December 14, 2020
Regular Meeting
In Person
Wabaunsee USD #329 District Office
6:00 PM
Board President Justin Frank called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance & a moment of silence. Board members Tony Conrad, Callie Meinhardt, Jerome Hesse, Kelly Oliver, Jim Vopata and Justin Frank were in attendance. Board member Don Frank was absent.
Board member Conrad moved to approve the Agenda. Meinhardt seconded. Motion carried 6-0
Written reports were submitted by Principals Hutley, Oliver, and Craghead as well as from Technology Director Josh Nisly, Maintenance/Transportation Director Freddie Johnson, and Food Service Director Deb Westhoff.
Board member Vopata moved to approve variances. Conrad seconded. Motion carried 6-0
Board member Hess moved to approve the Consent Agenda which included: Approve minutes of November 9, 2020 Regular Meeting and November 30, 2020 Special BOE Meeting/Work Session; Approve Payment of Bills. Meinhardt seconded. Motion carried 6-0
Mr. Starnes reviewed the results received from the electronic survey on why patrons felt the bond vote failed. A paper survey will also be mailed out to registered voters in the district. Once those results have been received and computed, they will be shared with the Board.
Mr. Starnes shared with the Board ideas administers have developed with regards to restructuring buildings to accommodate movement of students, upon building closings. The consensus of the Board is to wait until responses have been received from the survey mailing, before making any hard decisions. If it is decided to move forward with another bond election, there is a greater lean towards a possible June, but more likely November election. Several members shared they feel there is not enough time to create a prepared plan that is ready for a decision for the January regular meeting, for an April election. Mr. Starnes shared the resolution for closing Paxico Middle School will be in the December 24 and 31st issues of the Signal Enterprise, and will be ready for a vote at the January meeting.
Board member Conrad moved to approve the 2021-2022 calendar. Vopata seconded. Motion carried 6-0
Board member Meinhardt moved to approve the 5-Year Professional Development Plan. Conrad seconded. Motion carried 6-0
Board member Vopata moved to extend the Covid-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL) that is set to expire December 31, 2020. Meinhardt seconded. Motion carried 6-0 Mr. Starnes shared with the Board, past and current numbers of quarantines due to Covid-19. He thanked administrators, parents, community, and all staff members for what they are doing to keep our numbers down.
Board member Meinhardt moved to approve employment and resignations as submitted. Frank seconded. Motion carried 6-0. Board members thanked Steve Lira for his years of service and dedication to the students and to the district.
In the Superintendent Forum, Mr. Starnes shared with the Board Justice Houston was nominated by school counselor Marilyn Workman, and she was chosen as Safe Student of the Month. Board member Conrad shared some concerns he has received on the new custodial services. Mr. Starnes explained there are always a few bumps with something new of this type, and that they are working through any issues.
Board member Hess moved to adjourn. Oliver seconded. Motion carried 6-0
Meeting adjourned at 6:36 pm.
Submitted by Cheryl Zeller
Clerk