully, this can alleviate some strain on those families that have several students to support.  Allie Henry placed 22^nd at the State Cross Country Meet in Wamego.

 

During his Superintendent’s Report Brady Burton informed the Board about a budget cut of as much as $150.00 per student base aide.  This is based on weighted enrollment.  These reductions could be made before Thanksgiving and will affect this year’s budget.  This will make District carryover funds for next year lower than usual.

 

  During the Board Report President, Ivan Jones reminded the Board about the Open Meeting Law.  It is important that the Board members do not forget their responsibility to the District.

Consent Agenda was approved as follows:

A.    Approved Minutes of:  October 12, 2009

B.     Approved Activity/Revenue/Expenditure Reports

 

Superintendent Brady Burton presented information regarding the purchase of a used bus.  Used buses are 100% blacktop driven, restored to factory condition, and the existing factory warranty is transferred to the new owner.  They guarantee 100% that the bus will meet Kansas’ specs and be route ready.  Five year old and newer is all that is available.  A good used bus could save the district a good amount of money.  Brady Burton would like the Board’s direction on soliciting bids for a good used bus after the first of the year.  The Board approved for Superintendent Brady Burton to solicit bids for both new and used buses after January 1, 2010.

 

An estimate in the amount of $20,716.04 from Riley County Public Works to chip and seal and repair potholes of Ram Way was accepted.  This repair will take place after school is out for the summer.

 

No action was taken in the discussion of the January and February Board Meeting Dates.  The dates will remain as originally published.

 

Warrants/Transfers were approved as presented.

 

Brady Burton presented information on the need for a halftime paraprofessional at the preschool for the morning session.  The Board approved to advertise and hire a halftime paraprofessional at the preschool.

 

Tim Winter and Jim McCormick presented information regarding the results of the 2009 Kansas Assessment Tests.  These results are very good.  The percentages met or exceeded standards 100% at Olsburg Elementary.  Middle school and high school percentages have gone up significantly.  We are working for all areas to meet standard of excellence.  Leadership with staff and staff teaching students are all very critical to this being successful.  Keep up the good work.

 

The Board discussed options to show appreciation to the Blue Valley staff for all their hard work.  Due to the current economic situation of the district it was decided that hosting a dinner was not going to be possible.  The Board directed Superintendent Brady Burton to purchase a token of appreciation for all staff members.

 

Brady Burton presented information to the Board regarding the School Finance Litigation that small districts are going to bring against the legislature for not following through with the decision of the Court in 2005.  The Board needs to decide if they want to join schools for fair funding in their litigation against the Kansas Legislature in trying to get adequate funds to support K-12 public education.  The cost could reach a maximum of $5.00 per student.  At this point the Board took no action to join the Schools for Fair Funding.

 

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

 

Meeting adjourned at 10:09 p.m.

 

Melody Pfaff

Board Clerk