BOE Minutes - 11/10/15
REGULAR MEETING – November 9, 2015
Minutes of the board meeting are not official until after approval at the next regularly scheduled board
meeting.
The Board of Education of USD #511 met in regular session on Monday November 9th, 2015 and was
called to order by President Lynda Newberry at 6:00pm. Members present included Jolene Peterson,
Tye McDaniel, Brett Traffas, Rogena Grigsby, and Roger Goodman. Guests present were Stan Busby,
Kate Hankins, and Cindy Warren. Also present was Superintendent Dale Adams, Principal Josh Lanning,
and Clerk of the Board Amie Loreg.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.
Stan Busby of Busby Ford and Reimer accounting met with the board to present the final audit for 2014-
2015 school year. He reported the audit findings were that the school is in compliance with the
applicable financial reporting.
Roger Goodman moved and Tye McDaniel seconded to approve the amended agenda to include action
item D1 on the consent agenda, resignation of Ron Reichenberger as Junior High Boy’s Assistant
Basketball Coach, action item 9i under New Business as Bonfire, and executive session item D Student
Matters. 6-0, motion carried.
Rogena Grigsby moved and Jolene Peterson seconded to approve the consent agenda which included
the resignation of Ron Richenberger as Junior High Boy’s Assistant Basketball Coach and the new hire of
Danton Hilton as Junior High Boy’s Assistant Basketball Coach. 6-0, motion carried.
Curriculum: Mr. Adams reported that the elementary staff is beginning to implement some career
guidance and character activities with their students. He is hopeful that the high school and junior high
staff are able to introduce these areas soon as well.
Technology: It was reported that the new website usd511.net is up and running. It is being updated on
a regular basis by the technology department.
Transportation Log: The addition of a Special Education route was discussed.
New Business: Inclement Weather: Mr. Adams asked the board if they would like to have any say in the
closing of school due to inclement weather. The board agreed that they were fine with past practice of
the decision falling to the Superintendent and Head of Transportation.
Classified Staff: Tabled
Semester Grades: Mr. Adams questioned grading by the semester instead of 9 weeks. A discussion was
held but decided to revisit in the future. Mr. Lanning commented on the current eligibility policy, to
mail letters to parents weekly for anyone receiving a D or an F in any subject. He reported on the
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amount of postage being used to mail these letters and asked if there were any objections to trying a
paperless system for parents who have the technology available to view grades online or receive an
email notification. The board was in favor of allowing the school to come up with a system that works
well and is cost effective.
ESOL Service Stipend: Mr. Adams informed the board that the district has two students who qualify for
the state migrant program. With the program there are specific duties that have to be preformed.
Currently the school has on staff a certified ESOL teacher who agreed to help with the necessary services
and paperwork for this year. Mr. Adams requested she be offered a onetime stipend for the work she
has done or will be doing for the students. Item tabled.
Early Graduation Policy: Tye McDaniel moved and Roger Goodman seconded to adopt a policy giving the
superintendent and/or principal the discretion to waive local graduation requirements that are in excess
of the state minimum for students on a case by case basis. 6-0, motion carried.
Early Release: Brett Traffas moved and Jolene Peterson seconded to release school at noon January 14th,
2016 because Dr. Randy Watson will be in district to meet with the teaching staff from 1 o’clock to
3:30pm. 6-0, motion carried.
Safety Shelter: Mr. Adams presented information on a FEMA grant for a safety shelter. The board asked
him to look into it further.
Ice Machine: Amie presented a contract from Ice Masters for the ice machines in the kitchen and the
custodial office.
Bonfire: Mr. Adams was asked about holding a bonfire during an upcoming pep rally. He presented an
email from Cheri Ricke on behalf of EMC Insurance stating they would advise against allowing the
bonfire due to liability. The board agreed there would be no bonfire, nor were the school coaches or
student athletes to speak/perform at one, regardless of where it was held.
Board Members: Rogena Grigsby asked about having more gate help for the upcoming sub state
football game. Mr. Adams and Mr. Lanning assured her that Mr. Vandeveer, AD had a plan to have 2
workers at each of 3 gates. As of meeting time he had not been successful in recruiting enough help but
was still asking individuals. Rogena also asked about enough help in the concession stand. A brief
discussion was held about possible ways to make the lines move more quickly.
Roger Goodman commented on the parking lot during wet/snowy weather being tracked into the
Wellness Center. He said that rocks are carried in easily and brought up the idea of paving some of it to
cut down on the mess.
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Lynda Newberry asked that the Valedictorian and Salutatorian names be updated on the wall plaque.
She mentioned that the city was looking for a group to decorate for Santa coming to town and thought
maybe there was a school group who would like to volunteer. Mr. Lanning, the STUCO sponsor, said he
would talk to the kids about doing it.
Administration: Mr. Adams reported that he has had two businesses look at the gym floor in the
Wellness Center. Both businesses said the condition of the floor was okay but has minimal wax coating.
Both recommended a prep and refinish job be done on it. The board will revisit this item at a later date.
He reported the following meeting dates: November 12th is the Harper County Task Force Meeting he
and Brett Traffas will be attending, November 17th is the Legislative forum at Clearwater he and Jolene
Peterson will be attending, and December 4th & 5th is the KASB Annual Conference in Wichita. At this
time nobody from the school is registered to attend.
Mr. Lanning reported that the 2013 and 2014 Senior Panels had arrived and were hung. He reported
that November 18th Southwestern College will be here for a leadership workshop for the high school
students, on December 7th is the Music Concert as well as the STUCO Blood Drive, stating the Blood
Drive would be held at the Wellness Center, and November 23rd Attica hosts a Scholar’s Bowl meet
starting at 4 o’clock.
Roger Goodman moved and Tye McDaniel seconded to go into executive session to discuss negotiations
to protect the district’s right to the confidentiality of its negotiating position and the public interest for
15 minutes with the board and Mr. Adams, to return to regular session at 7:51pm. 6-0, motion carried
Rogena Grigsby moved and Jolene Peterson seconded to go into executive session to discuss non
elected personnel to protect the privacy interests of an identifiable individual for 30 minutes to be
discussed with the board, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Lanning, to return to regular session at 8:23pm. 6-0,
motion carried. Tye McDaniel moved and Roger Goodman seconded to extend executive session for 10
minutes, to return to regular session at 8:37pm. 6-0, motion carried. Brett Traffas moved and Jolene
Peterson seconded to extend executive session for 10 minutes, to return to regular session at 8:47pm.
6-0, motion carried. Roger Goodman moved and Brett Traffas seconded to extend executive session for
5 minutes, to return to regular session at 9:00pm. 6-0, motion carried.
Rogena Grigsby moved and Roger Goodman seconded to go into executive session to discuss non
elected personnel to protect the privacy interests of an identifiable individual for 15 minutes to be
discussed with the board and Mr. Adams to return to regular session at 9:11pm. 6-0, motion carried.
Tye McDaniel moved and Brett Traffas seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:24pm. 6-0, motion
carried.
Meeting adjourned,
Amie Loreg, Clerk of the Board
