October 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 October 12, 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 approved.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by the Board and guests.

President, Ivan Jones, Welcomed Guests.

No one addressed the Board during Open Forum.

Positive Board Comments:

1.     Carla Schroller commented that Grandparents’ Day at Olsburg Elementary was well attended and enjoyed by all.

2.     A.G. McLean mentioned that the Oscar Roan assembly made quite an impression on the middle school and high school students.

3.     Ivan Jones commented how nice it was to see such a high attendance at the middle school volleyball and football games.

4.     Bruce Kaump thanked Jim McCormick for allowing the Fire Department to do a presentation at Olsburg Elementary every year.  It is a very good learning experience for the students.  They also did a presentation for the first time at the preschool.

5.     Mr. Winter was inducted into the Bethany Sports Hall of Fame for his participation in football.  The Board congratulated him on this honor.

During Recognition of Students/Staff the Board welcomed Ruth Hutson, high school science instructor.  She has previously taught at Jackson Heights and Clay Center Community High School.  She is enjoying the small school atmosphere and is very excited to be here.  Looking forward to a good year.

Megan Whearty, Blue Valley High School Senior, was in attendance to talk about the work she is doing as a member of CureFinders to raise money to cure cystic fibrosis.  John O’Leary, a motivational speaker, has agreed to speak at Blue Valley High School as a kickoff to a fundraiser she is doing for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  His cost to do this engagement is $3000.00 and she has been able to raise all but about $400.  The staff at Blue Valley is going to help her reach her goal.  She invited the Board to attend and listen to the motivational message John O’Leary will be giving on November 13 at 10:00 at the Blue Valley High School.  The Board thanked her for her presentation and wished her good luck.

Codie Webster, Randolph Middle School 8^th Grader, was in attendance to do a powerpoint presentation about her trip to Europe over the summer.  She was nominated by an anonymous staff member at Blue Valley and was selected to take part in this adventure called the Great European Discovery.  This trip is part of the People to People program that is sponsored out of Spokane, Washington and is promoted by the federal government.  She began her adventure a year in advance by attending meetings and learning history.  She presented photos and information about all the places she visited.  The Board got to see a small bit of Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and France.  This trip was from June 16 to July 4 and the time went so fast for Codie.  She felt like this was one of the best times of her life and is looking forward to traveling again.  The Board congratulated her on being selected and thanked her for sharing her adventure with them.

Principal Reports were noted.

In his Superintendent Report Brady Burton informed the Board that he has begun researching the cost of developing an ITV distance-learning classroom.  He plans to bring forth more information in the near future regarding this.

In the Board Report there was nothing to report.

The Consent Agenda was approved as follows:

A.    Approved Minutes of September 14, 2009

B.    Approved Activity/Revenue/Expenditure Reports

C.    Approved Out of State Trips: National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana and National FCCLA Cluster Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky.

D.    Approved Hiring:  Jacob Rutledge as assistant middle school boys basketball coach for the 2009-2010 school year

In Unfinished Business the Athletic trainer contract with Christy Shaheen doing business as Physical Therapy Unlimited was approved for the 2009-2010 school year.  The Roepke Fund Grant Proposal was presented and approved for submission to the Roepke Fund Representatives for approval.  This proposal consists of installing lights to the outdoor basketball courts at the high school.  Laptop Insurance was reviewed.  The Board was interested in cost/loss ratio.  It was decided to leave as is for now.

Warrants/Transfers were approved as presented.

The Capital Outlay Needs of the district were reviewed.  The Board instructed Brady Burton to begin researching the purchase of a new/used bus and to get bids for the chip and seal of Ram Way.  Replacing the fold down tables at Olsburg Elementary School was also discussed.  No action was taken.

Carla Schroller and Bruce Kaump were appointed as the Board representatives to the 2010-2011 Calendar Committee.

Future Agenda Items:

A.    Bus Information and chip and seal information

B.    January and February Board meeting dates.

Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

Melody Pfaff

Board Clerk