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 October 10, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room.  Members present were Bruce Kaump, Marla Webster, A.G. McLean, James Peter, Mitch Innes, and Michael Renfro.  Administration present were Brady Burton, Superintendent; Marion Mazouch, High School/Middle School Principal; Jim McCormick, Olsburg Elementary Principal; Melody Pfaff, Board Clerk.

Marla Webster called the meeting or order at 7:00 p.m.

The Agenda was approved as presented.

Board and guests recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

During Open Forum Janie Dunstan addressed the Board about in town busing.  She was in favor of the rules being changed allowing all in town kids to be transported to and from school.  Also feels that if the bus is stopping in town that all kids should be allowed to ride the bus.  She also addressed the Board about a before and after school care grant.  She would like to see the school start this type of program where kids could be dropped off at 7:00 a.m. and picked up at 6:00 p.m.  Martha Hammer also addressed the Board in favor of the in town busing.  She would also like to see the Parents as Teachers program started again.  Tiffany Sedlacek also addressed the Board about allowing in town busing.  She would like to see the policy be changed to allow in town students to be transported.  She feels that if the bus stops in town anyway that kids should be allowed to get on.  This would be very handy for parents that live in town.  The Board thanked them for their input.

Positive Board Comments:

1.     Mitch Innes commented that homecoming went well.

2.     Mike Renfro complimented the coaches for getting the kids back in the game after the festivities.

Principal reports were noted. Jim McCormick wanted to add that the Alert Church had sponsored an assembly that promoted character development in a non-religious way.  Marion Mazouch added that they are working on getting the business classes set up with pathways.  The vocational agriculture classes and family and consumer science classes have already been set up and are receiving funding.  Some of the classes that are currently taught will not be funded with this new set up.  However there is a possibility that some of the other classes that are not currently funded will be funded in the new program.  All Kansas schools are making these changes.  Online classes are going better since the switch to Greenbush.

During his Superintendent Report Brady Burton presented to the Board the new six-year rotation schedule for textbooks that was approved by the DLT.  The current one had expired.  There is talk with the legislature that several changes will be made to the current education finance formula.  Common Core Standards information was passed out for the Board to review.  This was information on transition timeline.  Brady Burton also informed the Board that the Fire Marshall will be doing the annual inspection on Thursday, October 13.

The Consent Agenda was approved as follows:

A.    Approved Minutes of:  September 12, 2011 Regular Board Meeting; September 26, 2011 Special Board Meeting.

B.    Approved Activity/Revenue/Expenditure Reports as presented.

C.    Approved Out of State Trips:  FFA trip to National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana October 18-22 and to pay $500 towards expenses per board policy; Forensics and English III trip to Kansas City Missouri on November 17 with expenses for driver and fuel being paid for by sponsor. The Board would like to have out of state requests at least a month in advance.

The Board was presented with information on in-town busing and what currently is being done.  If the Board would decide to provide in-town busing for all students the policy would have to be rewritten.  The District receives state funding for all students transported over 2.5 miles.  Where buses are currently stopping due to being required to transport some students all other students that are at that stop are being allowed to ride the bus.  This policy will remain as it is with no change.

Administration presented results from staff and student polls about the options for a new Ram head.  Many students and staff commented about why the District wanted to change the current Ram head.  It was decided to leave the current one in place with no change.  Michael Renfro was thanked for his time and effort on the project.

Administration presented bids from Daktronics to install an electronic message board as the District’s proposal to the Roepke Fund.  This would benefit both school and community as all events could be posted on this sign.  After discussion A.G. McLean moved and Mitch Innes seconded to propose the lighted electronic message board to the Ropeke Fund.

Warrants/Transfers were approved as presented.

James Peter and Mitch Innes were appointed as Board representatives for the 2012-2013 Calendar Committee.

Brady Burton presented the Board with the MAP testing results for fall 2011.  These scores help the teachers get a better handle on where students need more preparation for the Kansas Assessment Tests.  This was an information item only.  No Action was taken.

Meeting adjourned at 8:59 p.m.

Melody Pfaff

Board Clerk