2007-11-13
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING––NOVEMBER 13, 2007
The meeting was called to order by President John Knodel in the St. Francis High School library on the above date at 7:30 p.m. with all members present except Bruce Feikert, who arrived a few minutes later.
Bonnie Zweygardt moved to approve the agenda as proposed; the motion was seconded by Sherry Weeks and carried.
The Board reviewed and discussed the items on the consent calendar. A motion was then made by Bonnie Zweygardt, seconded by Pete Raile, and carried to approve the consent calendar, including the following items: 1) the minutes of the regular meeting on October 11, 2007; 2) the list of bills being paid on checks numbering 7499-7593 on BankWest and numbering 4763-4843 on First National Bank for a total of $285,848.45; 3) financial reports, as follows: the Cash Summary Report (including three transfers: $3,664.17 from the Supplemental General Fund to the Vocational Fund, $6,592.48 from the General Fund to the At-Risk Fund, and $39,551 from the General Fund to the Special Education Fund), and the Grade School and High School Activity Fund Reports––all as of October 31, 2007.
There were no audiences and no committee reports.
Under Old Business, Superintendent Schiltz informed the Board that he was continuing his investigation into the possibility of adding access control and surveillance systems in both buildings.
In follow-up from last month’s discussion of the gymnasium project, Mr. Schiltz presented information concerning costs for pursuing a bond election for the construction of a new gym. He had been in contact with The State Department, with Greg Vahrenberg, Managing Director of PiperJaffray, who had prepared a proposal to provide financial advisory services, and with architect Glen Strait. It was Board consensus that Superintendent Schiltz contact Greg Vahrenberg, PiperJaffray, and utilize the company’s services for proceeding with a bond election.
In New Business, the Board was informed that the final 2007-2008 contract, from a noncertified coaching assistant, had been signed and returned for the Board’s signature. Bonnie Zweygardt moved, Kelly Gienger seconded, and it carried to approve this contract for signature.
Former employee Johnnie Miller informed Superintendent Schiltz verbally, on October 15, 2007, that he had taken a different job and that he needed to start the new job the following Monday, October 22, 2007. Even though it was requested, no letter of resignation was provided by Mr. Miller. Bonnie Zweygardt moved, Kelly Gienger seconded, and it carried to accept the apparent resignation of Johnnie Miller.
The next item of business consisted of two contract amendments for the Board's consideration. The first amendment was for Devin Dinkel—adding the assignment of assistant high school boys’ basketball coach (to fill the vacancy left by Brett Petersen) with salary in accordance with the supplementary-pay schedule. The second amendment was for Lucinda Straub—changing from a 9-month custodian position to a 12-month head custodian position at the elementary school (previously held by Johnnie Miller), and increasing the hourly wages accordingly. Following discussion, a motion was made by Mary Beth Miller, seconded by Bruce Feikert, and carried to approve both contract amendments (due to the possibility of a conflict of interest, Sherry Weeks abstained from voting).
Superintendent Schiltz informed the Board that all school districts in Kansas must adopt a bullying policy on or before January 1, 2008. Mr. Schiltz informed the Board that after reviewing several sample policies on bullying, his recommendation was to consider adopting the bullying policy created by KASB (Kansas Association of School Boards), a copy of which was included in the Board packets. Following review and discussion of this sample policy, Sherry Weeks moved, Pete Raile seconded, and it carried to adopt Board Policy 5131.7—Bullying, as it was written. At a future meeting, the administration will propose, for the Board’s review and approval, a plan to address bullying on school property, in a school vehicle or at a school-sponsored activity or event.
The Kansas Association of School Boards State Convention, to be held in Overland Park, November 30-December 2, was briefly discussed. Any Board members who are interested in attending will notify the superintendent so that arrangements can be made.
Under Miscellaneous Items, Superintendent Schiltz reviewed with the Board the 2007 Kansas Assessment Standard of Excellence Awards that had been received from the Kansas State Department of Education. These awards are given to schools and individual classes within the schools who have met a rigorous rubric dealing with Kansas assessment scores. It was noted that St. Francis USD 297 had received Standard of Excellence Awards at every grade level tested in reading, grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11; and in math, grades 3, 6, 7, and 8; and in writing, grades 8 and 11. Mr. Schiltz explained the tentative plan for recognizing the students and teachers who will be receiving these awards.
Superintendent Schiltz shared a plaque that had been received from The Kansas State Board of Education, presenting the Governor’s Achievement Award for 2006-2007 to St. Francis High School for receiving the Building Level Standard of Excellence in both reading and math, meeting AYP requirements, and being in the top 5% of high schools in the state of Kansas. Only 19 of approximately 196 high schools in the State received this award.
Principal Carmichael reported that letters had been sent to local businesses explaining details about purchasing banners that would advertise their business. These banners would then be posted along the fence surrounding the football field for home events. He explained that the proceeds received from the sale of these banners would go into the Student Activity Fund to help defray the cost of officials for home events.
The Board and administration presented a few other miscellaneous items for information and discussion, but no action was taken.
No report on the school-improvement process and no review of Board policy were scheduled for this meeting.
The Board received and read thank-you notes—one from the 7th grade Kansas History class expressing appreciation for the field trip to Kearney, and one from two school employees expressing appreciation for support to attend a national convention in Denver.
At 9:35 p.m., Pete Raile moved that the meeting adjourn; the motion was seconded by Bruce Feikert and carried.
