Minutes of the December 14, 2009 Regular Board Meeting
February 04, 2010
JEFFERSON COUNTY NORTH SCHOOLS USD NO 339
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF USD 339
HELD ON DECEMBER 14, 2009, AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE
WINCHESTER, KANSAS
The regular meeting of the Board of Education of USD# 339 was called to order by Ron Langston at 7:35 p.m. on December 14, 2009 at the District Office in Winchester, Kansas
Present were Bill Reed, Tony Domann, Karen Edmonds, Jim Bodenheimer, David Sharp, Joe Warren, John Appel, Gary Bedigrew, Denise Jennings, Brandan Giltner, Tim Marshall, and Susan Coppinger.
Tony Domann made a motion to approve the following consent agenda:
A. Approval of the agenda with the following addendums: Item C1. Approval of the SY08-09 financial audit and New Business, Item E. High School graduation requirement waiver
B. Approval of the minutes of the November 9, 2009 regular meeting
C. Approval of the November 23, 2009 bills Warrant No. 11546 - 11551 = $5,613.08
D. Approval of the December 10, 2009 payroll Warrant No. 11552 - 11595 and Direct Deposit No. 11845 - 11925 = $288,078.90
E. Approval of the December 14, 2009 bills Warrant No. 11596 - 11648 = $72,895.17
F. Approval of gift from Knights of Columbus Foundation for $276.54
Motion seconded by Bill Reed. Motion carried 5 - 0.
Sharon Porter arrived at 7:37 p.m.
Mr. Langston and Dr. Marshall reviewed written communications.
Joe Warren, of the Atchison Globe, introduced himself and expressed the desire for an open-minded communication between the newspaper and the district.
John Appel of the CPA firm, Berberich Trahan & Co, reviewed the SY08-09 financial audit report and discussed some of the current financial issues school districts are dealing with. Karen Edmonds made a motion to approve the SY08-09 financial audit as presented. Motion seconded by Jim Bodenheimer. Motion carried 6 – 0.
Karen Edmonds presented the Keystone Learning Services report.
Reports of Administration:
Gary Bedigrew presented an update of FBLA activities; state assessment results; Scholar Bowl; high school play, “The Sound of Music”; band fruit sales; Site Council; activities and athletics.
Denise Jennings presented an update of elementary Thanksgiving activities; Cerebral Palsy Foundation of Kansas video filming; learning opportunities to include an Autism Conference; Reading training for K-3 teachers; Odyssey Lab status and Promethean demos for the Perry-Lecompton schools.
Brandan Giltner presented an update on assessments and alternate testing; bus maintenance update and middle school athletics and activities.
Joe Warren left the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
Superintendent’s Report: Dr. Marshall reported on a recent meeting with Schneider Electric Buildings Americas Inc. (formerly TAC) regarding energy use and savings; Jefferson County Superintendents recently met with Lee Tafanelli and discussed the current budget crisis; similar economic issues are reflected in law enforcement, SRS, mental health services and the court system in budget cuts and reduced staffing/services.
Dr. Marshall also discussed the financial health of the district and proposed spending cuts to compensate for a general fund reduction of approximately $180,000 this year and will look for recommendations for permanent cuts for fiscal year 2010-2011.
The annual Northeast Kansas Educational Legislative Luncheon is scheduled for Tuesday, January 5, 2010, at the Sabetha Middle School in Sabetha, KS. Several area legislators will be in attendance and reservations need to be made by Dec. 18th.
Old Business:
(2nd Read Sponsorship and Advertising) Due to any potential conflict of interest, Mr. Langston excused himself from the meeting and Vice-President, Tony Domann presided. Dr. Marshall again reviewed Policy KI-A, advertising and sponsorship guidelines. Karen Edmonds made a motion to accept Policy KI-A as presented, with the addition of verbage under advertising guidelines that states the vendor is responsible for the cost of any damages and/or repairs . Motion seconded by Jim Bodenheimer. Motion carried 5 – 0.
Tony Domann declared a 5-minute recess at 9:27 p.m.
Ron Langston called the meeting back into regular session at 9:32 p.m.
New Business:
(Race to the Top Grant) Dr. Marshall discussed federal funds that may become available to states although the responsibilities attached to the funding are not completely available at this time. States will apply directly to the federal government for the funding. Karen Edmonds made a motion to give district support to the state of Kansas for the “Race To the Top” funds application. Motion seconded by Jim Bodenheimer. Motion carried 6 – 0
(KASB Convention) Sharon Porter attended the KASB Convention, as well as Friday’s School Law Seminar, and shared much valuable information with the Board.
David Sharp left the meeting at 9:42 p.m.
(Personnel) Karen Edmonds made a motion at 9:44 p.m. to go into executive session for 15 minutes, with Administration present, to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel and matters affecting a student(s) in order to protect the privacy interest of the individual(s) to be discussed. Motion seconded by Sharon Porter. Motion carried 6 – 0.
Ron Langston called the meeting back into regular session at 9:59 p.m.
(Superintendent Evaluation) Ron Langston reminded Board members of the Superintendent’s evaluation document that was enclosed in packets and instructed them to begin the process. The final document will be completed in January with input from all Board members.
(Waiver) Jim Bodenheimer made a motion to approve the request of a waiver for the high school graduation requirement of a Senior Project for a student. Motion seconded by Bill Reed. Motion carried 6 – 0.
(Resignation) Bill Reed made a motion to accept the resignation of Amy Budy, Odyssey Lab paraprofessional, as presented. Motion seconded by Sharon Porter. Motion carried 6- 0.
There were no miscellaneous items by members for discussion.
Ron Langston adjourned the meeting at 10:03 p.m.
