2009-11-12
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING––NOVEMBER 12, 2009
The meeting was called to order by Bonnie Zweygardt, acting-chairman in the absence of the president and vice-president, in the St. Francis administration office on the above date at 7:30 p.m. with all members present except Mary Beth Miller, Kelly Gienger, and John Knodel (Mary Beth Miller arrived later, presiding over the meeting as President). St. Francis Herald reporter Karen Krien was also present to observe and take notes.
Sherry Weeks moved to approve the agenda as proposed; the motion was seconded by Derrick Tice and carried.
The Board reviewed and discussed the items on the consent calendar. A motion was then made by Bonnie Zweygardt, seconded by Sherry Weeks, and carried to approve the consent calendar, including the following items: 1) The minutes of the regular meeting on October 8, 2009. 2) A list of bills being paid on direct deposit slips numbering 1019001-1019077 and on checks numbering 9286-9302 on BankWest and numbering 6408-6484 on First National Bank for a total of $291,261.73. 3) The Cash Summary Report (including three transfers: $3,093.08 from the Supplemental General Fund to the Vocational Fund, $7,293.98 from the General Fund to the At-Risk Fund, and $40,199 from the General Fund to the Special Education Fund), and the Grade School and High School Activity Fund Reports––all as of October 31, 2009; and 4) In accordance with Board Policy 1313 “Gifts,” acceptance of a gift-offer of funds from the Robert Yost Memorial Fund to be used for scholarships; and acceptance of a gift-offer of funds from the Gordon and Betty Orth Memorial Funds to be used for scholarships.
Under Audiences, representatives from the local Community Builders group were present to discuss with the Board possible plans to inform the community of the State’s financial situation and the negative impact it may have on our schools within the next few years. Tom Keller gave an informative PowerPoint presentation. Community Builders who were present were Roger Jensen, Tom Keller, Carla Lampe, Reverend Norman Morrow, and Sherry Schultz.
There were no committee reports and there was no old business.
Under New Business, Superintendent Schiltz reviewed with the Board the newly implemented emergency plan for the elementary school and the junior-senior high school. Notebooks have been compiled with guidelines and instructions for each classroom and will soon be placed in the classrooms.
Superintendent Schiltz reviewed with the Board the 2009 Kansas Assessments 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 Assessments scores. It was noted that St. Francis USD 297 had received Standard of Excellence Awards in reading for all grades tested (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 11); and in math, grades 5, 7 and 8; and in writing, grade 5; and in science, grades 7 and 11. Mr. Schiltz explained the tentative plan for recognizing the students and teachers who will be receiving these awards.
The Kansas Association of School Boards State Convention, to be held in Overland Park, December 4-6, was briefly discussed. Any Board members who are interested in attending will notify the superintendent so that arrangements can be made.
The Board and administration presented a few other miscellaneous items for information and discussion, but no action was taken.
Board Policy 1330 “Building Rental,” which had been revised in accordance with suggestions made at the last Board meeting, was again reviewed for consideration and approval. Following review of the revisions that had been made, it was moved by Derrick Tice, seconded by Ed Marin, and carried to approve Board Policy 1330 as revised. (The fee of $5 per hour--not to exceed $10, has been changed to $50 per day--not to exceed $150 per event; and NO SMOKING signs have been placed on school grounds outside, reminding people that there’s no smoking inside or outside.)
The Board received and read two thank-you cards, one from an
elementary teacher expressing appreciation for all the improvements
made at the grade school this past summer and fall, and one from a
local business expressing appreciation for the recent purchase of
new carpet.
At 10:23 p.m., Bonnie Zweygardt moved that the meeting adjourn; the
motion was seconded by Sherry Weeks and carried.
