Schedule & Agendas
Important Change
New online platform for agendas and minutes.
We want to inform you about an important change to our online platform for accessing Board of Education meeting agendas and minutes.
Our Board of Education transitioned to a new and improved platform called Diligent Community to store and manage all future board meeting documents. This platform offers enhanced features to ensure a seamless and efficient experience for all community members.
IMPORTANT - as of November 16, 2023
To continue receiving timely notifications when board meeting minutes and agendas are posted, you may subscribe to the USD 232 Diligent Community website. This will ensure that you stay informed and up to date with all relevant information regarding USD 232 board meetings.
Here's how you can subscribe to receive notifications:
- Visit the USD 232 Diligent Community Homepage
- Click on the "Subscribe" button.
- Select the “Regular Meeting” box.
- Enter your desired email and click “Subscribe.”
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We understand that change can sometimes be challenging, but we believe that this transition will ultimately provide a more efficient and user-friendly experience. If you encounter any difficulties during the subscription process or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at 913-667-6200.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we make this transition to improve our communication processes.
November 16, 2023
New! Moving forward, Board of Education agendas and minutes will be located on our new online platform, Diligent Community. The new and improved platform will store and manage all future board meeting documents, effective November 16, 2023. This platform offers enhanced features to ensure a seamless and efficient experience for all community members.
USD 232 Diligent Community Portal
Agendas and Minutes prior to November 2023, can still be found on this website.
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Note: Meeting Memos on this webpage are unofficial summaries of the regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Education. The official minutes of a school board meeting are formally approved by the board at the following regularly scheduled meeting.
Schedule
Regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Education
Meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Board of Education, unless otherwise noted.
USD 232 Board of Education
35200 W. 91st Street
De Soto, KS 66018
Phone: 913-667-6200
Meetings will be live streamed via the district's YouTube channel.
- February 5, 2024
- March 4
- April 1
- May 6
- June 3
- July 1
- August 5
- September 9
- October 7
- November 4
- December 2
- January 6, 2025
Meeting Memos
Meeting Memos
- December 2, 2024
- November 4, 2024
- October 7, 2024
- September 9, 2024
- August 5, 2024
- June 3, 2024
- July 1, 2024
- May 6, 2024
- April 1, 2024
- March 4, 2024
- February 5, 2024
- December 4, 2023
- November 6, 2023
- October 2, 2023
- September 11, 2023
- August 7, 2023
- July 10, 2023
December 2, 2024
Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held December 2, 2024. More information about specific items is available in the published agenda.
ACTION ITEM:
Agenda/Consent Agenda
The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda with the following change:
- Removal of check numbers 242500540 from Consent Agenda item “B. Approve payment of bills and transfer of funds” for approval separately.
DISCUSSION ITEM:
Strategic Plan Update
Superintendent Gibson said that since the Board approved the themes for the district’s strategic plan, T.O.R.C.H. (Teaching & Learning, Operations & Planning, Recruitment & Retention, Curriculum & Results, Healthy & Thriving), five taskforce committees consisting of over 70 people have worked for the past few months establishing a vision for continuous improvement within each of the areas, along with draft goals and possible action steps. He shared slides showing the overarching goal, thematic goals (T.O.R.C.H.), supportive goals and examples for next steps. In conclusion, he informed the Board that work is ongoing to establish and implement action plans.
Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, January 6, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.
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November 4, 2024
Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held November 4, 2024. More information about specific items is available in the published agenda.
ACTION ITEMS:
Agenda/Consent Agenda
The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda with the following change:
· Removal of check numbers 242500430-431 from Consent Agenda item “B. Approve payment of bills and transfer of funds” for approval separately.
Orchestra Program Proposal
The Board approved an Orchestra Program Proposal that was presented by Adelyn Soellner, Chief of Academics. With the approval, Step 0 will be implemented with the start of second semester. This step provides for a before/after school Orchestra teacher for high school and middle school students. Step 1 will be considered as part of the budget planning process for the 2025-26 school year. This step would provide 1 FTE Orchestra teacher to travel between the three district middle schools.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Student Achievement Data
Adelyn Soellner presented the Board with background information on the Kansas Assessment Program (KAP), explained Performance Categories, Levels 1, 2, 3 & 4, and shared assessment results in English Language Arts and Math for grades 3-8 and 10, comparing district scores to the state average for levels 2-4 and levels 3-4.
Career Pathways Guide
Adelyn Soellner explained the Kansas Career and Technical Education and the National Career Clusters Framework. The district provides opportunities in seven Career Industries (1. Business, 2. Family & Consumer Sciences, 3. Public Services, 4. Media & Technology, 5. Health, 6. Design, Production & Repair; and, 7. Agriculture). Within each industry the district has courses in 12 Career Clusters and 19 Career Pathways. Mrs. Soelllner presented the Board with a Career & Technical Education Pathways Guide that is intended to help students and parents visualize and understand all the options available to students, which will also help staff advise students. The district is examining current pathways and will develop proposals to add courses to meet student’s needs.
Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, December 2, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.
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October 7, 2024
Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held October 7, 2024. More information about specific items is available in the published agenda.
ACTION ITEM
Agenda/Consent Agenda
The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda with the following change:
- Removal of check numbers 242500303-305 from Consent Agenda item “B. Approve payment of bills and transfer of funds” for approval separately.
DISCUSSION ITEM
Storm damage update
Brian Schwanz, Chief of Operations, gave the board an update on repairs being made to various structures across the district, particularly at the Mill Valley High School campus following an EF1 tornado on May 19, 2024. Mr. Schwanz also updated the Board on the hail damage insurance process related to a hailstorm on March 13, 2024.
Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, November 4, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.
September 9, 2024
Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held September 9, 2024. Links to the documents presented are available on the Board Agenda.
ACTION ITEMS:
Revenue Neutral Tax Rate Hearing
The Board held a public hearing to provide patrons an opportunity to speak to the Board regarding the district’s proposal to exceed the revenue neutral tax rate. No comments were made. The Board unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, a resolution expressing the property taxation policy of USD 232 De Soto with respect to exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for financing the annual budget for 2024-2025.
2024-25 Budget Hearing
The Board held a public hearing to provide patrons an opportunity to speak to the Board regarding the proposed budget for the 2024-25 school year. No comments were made.
Agenda/Consent Agenda
The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda with the following change:
· Removal of check number 242500178 from Consent Agenda item “B. Approve payment of bills and transfer of funds” for approval separately.
LOB Percentage Resolution
The Board adopted a Resolution to set the Local Option Budget (LOB) at 33% for the 2024-25 school year. Although voters already approved authorization, state statute now requires the Board to adopt a new Resolution each year.
2024-2025 USD 232 Budget
The Board approved the proposed budget for the 2024-25 school year after considering available information, including the building needs assessment and state assessment data.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Clearview Village Redevelopment Presentation
David Rhodes with Wheatland Investments Group, owner of Clearview Village, shared information with the Board of Education about redevelopment plans for the residential housing complex located across the street from the new Panasonic Energy plant. The developer plans to seek a reinvestment housing incentive district tax incentive through the City of De Soto to help pay for the redevelopment.
Tax incentives: guidelines to review proposals
Alvie Cater shared information with the board that explains two specific tax incentives available to municipalities and counties in Kansas: tax increment financing and reinvestment housing incentive districts. He also reviewed prepared guidelines for Board consideration as it relates to the school district’s review process for such tax incentive proposals.
Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, October 7, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.
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August 5, 2024
Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held August 5, 2024. Links to the documents presented are available on the Board Agenda.
Discussion Items
Energy Conservation Program. Brian Schawnz, Chief of Operation, introduced Brian Rodkey, District Energy Manager, who gave the board an update on the district's energy conservation program. Mr. Rodkey talked about cost avoidance and shared energy conservation efforts, fiscal year to date (7/23 - 4/24) utility costs, average daily costs/usage, and total cost avoidance from 2012-2024, which totals more than $7.2 million
10-Year Capital Outlay Plan. Brian Schwanz shared the district's current 10-year Capital Outlay Plan with the board. The Capital Outlay Plan covers items from facilities, maintenance, athletic equipment, music instruments, concrete, asphalt, paint, carpet, HVAC units, turf replacement, track resurfacing, technology, fleet vehicles, etc. Mr. Schwanz shared an established timeline the district uses for replacement of these items, noting that the goal is to plan for expenses without having deferred maintenance.
Needs Assessment. Adelyn Soellner, Chief of Academics, presented the board with a needs assessment completed for each attendance center in the district for the 2024-25 school year. She reviewed the Kansas State Department of Education Needs Assessment Essential Questions: 1. Barriers that must be overcome for each student to achieve grade level proficiency on assessments; 2. Budget actions that should be taken to address and remove those barriers; and, 3. Amount of time estimated it will take for each student to achieve grade level proficiency on the state assessments, if the budget actions were implemented. She also talked about topics, concepts, and areas of content in which certified staff requested professional training to improve student achievement.
Action Items
Agenda/Consent Agenda
The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda.
Strategic Plan/District Goals [TORCH]. The Board approved the framework for the 2024 – 2029 TORCH Strategic Plan. TORCH stands for Teaching & Learning, Operations & Planning, Recruitment & Retention, Curriculum & Results and Healthy & Thriving. This fall, district teams will establish goals and action plans for each category and will provide an update to the board.
Budget Presentation/Budget & Revenue Neutral Rate Notice of Hearings Publication. Superintendent Gibson gave a high-level overview of the USD 232 fiscal budget. He talked about budget alignment (aligning resources with the needs assessment and the strategic plan), and shared the following slides: Funding Facts in fiscal year '24, the USD 232 Headcount, Base State Aid Per Pupil (BSAPP) compared to BSAPP adjusted per inflation from 2000 to 2025, USD 232 Assessed Valuation 2010 - 2025, Pots of Money - Budgeted: General Fund - BSAPP, Local Option Budget (LOB), Cost of Living, Capital Outlay, Food Service, KPERS, Bond & Interest, Special Assessment, Federal Funds (Title/ESSER) and other, Mill Rates from 1993 - 2024, Mill Rates (Property Taxes) in 2023, 2024 and budgeted for 2025, a Comparison of FY '24 to FY '25 for the "Big 3" Operational Funds: General Fund Max Authority, Supplemental General Fund (LOB) Max Authority and Cost of Living Authority and a Summary of Budget Adjustments in FY '24 compared to FY '25. Board members were given an opportunity to ask questions and then approved Budget & Revenue Neutral Rate Notice of Hearings Publication. Dr. Gibson noted that the district’s proposed mill levy (tax rate) will be the lowest rate in at least 31 years.
Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, September 9, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office. The Revenue Neutral Rate and Budget Hearings will begin at 5:50 p.m. in the same location on September 9, 2024.
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June 3, 2024
Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held June 3, 2024.
ACTION ITEMS:
Agenda and Consent Agenda
The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda.
Professional Negotiated Agreement with De Soto Teachers’ Association for 2024-25 school year
The Board approved the Professional Negotiated Agreement (PNA) with De Soto Teachers’ Association for the 2024-25 school year. Licensed employees under the PNA will see an average increase of 6.32% with step movement. Individual increases will vary dependent on the employee’s placement on the salary schedule. Any horizontal movement for which employees may be eligible will be on top of the average increase. For supplemental positions and related salary schedule, the increase includes step movement plus salary enhancements of 5%. The entire compensation package, including items such as column movement, taxes, and health insurance, is a total increase exceeding 8%.
Compensation for Employees outside the Professional Negotiated Agreement
The Board approved compensation for employees that are outside the Professional Negotiated Agreement. The average increase for those employees will be at least 6.3%, or higher for certain hard-to-fill positions. Additionally, all hourly positions will have a starting hourly rate of $15 or higher. The entire compensation package for classified employees is also estimated to exceed 8%.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
The district’s bond counsel, David Arteberry with Stifel, and bond advisor, Shelby Exposito with Gilmore & Bell, shared information and answered questions related to lease-purchase agreements and potential tax liability issues related to advertising as a primary source of funding. These topics are connected to a request from Mill Valley High School and its football booster club to consider entering into a lease-purchase agreement for a video board at the school’s track and field.
Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, July 1, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.
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July 1, 2024
Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held July 1, 2024.
Organizational Decisions
As part of its annual organizational process, the Board elected members to serve as President and Vice President of the Board of Education for the 2024-25 school year. Stephanie Makalous was elected to serve as President and Brandi Jonasson was elected to serve as Vice President.
Action Items
Agenda/Consent Agenda
The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda with the following changes:
- Removal of check number 232400478 from Consent Agenda item “B. Approve payment of bills and transfer of funds” for separate approval.
2024-2025 Organizational Items. The Board approved the 2024-2025 Organizational Items as presented by Superintendent Gibson.
Revenue Neutral Tax Rate and Budgeting Process. Julie Stucky, Director of Finance, reminded the Board that during the 2021 Legislative session Kansas amended the budgeting process for school districts and added a Revenue Neutral Tax Rate calculation. The legislature also amended several school district budget dates and procedures. She said that prior to July 20th each year, the district must notify the County Clerk if the Board intends to exceed the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate. The tax rates submitted in July set the maximum tax rates allowed for that tax year. She said that since mill levy rates are not finalized until September it is necessary for the Board to approve the maximum rates anticipated and noted that after a public hearing in September the final tax rates will be considered for approval. The Board took action and approved its intention to exceed the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate.
Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, August 5, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.
May 6, 2024
Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held May 6, 2024.
Action Items
The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda.
School Resource Officer Program Agreements with the City of Shawnee, City of Lenexa, and Johnson County Sheriff’s Office
The Board approved SRO Agreements with the City of Shawnee, City of Lenexa and Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. Rob Moser, Coordinator of Safety & Transportation, shared with the board that the main reason for the price increase for SROs is that the district increased the SRO at Mill Creek Middle School and Cedar Trails Exploration Campus from part-time to full-time. He noted that Shawnee and Lenexa have requested two-year agreements, while the county has requested a three-year agreement.
Discussion Items
Arbor Ridge Residential Development
Representatives for the developer, Oddo Development, shared plans with the Board for a proposed residential project that would include a request to the City of De Soto to create a Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID).
Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, June 3, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.
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April 1, 2024
Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held April 1, 2024.
ACTION ITEMS:
Agenda and Consent Agenda
The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda.
Determining Capacity for Enrollment of Nonresident Students
The Board adopted the student enrollment projections and the number of seats available for the enrollment of nonresident students as presented for the 2024-25 school year.
Alvie Cater, Assistant Superintendent of Administration & Communications, said that the Kansas Legislature passed a bill during the 2022 legislative session, which was signed into law, amending school enrollment statutes to require all school districts in the state to allow for the enrollment of nonresident students, if space is available, beginning in the 2024-2025 school year. He talked about numerous variables related to enrollment projections and staffing patterns that were given consideration. He presented board members with a table showing projections for 2024-25 broken down by building (Projection and Functional Capacity) and a table showing available seats for nonresident students in 2024-25, broken down by building and grade level. It was determined there are a total of 34 seats available in grades 1-5 and 8.
Publication for Notice of Hearing on Amending the 2023-2024 Budget
The Board approved publication of the Notice of Hearing to amend the 2023-2024 budget and scheduled the hearing on May 6, 2024, 6:00 p.m.
Julie Stucky, Director of Finance, informed the board that after the Kansas State Department of Education audit was completed the district is able to utilize an additional $59,717.00 in At-Risk funding. In order to receive the additional funds, the Board is required to hold a hearing to amend the 2023-24 budget, specifically the General and At-Risk Funds.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Legislative Update
Superintendent Gibson shared a Kansas legislative timeline for the current session. He reviewed the status of a number of bills introduced during this session that could have an impact on schools in Kansas.
Mill Valley High School Video Board Proposal
Joel Applebee, Mill Valley Head Football Coach, and Bob Purdell, Daktronics, presented a proposal regarding a Daktronics video board for the school’s stadium. This is a project spearheaded by the Mill Valley Football Booster Club, Jag Pac. They talked about sponsorship and advertising opportunities that would pay for the project. They also shared how the video board can play a role in providing learning opportunities for students. Included in the agreement with Daktronics is a school curriculum to help guide students to gain/learn real world experiences in event production and management. They also spoke about how the video board can become a source of revenue for the school and district. The Board asked administration and the booster club to gather more information.
Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, May 6, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.
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March 4, 2024
Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held March 4, 2024.
ACTION ITEMS:
Agenda and Consent Agenda
The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda.
2024-25 Middle School Course Schedule
The Board approved an adjustment to the middle school course schedule with the start of the 2024-25 school year.
Dr. Joe Kelly, Director of Secondary Curriculum & Instruction/Title Programs, was joined by middle school principals Jennifer Smith, Monticello Trails, Clark McCracken, Lexington Trails, Andrew Legler, Mill Creek, and teachers Leigh Ann James, English Language Arts and Tier 2 at Monticello Trails, Jesse Smith, Physical Education at Lexington Trails and Carly Hughes, Math Interventionist and Tier 3 Math Support at all three district middle schools, to present the board with the proposed course scheduling framework for the district’s middle schools that was developed by the Middle School Course Scheduling Task Force. The framework includes eight course periods (five Core classes and three Exploratory classes), lunch periods, and an intervention period at the end of the day. Each teacher will have one individual and one collaborative plan time per day, but the specific time of those plan periods will vary by teacher, course, grade level and building, as well as by the availability of staff shared between buildings.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Orchestra
Brian Schwanz, Executive Director of Secondary Education, informed the Board that musical teachers are in full support of an orchestra program. He shared space requirements and space limitations, noting the space where instruments would be stored would need to be conditioned with humidity control. It was also noted he has already had conversations with incoming Chief of Academics, Adalyn Soellner, about implementing an orchestra program. District administration will take a next step of investigating implementation options for the Board to consider.
Strategic Planning
Superintendent Gibson shared a draft timeline and process for creating the district’s next strategic plan aligned with new accreditation goals. He reviewed five themes discovered through his Listening Tour (Financial/Human Resources, Curriculum & Instructional Support, Communication & Collaboration, Mental Health & Behavior Support, and Professional Development) and shared information on the next state accreditation cycle (KESA 2.0) and its connection to the 2024 strategic plan.
Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, April 1, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.
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February 5, 2024
Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held February 5, 2024.
ACTION ITEM:
Agenda and Consent Agenda
The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Representatives from RSP, Rob Swartz and Lucy Crum, provided an updated enrollment analysis to the Board. They shared enrollment and demographics data, growth and development trends within the district, student enrollment projections for five and ten years, along with next steps for consideration.
Superintendent Gibson shared a Kansas legislative timeline for the current session. He also reviewed a list of bills introduced during this session that could have an impact on schools in Kansas.
Superintendent Gibson and Julie Stucky, Director of Finance, presented the board with a mid-year fiscal update. They showed the various funds, the budgeting process and timeline, mid-year revenue to date, and budget authority remaining for fiscal year 2024. They also shared fiscal considerations for 2024 and 2025, and revenues and expenditures to date in comparison to fiscal year 2023.
Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, March 4, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.
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December 4, 2023
Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held December 4, 2023.
ACTION ITEMS:
Agenda/Consent Agenda
The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda.
The Board passed a Resolution for adopting policy regarding enrollment of nonresident students and approved revisions to current board policy for enrollment.
Sale of 2.35 Acres of District Property
The Board approved sale of 2.35 acres of district property, known as Viscek Estate – Lot 1, located generally at 83rd Street and Cedar Niles Road to Charles P. Viscek in the amount of $87,933.50 and authorized the President of the Board to sign all documents necessary to effectuate the transaction. This property is part of approximately 38.35 acres the Board approved for purchase on May 1, 2023, in the City of Lenexa to be the site of a future elementary school. The site included an old farm house, constructed in 1910, on its northeast corner. The district originally planned to demolish the old house, but the previous owner, Mr. Viscek, expressed a desire to buy the home back as it has been in his family for many years. To facilitate the purchase and to avoid delays in closing, the district proceeded with a process with the City of Lenexa to plat the property into two lots, with the intent to sell the 2-acre house lot back to Mr. Viscek.
Graduation Requirements
The Board approved recommended graduation requirement changes in order to align with new state credit requirements. Changes include STEM Elective, General Elective, Financial Literacy and Post-Secondary Assets.
DISCUSSION ITEM:
Update regarding CENTEGIX CrisisAlert School Safety Solution
Rob Moser, Coordinator of Safety & Transportation, provided the Board with an update on implementation of the CrisisAlert School Safety Solution by Centegix. He said installation of the equipment took place over the summer of 2023 with training sessions being held during the three weeks leading up to the start of the 2023-24 school year. He then talked about site testing and shared use data, followed by a demonstration of the alert system.
Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, January 8, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.
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November 6, 2023
Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held November 6, 2023.
Nonresident Enrollment Policy Hearing
The Board held a public hearing to provide patrons an opportunity to speak to the Board regarding a proposed policy for the enrollment of nonresident students. No comments were made.
ACTION ITEMS:
Agenda/Consent Agenda
The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda with the following change:
- Removal of check number 62772 from Consent Agenda item “B. Payment of bills and transfer of funds” for approval separately.
Payment to Kansas Land Management
The Board approved payment to Kansas Land Management in the amount of $16,080.00 with check number 62772. Declaring a conflict of interest, Bill Fletcher left the meeting during this action item.
Memorandum of Understanding - Premium Pay
The Board approved a memorandum of understanding between USD 232 and the De Soto Teachers’ Association regarding premium pay for professional employees. Included in the motion was provision for the same stipulations to be applied to all other staff members’ work agreements and contracts. This premium pay will be paid for with grant funds provided through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Grant Programs, administered by the Kansas State Department of Education. When the U.S. Department of Education awarded ESSER funds to states, it noted that a local education agency (school district) could use local ESSER funds to provide employees with premium pay to address recruitment or retention challenges that were exasperated by the COVID pandemic.
Resolution - Implications of Out of District Enrollment Policy
The Board passed a Resolution to call upon the Kansas State Legislature to repeal Sec. 16 of Senate Sub for HB 2567 and provide flexibility for locally elected officials to make decisions related to enrollment of nonresident students.
Fiscal Year 2023 Audit
Ms. April Swartz of Varney & Associates, reviewed the district’s 2023 fiscal year audit with the board. She gave clean opinions on internal control and compliance and reported that there were no statutory violations. Following her report, the Board took action and approved the 2023 Fiscal Year Audit as presented.
DISCUSSION ITEM:
Superintendent Listening Tour Findings
Superintendent Gibson presented an overview of the findings related to the April – October superintendent listening tour and discussed next steps in the process.
Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, December 4, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.
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October 2, 2023
Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held October 2, 2023.
ACTION ITEMS:
Agenda/Consent Agenda
The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda as published.
Superintendent Gibson gave an overview of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) I, II, and III expenditures and proposed adjustments to the current plan. The third round of ESSER funding was provided as a means to assist school districts in their efforts to support students and staff during and after the pandemic. Dr. Gibson explained that there are 16 authorized uses for ESSER III funding and modifications of the district’s plan may require a review by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and formal approval by the State Board of Education. He said district leaders provided an opportunity for building and department leaders to recommend initiatives (one-time expenditures) that could best support students and staff members. The initiatives chosen align with previously identified needs and meet the definition as an authorized use of funds.
The Board approved the following adjustments to the district’s current ESSER III Plan:
- A phase-in plan of ESSER funded positions (transitioning some to at-risk funding)
- Expansion of Before/After School Programs at the middle level
- Supporting professional development and collaboration time for Special Education team members
- An additional premium (retention based) payment for all qualifying staff in the Spring of 2024
KASB Delegate Assembly
Several members of the USD 232 Board of Education will be attending the Kansas Association of School Boards Annual Convention in early November. This convention provides opportunities for board members to engage in meaningful professional learning alongside colleagues from around the state. As part of the convention, one board member can serve as the USD 232 delegate. The district’s delegate will provide input and cast votes on behalf of the district as it relates to KASB’s legislative positions. Board members appointed Brandi Jonasson to serve as the district’s delegate.
Alvie Cater, Assistant Superintendent of Administration & Communications, presented background on House Bill 2567 which was passed during the 2022 legislative session. This bill requires each Board of Education in the state to adopt a policy on or before January 1, 2024, the purpose of which is to provide guidance to school districts in determining capacity to accept nonresident students in each grade level. Mr. Cater then explained the process to adopt the new policy which will include a public hearing. The draft policy addresses steps the district will have to take to determine enrollment capacity, the application process and nonresident student continued enrollment/denial for continued enrollment. Mr. Cater then reviewed revisions to board policy JBC – Enrollment and the proposed new policy JBCC – Enrollment of Nonresident Students.
Following discussion, the Board approved publication of the Notice of Hearing – USD 232 Policy for Enrollment of Nonresident Students in the district’s official newspaper stating that the Board will hold a public hearing on the policy on November 6, 2023, 6:00 p.m., at the USD 232 Administrative Office, 35200 West 91st Street, De Soto, KS.
Proposal of a study to freeze the taxes on seniors over 65.
Bill Fletcher asked if the Board could freeze school property taxes on patrons when they reach the age of 65. He suggested a study to see how many seniors are in the district and would qualify for this. Superintendent Gibson said he would investigate to see what would be allowed in Kansas regarding this question.
Proposal of a study to look at increasing teacher and staff salaries.
Bill Fletcher said he would like to see if there is a way to cut costs, find extra money, to raise teacher and staff salaries and eliminate steps. President Spaulding asked Superintendent Gibson to look at ways to identify efficiencies in order to raise salaries.
DISCUSSION ITEM:
Brian Schwanz, Executive Director of Secondary Education, shared the names of the district’s Graduation Task Force members (Brian Schwanz, Joe Kelly, Gail Holder, Sam Ruff, Trish Chandler, Chrissy Johns, Cindy Swartz and Ceresa Schaffer). He explained that in June of 2021 the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) convened the Graduation Requirements Task Force to conduct an evaluation of Kansas high school graduation requirements in order to better meet the needs of students in the 21st century and reach the State Board of Education’s mission to lead the world in the success of each student. Mr. Schwanz then shared a timeline for updating USD 232’s graduation requirements starting with the Class of 2028. He reviewed the current KSDE graduation requirements (a total of 21 credits), current USD 232 graduation requirements (a total of 25 credits), KSDE graduation requirements starting with the Class of 2028 (the state made several adjustments, but will continue to require a total of 21 credits to graduate), Post Secondary Assets – Career & Real-World Examples, Post Secondary Assets – Academic Examples and additional information from KSDE on Post Secondary Assets.
Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, November 6, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.
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September 11, 2023
Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held September 11, 2023.
ACTION ITEMS:
Revenue Neutral Tax Rate Hearing
The Board held a public hearing to provide patrons an opportunity to speak to the Board regarding the district’s proposal to exceed the revenue neutral tax rate. No comments were made. The Board unanimously adopted the Resolution by roll call vote to Exceed the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate.
2023-24 Budget Hearing
The Board held a public hearing to provide patrons an opportunity to speak to the Board regarding the proposed budget for the 2023-24 school year. No comments were made.
Agenda/Consent Agenda
The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda with the following changes:
- Removal of check number 62311 from Consent Agenda item “B. Approve payment of bills and transfer of funds” for approval separately.
The state required needs assessment was established by the Kansas Legislature as part of House Bill 2567 in 2022. Superintendent Gibson noted that assessment data and narratives are provided at the district level and for each school building in the Needs Assessment formal document, which was provided to board members in advance. He summarized Needs Assessment with a brief review of the following essential questions: 1) Barriers that must be overcome for each student to achieve grade level proficiency on assessments, 2) Budget actions that should be taken to address and remove those barriers, 3) Amount of time estimated it will take for each student to achieve grade level proficiency on the state assessments, if the budget actions were implemented. The Board took action and approved the needs assessments as part of the fiscal budget process.
The Board adopted a Resolution to set the Local Option Budget (LOB) at 33% for the 2023-24 school year. Although voters already approved authorization, state statute now requires the Board to adopt a new Resolution each year.
The Board approved the proposed budget for the 2023-24 school year after considering available information, including needs assessments.
DISCUSSION ITEM:
Open Enrollment Policy Required by Kansas Statutue
A new law passed by the Kansas Legislature in 2022 contains a provision known as Open Enrollment. This legislation amends school enrollment statutes to require all school districts in the state to allow Open Enrollment for nonresident students beginning in the 2024-25 school year. Alvie Cater, Assistant Superintendent of Administration & Communications, presented the Board with information about the process, what is required by the Board, and a timeline.
Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, October 2, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.
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August 7, 2023
Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held August 7, 2023.
ACTION ITEMS:
Agenda/Consent Agenda
The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda with the following changes:
- President Spaulding added “for an October 2023 appointment and June 2024 appointment” at the end of Consent Agenda item “F. Approve Superintendent Gibson to teach as an adjunct professor”.
- Bill Fletcher asked to remove Consent Agenda item “E. Approve district membership to United School Administrators (USA) – Professional Learning Network for the 2023-2024 school year in the amount of $8,800.00” for discussion. He also asked for removal of check number 61971 from Consent Agenda item “B. Approve payment of bills and transfer of funds” for approval separately.
After discussion, the board approved district membership to United School Administrators (USA) – Professional Learning Network for the 2023-2024 school year in the amount of $8,800.00.
Budget Presentation. Superintendent Gibson shared the following USD 232 Budget information: Funding Facts for Fiscal Year (FY) ’24, Enrollment History (2010-11 – 2023-24), Base State Aid Per Pupil (BSAPP) History (2000 – 2024), Assessed Valuation (2010-11 – 2023-24), Pots of Money – Budgeted: General Fund – BSAPP, Local Option Budget (LOB), Bond & Interest, KPERS, Food Service, Cost of Living, Capital Outlay, Federal Funds (Title/ESSER), Special Assessment and Other, Mill Rates/ property tax rates from 1993-94 to 2023-24, Mill Rates (property taxes) broken down by fund, a Comparison of FY ’24 to FY ’23 for the “Big 3” Operational Funds: General Fund Max Authority, Supplemental General Fund (LOB) Max Authority and Cost of Living Authority and a Summary of Adjustments in FY ’23 compared to FY ’24. Board members were given an opportunity to ask questions and then approved Budget & Revenue Neutral Rate Notice of Hearings Publication.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
District Goals. Superintendent Gibson Presented the board with the objectives, strategies and action steps that are in place for the following goals in the 2023-2024 school year:
- Achievement – Improve achievement for all students while reducing the achievement disparities of various disaggregated groups.
- Buildng Budgets – Maximize district resources and provide high quality facilities to enhance educational programs.
- Community Engagement – Work proactively with the community to improve educational programs.
Portrait of a Graduate. Dr. Joe Kelly, Director of Secondary Curriculum & Instruction/Title Programs, and Dr. Cindy Swartz, Career & Technical Education Coordinator, shared information on the Real World Learning initiative and a grant from the Kauffman Foundation to increase opportunities for students to earn “Market Value Assets”. They explained how a committee of staff members met to discuss the traits that each graduate of USD 232 should possess and said the traits would then be combined and communicated through a visual representation, known as a “Portrait of a Graduate”. The committee agreed upon the content of the visual, and tasked a group of USD 232 students to submit designs for review. Dr. Gail Holder, Principal of Mill Valley High School, then joined Dr. Kelly and Dr. Swartz to introduce Mill Valley student Regan Roberts whose design was chosen for the Board of Education to consider.
Exit and Stay Survey Information. Brian Schwanz, Executive Director of Secondary Education, and Carrie Handy, Executive Director of Elementary Education, presented the board with data collected through the Human Resources Department’s Stay and Exit surveys that were conducted during the 2022-2023 school year. They also shared employment data for the 2023-2024 school year.
Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, September 11, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.
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July 10, 2023
Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held July 10, 2023.
ACTION ITEMS:
Agenda/Consent Agenda. The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda with the following change:
- Removal of check number 61811 from Consent Agenda item “B. Approve payment of bills and transfer of funds” for approval separately.
2023-2024 Organizational Items. The Board approved the 2023-2024 Organizational Items as presented by Superintendent Gibson.
Revenue Neutral Tax Rate and Budgeting Process. Julie Stucky, Director of Finance, reminded the Board that during the 2021 Legislative session Kansas added a Revenue Neutral Tax Rate calculation and changed several school district budget dates and procedures. She said that prior to July 20th each year, the district must notify the County Clerk if the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate will be exceeded. The tax rates submitted in July set the maximum tax rates allowed for that tax year. She said that since mill levy rates are not finalized until September it is necessary for the Board to approve the maximum rates anticipated and noted that after a public hearing in September the final tax rates will be approved. The Board approved its intention to exceed the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate.
Professional Negotiated Agreement for 2023-24. Alvie Cater, Assistant Superintendent of Administration & Communications, said that as of Friday, July 7, members of the Teacher’s Association ratified the tentative agreement. He then summarized the district compensation package noting that it adds $2,500.00 on the base, allows for horizontal and vertical movement on the salary schedule, and has an average salary increase of approximately 6.31%. The total teacher compensation package, including benefits, represents an increase of 7.07%. The Board approved the Professional Negotiated Agreement for the 2023-24 school year.
Compensation Packages for Employees not covered by the PNA. Carrie Handy, Executive Director of Elementary Education, and Brian Schwanz, Executive Director of Secondary Education, reviewed the proposed salary and benefits packages for classified staff, related and health services staff and administrative staff. The Board approved the compensation packages for these employees not covered by the Professional Negotiated Agreement as presented.
Mill Creek Middle School Start Time/End Time. The Board approved shifting the start and end of the school day at Mill Creek Middle School by five minutes, from 7:55 a.m. and 3:05 p.m. to 7:50 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The reason for this recommendation is to address a bus transportation issue that emerged this past school year with some elementary buses arriving late, primarily at Belmont and Mize elementary schools at dismissal. This issue occurred after buses had completed secondary school bus routes for Mill Creek. The change will only affect Mill Creek Middle School.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Transitional Items. Superintendent Gibson shared a Superintendent Entry Plan with the board that shows tasks he has or will complete between April and the Fall of 2023.
Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, August 7, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.
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