Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held May 1, 2023.

ACTION ITEMS:

Agenda/Consent Agenda

The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda as presented.  

Acquisition of Property

The Board approved a Real Estate Contract for the purchase of approximately 38.35 acres at the southeast corner of 83^rd Street and Cedar Niles Road, Lenexa, Kansas, in the amount of $1,435,000.00.

 

DISCUSSION ITEM: 

Legislative Update

Superintendent Harwood shared an updated on the current work of the Kansas Legislature.

 

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, June 5, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.

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Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held April 3, 2023.

ACTION ITEMS:

Agenda/Consent Agenda

The Board approved the Agenda as amended and the Consent Agenda as presented.  President Spaulding added “Appointment of Superintendent” under “Action Items” on the agenda.

Appointment of Superintendent

The Board formally appointed Dr. Corey Gibson as Superintendent of USD 232 effective July 1, 2023.   President Spaulding said there would be opportunities for patrons and staff to meet the new superintendent in the near future.  She thanked GR Recruiting for doing a fantastic job assisting with the superintendent search and thanked board members for time invested in the process and their collaboration. 

Technology Surplus Items & Service Contract

The Board declared 407 Apple iMacs (27”), 5,376 Apple MacBooks and 10 Apple Mac Minis as surplus.  The computer devices range in age from four to eight years. The oldest devices are no longer able to run current operating systems and software to support student learning.   The district will utilize asset reclamation services from Synetic Technologies.  Synetic will provide all logistical services, secure data destruction and be responsible for resale or disposal of all items.  Synetic provided an estimated monetary value of devices in the range of $350,000 – $500,000.  The exact residual value to be paid to the district depends on the age and condition of each device.

The Board also approved an amendment to the Apple Computer purchase of 5,300 devices that was approved by the Board in January 2023. Apple provided pricing to the district for four (4) years of AppleCare+, which is extended warranty coverage for hardware, damages to devices, technical service, repairs, and replacement of damaged devices.  After further review, the administration determined that it would be better for the district, financially, to only pay for AppleCare+ for three years instead of four. The district would self-insure device repairs during the fourth year, which is the same warranty currently in place with existing Apple devices.  In short, approving the amendment will reduce the cost of new devices by $20 per device, for a total reduction of $106,000.

Crisis Alert School Safety Solution

The Board approved purchase and implementation of the CrisisAlert™ School Safety Solution by CENTEGIX.  The mobile panic button badge system allows all school employees to call for help from any location on campus.  The system incorporates two tiers of alerts.  One is used for lower-level crises such as medical emergencies and student altercations.  The other alert will initiate a campus-wide lockdown while integrating with additional security systems, including automatic 911 notification. 

 

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Enrollment Study

In September 2022 the Board hired the firm RSP to conduct a comprehensive enrollment analysis for the district.  Robert Schwarz of RSP presented the board with its findings and enrollment projections. The presentation included four key elements:  1. Enrollment & Demographics, 2. Development, 3. Projections and 4. Next Steps.

 

Legislative Update

Superintendent Harwood shared information about bills that have been passed by the Kansas Legislature and reviewed key elements of bills to watch.

 

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, May 1, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.

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Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held March 6, 2023.

ACTION ITEMS:

Agenda/Consent Agenda
The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda as presented. 

The Board spent the rest of the meeting in Executive Session for Non-Elected Personnel.  They met with Dick Christie, Lane Plugge and Mark Evans from GR Recruiting to screen applications for superintendent and selected individuals for interviews.

 

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, April 3, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.

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Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held February 6, 2023.

ACTION ITEMS:

Agenda/Consent Agenda
The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda as presented. 

Memorandum of Understanding with USD 232 Education Foundation
The Board approved an MOU with the USD 232 Education Foundation.  Alvie Cater, Assistant Superintendent of Administration & Communications, shared background on the Foundation.  It is a Kansas non-profit organization established in 2019 with the sole mission of seeking out community resources and creating strategic alliances to spark innovation and support educational excellence for students in USD 232.  The Foundation is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code with oversight provided by its own board of directors consisting of eleven members.  Mr. Cater said other school districts in the county have had education foundations supporting schools and teachers for many years and those relationships provided a framework for the USD 232 Education Foundation.  Mr. Cater said that since 2019, the Foundation has donated more than $70,000 to schools and teachers through a series of school spotlight grants, innovative teacher grants, the employee Making a Difference recognition/award, and more.   Donations to the Foundation come from individuals, businesses, and other not-for-profit organizations.  The purpose of the MOU is to describe a general framework for the relationship between the district and the Foundation as it relates to private fundraising and private grants management, individual donors, corporate sponsors, and community engagement and partnership.   Mr. Cater noted that the MOU recognizes the special status of the USD 232 Education Foundation and its relationship with the district, which is different when compared to other non-district organizations as its sole purpose is to support the students and teachers of USD 232.  Since the launch of the USD 232 Education Foundation, the district provides in-kind support by making available employee Casey Rooman-Smith, who spends an average of 10 hours per week with administrative assistant duties, as well as serve as Executive Director of the Foundation – in addition to her regular duties with the school district.  Mr. Cater said providing this level of in-kind support has allowed the Foundation to grow its efforts and increase community donations to support schools and students.    

 

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

 

Mill Valley Video Board

Mike Jay, a Mill Valley parent and member of JagPac (a separate not-for-profit organization), Joel Applebee, Head Football Coach at Mill Valley, and Bob Kernell, Daktronics Sports Marketing, presented the Board with an idea to raise funds for outdoor digital video boards installed at the Mill Valley athletic stadium.  Mr. Jay said JagPac is already involved in fundraising for the football program.   He said the group has taken on the initiative to get the video boards at Mill Valley to allow for the sale of advertising for fundraising.   He said with the help of Daktronics the group will seek partnerships with area businesses to raise funds to pay for the project.  They would like to seek four Anchor Partners ($10,000/year for 5 years), six Founding Partners ($5,000/year for 5 years) and ten Premier Partners ($2,000/year for 5 years).  Mr. Kernell talked about an opportunity for Mill Valley students to work on the same game day production equipment utilized at Daktronics college and professional leagues such as Arrowhead Stadium, The University of Kansas and Sprint Center.  Coach Applebee said discussions on Real World Learning opportunities for students with this equipment have already begun.  Mr. Jay said once fundraising is complete, the JagPac would be able to donate the video board to the district.  At that point, the school would be able to decide how to handle the revenue the video board generates.   Coach Applebee said the goal is for the revenue to go back to the school’s activity account to be used for maintenance of the video board and the support of student activities. Board members requested additional information about the idea.

 

Superintendent Search Update

Alvie Cater reviewed the superintendent search stakeholder survey results that the board received from GR Recruiting during a special public meeting held on January 24.  He then reviewed the ten traits identified by the board for the superintendent profile and a general timeline of the process.

 

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, March 6, 2023, at 5:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.

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Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held January 9, 2023.

ACTION ITEMS:

Agenda/Consent Agenda
Board member Bill Fletcher declared a conflict of interest and asked that check number 60427 included in Consent Agenda item B “Approve payment of bills and transfer of funds” be pulled from the Consent Agenda for separate approval. The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda as amended.  They then approved payment to Kansas Land Management with check number 60427 in the amount of $1,250.00.

BOE Organizational Items
K.S.A. 72-1133 requires boards of education to elect the board president and vice president at the first meeting on or after the second Monday in January of each year or a later meeting date during the calendar year if so determined by the board at that first meeting.  With the adoption of a Resolution to Establish Election of School Board Officers, the Board will elect its school board president and vice-president at its first meeting of the Board of Education in July 2023.  The Board also approved a Regular Meeting Schedule for February 2023 through January 2024.

Secondary Student and Teacher Technology Refresh

Brandon Riffel, Director of Technology, and Dr. Joe Kelly, Director of Secondary Curriculum & Instruction/Title Programs, shared background on the district’s One Device per Learner initiative and talked about pricing compared to what the district paid for MacBook Air devices in 2019, as well as the residual value of existing devices. Following their report, the board approved the purchase of 5,300 MacBook Air devices, with protective cases and AppleCare+, for students and support staff at the secondary level and all teachers Pre-K–12, in the amount of $5,686,635, plus Apple professional learning services for educators for $119,215, for a total cost of $5,805,850 from Apple Computer Inc., (divided into four annual payments).

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Student Achievement
The Board received a Student Achievement presentation from Michelle Hite, Director of Elementary Curriculum & Instruction/Accreditation, and Dr. Joe Kelly, Director of Secondary Curriculum & Instruction/Title Programs, that included Kansans Can Star Results, a District Overview of 2021-2022 (State Assessments, FastBridge, PreACT/ACT, Graduation Rates, Five Year Postsecondary Progress) and a Data Action Plan.  

 

2023 Legislative Priorities

Dr. Frank Harwood, Superintendent, presented the Board with a draft of legislative priorities for the board to discuss.   These are topics that come before the legislature that may have a direct or indirect impact on public schools.  The purpose of legislative priorities is for the board to communicate with legislators about issues that are of particular interest to the district.

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, February 6, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.

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Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held December 5, 2022.

ACTION ITEMS:

Agenda/Consent Agenda
Board member Bill Fletcher declared a conflict of interest and asked that check number 60199 included in Consent Agenda item "B. Approve payment of bills and transfer of funds” be pulled from the Consent Agenda for separate approval. The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda as amended.

Fiscal Year Audit Report

Ms. April Swartz of Varney & Associates, reviewed the district’s 2022 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 2022 Fiscal Year Audit as presented.

City of Shawnee Hickock-Zarah Improvement District/TIF

Alvie Cater, Assistant Superintendent of Administration & Communications, informed the Board that the Shawnee City Council voted on November 14, 2022, to move forward with plans to establish a redevelopment district, also known as a conservation tax increment financing district, in the Hickok-Zarah development area.   The proposed area for the redevelopment district is bounded by K-7 Highway on the west, Shawnee Mission Parkway on the north, Martindale and Woodland on the east and 83^rd Street on the south.  It comprises 1,648 acres and contains the largest remaining tracts of undeveloped land dedicated to residential development in the community.  Mr. Cater reminded the Board that representatives from the City of Shawnee attended the November 7 school board meeting and shared information about the redevelopment district. He said with action taken by the city to create the redevelopment district, the Board of Education has 30 days from November 14 to exercise its veto authority, should it decide to do so.  No action was taken on this agenda item.        

 

City of De Soto/Sunflower Redevelopment Expanded TIF

Alvie Cater informed the Board that the City of De Soto held a hearing on December 1, 2022, to consider an expansion of the already established Sunflower Redevelopment District.   He said this expansion would include an additional 1,865 acres.  The original redevelopment district was created earlier this calendar year that includes approximately 6,000 acres of the former Sunflower Army Ammunition site, located south of K-10 Highway.   Mr. Cater reminded the Board that they did not exercise veto authority on this redevelopment district because the Board entered into a separate agreement with Sunflower Redevelopment, LLC, to address school district concerns with the proposed redevelopment district.  The major concern being the potential inclusion of residential projects within the redevelopment district, which could increase student enrollment without providing an increased tax base to support any additional school capacity that may be needed.  Mr. Cater said the agreement between USD 232 and Sunflower Redevelopment, LLC, gives the district the right to review any redevelopment projects that contain residential components and determine if there is an adverse impact on the district.   An adverse impact is defined as an increase in student enrollment that would require additional school facilities.   If there is an adverse impact, Sunflower Redevelopment, LLC, will withdraw the residential component from the redevelopment project unless both parties agree to a solution to mitigate the adverse impact on the district.  The Board took action and approved the Addendum to Residential TIF Project Plan Agreement.

 

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

 

School Security

The Board received a comprehensive overview of continuous efforts towards improving the safety of students and staff of the school district from Alvie Cater and Rob Moser, Coordinator of Safety & Transportation.  

 

Orchestra

Brian Schwanz, Executive Director of Secondary Education, gave the board a preliminary report on implementing Orchestra in the district.   He shared findings in conversations he’s had with area districts that have orchestra programs, KC Strings (a business out of Merriam, KS) and USD 232 Instrumental Music Teachers.  He showed estimated orchestra start-up costs (instruments, curriculum, HVAC for humidity control and staffing) and talked about program considerations (elementary/middle school/high school or middle school/high school, rehearsal space/classroom/shared space, storage, building/class schedules and a music store partnership).  Mr. Schwanz also shared ideas for staffing/scheduling of an orchestra program.   In conclusion he shared next steps (visit additional programs, continue conversations with the Curriculum & Instruction Department and band teachers regarding scheduling, conversations with the Facilities Department regarding space needs, conduct an interest survey with parents of elementary and middle school students, and continued conversations with area school districts.  Board President Ashley Spaulding suggested that Mr. Schwanz conduct the survey of parents to gauge interest before proceeding with the next steps.   

 

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, January 9, 2022, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.

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Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held November 7, 2022.

ACTION ITEMS:

Agenda/Consent Agenda
Board member Bill Fletcher declared a conflict of interest and asked that check number 59934 included in Consent Agenda item “B. Approve payment of bills” be pulled from the Consent Agenda for separate approval. The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda as amended.

Executive Search Firm

Board members discussed results of reference checks made on the three executive search firms selected as finalists. Board members were reminded that each firm was interviewed by the Board at a special meeting on November 1. The firms interviewed were Ray & Associates, GR Recruiting and Kansas Association of School Boards. At the November 7 regular meeting, Board members shared their respective pros and cons for each firm. Following discussion, the Board took action and selected GR Recruiting to conduct the search process for identifying candidates for superintendent of USD 232. The next step is to finalize an agreement with GR Recruiting.

 

Mize Elementary Expansion Bids

Steve Deghand, Assistant Superintendent of Facilities & Operations, shared a spreadsheet showing all of the 39+ projects completed with 2018 bond funds.  It shows estimated costs, bid-day results and the actual total for each project.   Mr. Deghand said 39 projects were approved for the bond, all of which have been completed.  He said the district was also able to complete additional projects that did not make the initial list of 39, but were placed into the “if funds were left category”.  These included renovations of the original fieldhouses at both high schools and the transformation from tile flooring to resinous flooring throughout the district.  Mr. Deghand said the balance of bond funds remaining is $3,700,000.00.  He noted that some of these funds might be used to purchase additional land.

Mr. Deghand then said in June that the Board directed the district to proceed with design and competitive bids on a potential addition to Mize Elementary School.  Mize houses one of three center-based programs to meet needs of elementary students with special needs.  The school has accommodated this program with regular classrooms and has reached a point whereby an expansion would move the center-based program into the addition and free up classroom space. Mr. Deghand said several meetings with staff took place during the design phase that assisted architects with identifying needs for the addition.  Specifications were written and a legal advertisement was published.  He presented the Board with bid results showing two contractors submitting identical low bids (Combes Construction and Zimmerman Construction).  Mr. Deghand said both contractors have completed many projects for the district in the past, always doing exceptional work.  In order to choose a winning bid, the contractors agreed to flip a poker chip (one side with a “Z” on it and the other side with a “C”).  Each contractor flipped the chip with different results and Mr. Deghand flipped the chip the third time resulting with Combes Construction being the winner. The Board approved the bid from Combes Construction in the amount of $2,121,000.00 for the Mize Elementary School addition.  This project will also be paid for with remaining 2018 bond funds.  

Board Member Districts

Pursuant to K.S.A. 72-1077, the Board adopted a Resolution to change the boundaries of board member districts in order to equalize the number of citizens residing in each district.  Superintendent Harwood shared a map that was developed with the assistance of Johnson County AIMS showing new board member district boundaries.   He explained that the map moves voting precinct Shawnee 3-08 from member district 2 and 5 to member district 3 and 6 and moves voting precinct Shawnee 1-08 from member district 3 and 6 to member district 2 and 5.  He said this change better aligns board member district boundaries with elementary boundaries and keeps all current board members in their current district.   

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, December 5, 2022, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.

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Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held October 3, 2022.

ACTION ITEMS:

Agenda/Consent Agenda
Superintendent Harwood announced his intent to retire at the end of the 2022-23 school year. He asked to add a Discussion Item to the agenda to give the Board an opportunity to discuss the issuance of a request for proposals from executive search firms to conduct a search for superintendent. The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda as amended.

Recommended Calendar for the 2023-24 School Year

The Board approved the school calendar for the 2023-24 school year.  Alvie Cater, Assistant Superintendent of Administration & Communications, said the calendar is similar to the current school year, with the exception of two differences he highlighted: 1.) For the first time, school will be closed the whole week of Thanksgiving, and; 2.) There are no scheduled two-hour delayed start days.

Collaborative Team Time Proposal for High Schools

The Board approved a proposal from De Soto High School Principal Sam Ruff and Mill Valley High School Principal Dr. Gail Holder to pilot Collaborative Team Time during the current school year.  The Collaborative Team Time schedule will allow high school teachers a weekly opportunity during the contract day to collaborate on student achievement data, curriculum, learning targets, assessments and interventions. Beginning on November 30, each Wednesday, teachers will have 45 minutes dedicated to collaborating with their teams that will include teachers of common subjects and courses.  On these days, Collaborative Team Time will be for 45 minutes beginning at 7:30 a.m. with the first block for students starting at 8:20 a.m.  Students may arrive at the normal time (7:30 a.m.) and will be supervised in the commons/union areas of the buildings.  Bus transportation will continue to run as normal. Breakfast will continue to be available for students, with no change in service.  No student meetings/practices will be scheduled during the Collaborative Team Time.  The change will also not affect or conflict with students attending district specialized programs (CTEC, EDTech, etc.).  The high school principals will report back to the Board in March 2023.

Enrollment Study

The Board accepted a proposal from RSP and Associates for $17,000.00 to conduct an enrollment study.  Superintendent Harwood said that part of the District Goals approved by the Board in September contained an Action Step of having an enrollment study conducted.  He said an external enrollment study is needed at this time due to the disruption in enrollment trends caused by the pandemic and the potential for enrollment growth with planned housing developments, as well as the announcement of the Panasonic project on the former Sunflower Army Ammunition site.   RSP and Associates worked with USD 232 in the past, with its last report in 2012.  The company has also worked with several area districts and is familiar with Johnson County.   Superintendent Harwood said that while there are still too many unknowns to predict how Panasonic and other developments will affect the district, it is important to gain a better understanding of current growth trends.  He said this information is crucial as the district continues planning for the future.

DISCUSSION ITEM:

RFP for Superintendent Search

Superintendent Harwood shared a proposed Request for Proposals (RFP) that would be sent to experienced executive search firms or individuals to provide consulting services for a national search for a superintendent of schools.  He presented a timeline and said the RFP will be mailed and/or emailed to prospective search firms on October 4 with a due date for proposals of October 19, 2022, by 2:00 p.m.  After discussion, the Board decided to have all board members review the proposals and provide feedback via a rubric. A committee of three board members will review the feedback and narrow the pool down to three or four finalists by October 26, 2022.  The Board President will then schedule a special meeting so that the board can interview the finalists.  At the November 7, 2022, regular board meeting the Board may decide to select and approve a superintendent search firm.  

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, November 7, 2022, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.

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Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held September 12, 2022.

ACTION ITEMS:

Revenue Neutral Tax Rate Resolution

The Board held a Hearing to give 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 adopted the Resolution by roll call vote to Exceed the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate.

2022-23 Budget Hearing

The Board held a Hearing to give patrons an opportunity to speak to the Board regarding the proposed budget for the 2022-23 school year.  No comments were made.

Agenda/Consent Agenda
Board member Bill Fletcher declared a conflict of interest and asked that check numbers 59290 and 59540 included in Consent Agenda item “B Approve payment of bills” be pulled from the Consent Agenda for separate approval. The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda as amended.

2022-2027 District Goals

Superintendent Harwood said that part of the district’s School Improvement and Accreditation process was for the Board to annually approve district goals to help direct the work of district staff.   He noted that it was the administration’s intention to continue the focus on three goal areas:  Achievement, Buildings and Budgets and Community Engagement for the 2022-27 accreditation cycle.  He presented the 2022-27 District Goals and the 2022-23 Strategies and Action Steps which were approved by the Board.   Superintendent Harwood also noted that in addition to the goals, strategies and action steps, supporting documentation in the board packet includes two different needs assessments:

1. The first needs assessment is part of the Kansas Education Accreditation System (KESA). In this section, the Foundational Structures that are the basis for school improvement goals are identified.
2. The second needs assessment is required as part of HB 2567.  In this needs assessment, Kansas State Assessment data is presented and three required questions are considered:  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.  This Assessment data is provided at the district level and for each school building.

2022-2023 USD 232 Budget

The Board approved the proposed budget for the 2022-23 school year after considering available information, including needs assessments.

LOB Percentage Resolution

The Board adopted a Resolution to set the Local Option Budget (LOB) at 33% for the 2022-23 school year.   Superintendent Harwood pointed out that district patrons passed a public referendum in 2016 that gave the district authority to set the LOB rate at 33% going forward. State statute now requires the Board to adopt a new Resolution each year.

Professional Negotiated Agreement for 2022-2023

Alvie Cater, Assistant Superintendent of Administration & Communications, talked about the strong partnership between USD 232 and the De Soto Teacher’s Association (DTA).  Jeff Wieland, Lead Negotiator for DTA, shared Mr. Cater’s sentiment on the partnership between the DTA and USD 232.  The teachers’ association ratified the agreement in August. Mr. Cater summarized the district compensation package noting that it adds $1,000.00 on the base, allows for horizontal and vertical movement on the salary schedule, and has an average salary increase of approximately 3.42%.  The total teacher compensation package, including benefits, represents an increase of 3.76%.  At the request of Mr. Cater, on behalf of the Negotiations Team, the Board approved the PNA as presented.

Memorandum of Understanding with DTA - Retention Incentive

Carrie Handy, Executive Director of Human Resources/Elementary, noted that in conjunction with the Professional Negotiated Agreement approved by the Board, the district would pay a retention stipend of $1,200.00 to be paid in two installments of $600 each (at the end of the first quarter and third quarter of the school year) and a guaranteed minimum retention stipend of $600.00 for the 2023-24 school year.  At Mrs. Handy’s request, the Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DTA for the Retention Stipend.  She noted that while the MOU only applies to certified staff, the retention stipend would be made available to all employee groups.  In addition, the stipend will be prorated for newly hired and part-time employees.

 

Custodial Pay

Brian Schwanz, Executive Director of Human Resources/Secondary, presented the Board with starting hourly pay for custodians in Johnson County school districts ranging from $13.11/hour to $14.83/hour and custodians in private businesses in Johnson County ranging from $14.00/hour to $17.00/hour.  He said the district currently has 12 custodian openings.  The Board approved raising the starting pay from $13.50/hour to $15.00/hour and raising current custodian’s hourly rate by $1.00/hour.  Mr. Schwanz noted that this is in addition to the 3.42% raise each custodian received in July.  He estimated the cost to the district to be an additional $100,000.00 per year.

 

Medical Director Agreement with Johnson County Government

The Board approved an Agreement to Provide Support to the Opioid Antagonist Protocol within Unified School District 232. This agreement is between Johnson County and USD 232.  It authorizes the county’s emergency medical director to review and approve an opioid antagonist protocol in the district and provide training for school nurses on how to administer the nasal medication to an individual suspected of overdose.  Mr. Cater said that upon approval the district will begin with two doses of NARCAN per secondary school.  

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, October 3, 2022, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.

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Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held August 1, 2022.

ACTION ITEMS:

Agenda/Consent Agenda
The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda as published.

Budget & Revenue Neutral Rate Notice of Hearings Publication.  Julie Stucky, Director of Finance, presented the board with the proposed budget for fiscal year 2022-23 for consideration.   She reviewed budget Form 150 which shows all sources of revenue that make up the General Fund legal maximum budget authority and budget Code 99 which shows a comparison of actual expenditures for 2020-21 and 2021-22 compared to proposed budget expenditures for 2022-23.  She pointed out that the proposed mill levy for the 2022-23 budget is 61.599 mills compared to 61.949 mills in 2021-22, a decrease of .35 mills.   Mrs. Stucky also compared the proposed mill levies to the Revenue Neutral Rates (see last page of Code 99).  The Board approved the publication and notice of the proposed 2022-23 Budget and the publication and notice to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate.  Public hearings on both topics are scheduled for September 12, 2022, at 6:00 PM.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Economic Development Update.  Superintendent Harwood presented the Board with information about Governor Kelly’s announcement that Panasonic plans to invest $4 billion to construct a plant that will make batteries for electric vehicles in the state of Kansas.  This advanced manufacturing facility will be located within USD 232 boundaries on the former Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant site.  Superintendent Harwood shared recent background, a map of the proposed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) site within the 6,000 acres, current developments, and impact on USD 232.    

 

Board Member Area Redistricting.  Superintendent Harwood showed the Board the four different election methods and three different voting plans state law allows for electing school board members.   He said USD 232 uses the three district method (two members elected from each of three districts and one member elected at-large) and Voting Plan B (only electors that reside in a member district can vote in a Primary Election, but all electors in the district may vote in a General Election).   He explained that using the federal decennial census information, school districts are required to adjust the defined school board member districts so that no district is greater than 5% above or 5% below the mean population of all districts.  Based on 2020 census information, USD 232 will be required to adjust the boundaries of the board member districts.   Superintendent Harwood presented information about the current populations of the board member districts and possible ways to make required changes.

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, September 12, 2022, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.

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Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held July 11, 2022.

ACTION ITEMS:

Agenda/Consent Agenda
The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda with the following changes:

• Removal of check number 58777 from Consent Agenda item “B. Approve payment of bills and transfer of funds” for approval separately.

2022-2023 Organizational Items.   Superintendent Harwood reviewed the proposed organizational items with the Board.   He pointed out that the only changes from the previous year are a change in the administrator of the Mill Creek Middle School Activity Fund to the new principal, Andrew Legler, and an increase in the substitute teacher pay scale with a new daily rate of $150 and long-term substitute daily flat rate of $185 beginning with the 15^th consecutive day in the same classroom.  The Board approved the 2022-2023 Organizational Items as presented.

Compensation Packages for Employees not covered by the Professional Negotiated Agreement.  Brian Schwanz, Executive Director of Secondary Education, and Carrie Handy, Executive Director of Elementary Education, reviewed the proposed salary and benefits packages for Classified staff, Related and Health Services staff and Administrative staff.  They also noted the compensation package includes a one-time retention incentive of $1200.00 to be divided into two payments.  Superintendent Harwood said that the retention incentive will be paid with with ESSER funds.   The Board approved the Compensation Packages for Employees not covered by the Professional Negotiated Agreement as presented.

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 at the September 12, 2022, board meeting the final tax rates will be approved.  The Board approved its intention to exceed the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Request to add an Orchestra Program.  Mill Valley High School Junior Sara Anderson presented the Board with information on orchestra programs in public schools.  She talked about benefits of having orchestra programs and shared information collected in visiting with directors of orchestra programs in area school districts. She asked the board to consider adding a program in USD 232.

District Goals.  Superintendent Harwood gave the Board a review of the 2021-22 District Goals and shared proposed District Goals for the 2022-2023 school year.  He said the 2022-2023 school year will begin the next five-year cycle of the Kansas Education Accreditation System (KESA).  He reminded board members that the Outside Visiting Team that recommended the district’s full accreditation to the Kansas State Board of Education also recommended that the district continue the current goal setting process.

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, August 1, 2022, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.

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Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held June 6, 2022.

ACTION ITEMS:

Agenda/Consent Agenda.  The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda with the following changes:

• Addition of an agenda item for GOOD NEWS/Student Recognition.
• Removal of check number 58569 from Consent Agenda item “B. Approve payment of bills and transfer of funds” for approval separately.
• Removal of Consent Agenda item “H. Accept a donation from William Fletcher/Kansas Land Management in the amount of $1,000,00 to Lexington Trails Middle School for the Panther Prowl Fundraiser” for approval separately.

Amended 2021-22 USD 232 Budget.   Julie Stucky, Director of Finance/Treasurer, informed the Board that the budget is being amended to add a Virtual Fund in order to receive virtual state aid.  She said it was also amended to increase budget authority in the General Fund, Bilingual Fund and Special Education Fund; however, the state audit has been received since republication and the district will not be getting additional state aid in these funds.   The Board approved the 2021-22 Amended Budget.

2022 Technology Managed Services Renewal.  Brandon Riffel, Director of Technology, provided the Board with background information on an agreement the district entered into with k12itc for managed technology services in 2012 and renewed in 2016.  He said the decision to outsource technology services was in response to increasing financial costs and human resource demands.  Staff turnover and the cost of employing highly qualified technicians for the specific needs were some of the challenges at that time.  The framework of the agreement allowed the district to better control costs, greatly improve professional services, and upgrade certain technology hardware and equipment.   The Board approved a five-year renewal with k12itc at a rate of $2,215,800 annually.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Potential Addition to Mize Elementary School.  Steve Deghand, Assistant Superintendent of Facilities & Operations, explained to the Board that Mize Elementary houses one of the district’s three center-based programs.  He said the school has been able to accommodate this program with unused classrooms, but with increased enrollment the school is needing those classrooms.  Mize Elementary is an ideal location for one of the center-based programs because the school is more centrally located compared to other schools.   Mr. Deghand said one option the administration has been looking into is to add space to Mize Elementary by using remaining bond funds.  He shared a concept drawing that shows where an addition could be made to the school.  With no objection from board members on this project, Mr. Deghand said HTK Architects can begin the design process and he may be able to have bids for the Board to consider in the Fall.  

Legislative Update.  Superintendent Harwood provided the Board an update on Senate and House Bills that were passed and signed into law during the 2022 Legislative Session.

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, July 11, 2022, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.

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Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held May 2, 2022.

ACTION ITEMS:

Agenda/Consent Agenda.  The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda with the following change:

• Removal of check number 58209 from Consent Agenda item “B. Approve payment of bills and transfer of funds” for approval separately.

Social Studies Materials Adoption.  Michelle Hite, Director of Elementary Curriculum & Instruction/Accreditation, and Dr. Joe Kelly, Director of Secondary Curriculum & Instruction/Title Programs, presented board members with timelines for the process used to arrive at recommended social studies resources for all grade levels. A list of recommended resources for elementary, middle school and high school classrooms were recommended for adoption. They also shared details about the Parent Information Night that was held on April 28^th to make the recommended resources and information available for parents to review.   Following their report, the Board approved adoption of the recommended Social Studies resources.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Legislative Update.  Superintendent Harwood provided the Board an update on completed legislation relating to schools.  He also shared information on the Kansas K-12 Budget and Policy.

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, June 6, 2022, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.

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Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held April 4, 2022.

ACTION ITEMS:

Agenda/Consent Agenda.  The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda with the following change:

• Addition of item “D. Naming of DHS Softball Field” under “VI. DISCUSSION ITEMS.”

Auditor RFP.  Julie Stucky, Director of Finance, shared results of a Request for Proposals for an accounting firm to conduct the school district’s annual, independent fiscal audit.   The Board accepted the low bid from Varney & Associates.

Land Purchase.   Steve Deghand, Assistant Superintendent of Facilities & Operations, told the Board that in 2018 district patrons passed a bond issue that included 39 projects.  He said at this point the district is just about finished with all of the projects.   Mr. Deghand then explained that $5 million in bond funds were set aside for the purchase of land for future schools.   He shared the process the administration uses to identify where the district needed to look for land.   He then presented the Board with an offer to purchase approximately 150 acres near 127^th and Waverly Road in Olathe and said the estimated purchase price is $1.65 million, just under $11,000 per acre. Superintendent Harwood explained that the land was advertised as 150.7 acres, but until it is surveyed the exact size of the property is not known.    While it will be several years before the property is needed, it speaks to the long-term planning that is necessary to be prepared for future needs.  The Board approved moving forward with a contract with B & C Land and Cattle Company, LLC, for the purchase of approximately 150 acres at 30400 W. 127^th Street, Olathe in the amount of $10,951.22 per acre.

Construction Management Contract Reassignment.  Steve Deghand said the district entered into a contract  with Manning Construction in 2012 and has a good working relationship with the construction company up to this point.   He said last week owner Tom Manning called to announce he is planning to retire and has decided to sell his company to the Russell Group out of Iowa.   Mr. Deghand said there will not be any change in project manager or site superintendent, and commitment to finishing remaining bond projects will remain.  He said the only change will be ownership of the company.  The Board took action to give Manning Construction consent to assign the school district’s current Construction Management Agreement to the Russell Group, Inc. of Davenport, Iowa.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Social Studies Materials.  Michelle Hite, Director of Elementary Curriculum & Instruction/Accreditation, gave the Board an update on the elementary Social Studies adoption process and Dr. Joe Kelly, Director of Secondary Curriculum & Instruction/Title Programs, gave the Board an update on the secondary Social Studies adoption process. 

Kansas Education Systems Accreditation/Outside Visiting Team Update.  Michelle Hite gave the Board a Kansas Education Systems Accreditation end of cycle report.   She noted that the school district has reached the end of the 5-year accreditation process and will be fully accredited once the recommendation from the Outside Visiting Team is approved by the State Board of Education.  

Legislative Update.  Superintendent Harwood gave the Board an update on Senate Bills that have been passed in the Kansas legislature that could have an impact on public schools.  He also shared status of School Finance legislation.

Naming of DHS Softball Field.  Board member Bill Fletcher asked administration to look into the possibility of naming the new softball field at De Soto High School in honor of a deceased, former employee.  Superintendent Harwood said the administration would gather more information and report back to the Board at a future meeting.

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, May 2, 2022, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.

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Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held March 7, 2022.

ACTION ITEMS:

Agenda/Consent Agenda.  The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda with the following changes:

• Removal of check numbers 57769, 57832 and 57904 from Consent Agenda item “B. Approve payment of bills and transfer of funds” for approval separately.

COVID Leave.  Carrie Handy, Executive Director of Elementary Education, and Brian Schwanz, Executive Director of Secondary Education, presented the Board with additional data pertaining to COVID-19 leave for employees.  They shared historical information regarding the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), board action relating to FFCRA, board action related to employee accrued leave and uncharged leave, data on staff COVID-19 isolations, costs for uncharged leave staff have taken since 1/5/22, and data the De Soto Teachers’ Association collected on staff member absences to care for dependents due to COVID-19.  No action was taken by the school board on this agenda item.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Communicable Disease Mitigation Protocols.  Superintendent Harwood gave the Board an update that included Mitigation Protocols the district has in place and the following COVID Metrics:  USD 232 Cases by Building – The number of student exclusions for recommended isolation and quarantine for the past four weeks broken down by school building, Student Attendance – The Average Daily Attendance (ADA) for the weeks of August 15^th through February in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years, and Absences – COVID-19 Case Rate Comparison for the weeks of August 16^th through February 26^th.   He spoke about the voluntary curbside Test to Stay program taking place at Cedar Trails Exploration Center and noted that while it will continue on weekdays, school is in session, the hours are being shortened to 7:00 am – 7:45 am due to a significant decrease in the number of requests for testing.  He also pointed out that after dropping to a low of 70.2% in the second week of January, the substitute teacher fill rate had returned to 98.6%.

Legislative Update.  Superintendent Harwood gave the Board an update on House and Senate Bills that could have an impact on public schools.

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, April 4, 2022, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.

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Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held February 7, 2022.

ACTION ITEMS:

Agenda/Consent Agenda.  The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda with the following changes:

• Move Communicable Disease Mitigation Protocols from an FYI Report to an Action Item.
• Removal of check number 57651 from Consent Agenda item “B. Approve payment of bills and transfer of funds” for approval separately.

COVID Leave MOU with DTA.  The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding between USD 232 and the De Soto Teacher’s Association that provides for five (5) days additional leave for COVID-19 isolations.  After discussion, the Board directed the administration to develop another proposal for consideration that would provide COVID leave to care for dependents.

Early Childhood Schedule Change and Peer Fees Adjustment.  The Board received a report from Andrea West, Principal of Cedar Trails Exploration Center, on the USD 232 Early Childhood Program and approved the requested schedule change and peer fees adjustment.  

De Soto/Sunflower Redevelopment District – TIF.  The Board approved a  Residential TIF Project Plan Agreement between USD 232 and Sunflower Redevelopment, LLC.   Alvie Cater, Assistant Superintendent of Administration & Communications, explained that the agreement provides the Board of Education the right to review any redevelopment projects that contain residential development components and determine if there is an adverse impact on the school district.   An adverse impact is defined as an increase in student enrollment that would require additional school facilities.  If there is an adverse impact, Sunflower Redevelopment, LLC, will withdraw the residential components from the redevelopment project unless both parties agree to a solution to mitigate the adverse impact on the district.

Communicable Disease Mitigation Protocols.  This agenda item was moved to Action so the Board could review previous action taken with regard to student mask use and take action if it was necessary.   After discussion, it was determined no action was necessary at this time.

DISCUSSION ITEM:

Diversity and Engagement.  Alvie Cater and Dr. Joe Kelly, Director of Secondary Curriculum & Instruction/Title Programs, gave the board an update regarding Diversity and Engagement, a subject the district has been considering for the last three years.  This topic is listed on on District Goals as strategy no. 7 and is related to the district’s focus on relationships.

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, March 7, 2022, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.

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Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held January 10, 2022.

ACTION ITEMS:

Agenda/Consent Agenda - The Board approved the Agenda and Consent Agenda with the following change:

• Removal of check number 57294 from Consent Agenda item “B. Approve payment of bills and transfer of funds” for approval separately.

BOE Organizational Items - The Board adopted a Resolution to Establish Election of School Board Officers.  The Board also approved the 2022 Regular Meeting Schedule and Designation of BOE Representatives to District Committees.  

 Communicable Disease Mitigation Protocols - Superintendent Harwood gave the Board an update that included the following COVID Metrics:  Case Rates in Johnson County, Percent Positivity in Johnson County, Adult ICU Bed Availability, Student Attendance Rates, Student Exclusions for Isolation and Recommended Quarantines for Students and Staff, Vaccination Rates in Johnson County for all residents/12-17 year olds/5-11 year olds and Staff Absences and Substitute Fill Rates.  He also shared slides showing Changes to Isolation and Quarantine and activity relating to Board of County Commissioners/Johnson County Board of Health Order No. 001-21.  Following Superintendent Harwood’s report, the district’s legal counsel, Mr. Mike Norris of Norris Keplinger Hicks & Welder, LLC, presented the Board with information on Home Rule Authority of School Districts.   No action was taken on this agenda item. 

City of De Soto to Consider Redevelopment District – TIF - Alvie Cater, Assistant Superintendent of Administration & Communications, informed the Board that no action was needed at this time relating to the proposed redevelopment district under consideration by the City of De Soto.   He said that the city’s public hearing, which was held on January 6^th, will not close until January 20^th.  The reason for the extended time is because the city and the developer need to update the legal description for the property in question.  Mr. Cater explained that because the hearing will not close until later in the month, the Board of Education has until February 19^th to take any action, should it choose to do so.   He said the developer is interested in an agreement with the Board of Education to address any future development with residential components.  The administration will provide additional information relating to this matter to the Board as it becomes available.

 

 DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Social/Emotional Learning & MTSS Update - Michelle Hite, Director of Elementary Curriculum & Instruction/Accreditation, gave an update on Social-Emotional Wellness for staff and students.  She shared BrightBytes staff and student survey responses to questions relating to social-emotional learning, engagement, safety and environment. 

Lee Hanson, Director of Special Education, shared information on the Kansans Can Silver Star Recognition the district received for Social-Emotional Growth.  She also talked about the Multi-Tier System of Supports (MTSS) in Reading, Math & Behavior and shared detail on the three Tiers, Framework Components, MTSS Handbook/Elementary Behavior Menu, Social-Emotional and Behavior Resource Menus-Elementary School, and MTSS Behavior Focus.                                     

Joe Kelly, Director of Secondary Curriculum & Instruction/Title Programs, shared information on MTSS with ELL, Math and Social-Emotional resources for Elementary/Middle School/High School, Multi-Point Instructional Data, Intervention Systemic Analysis and Conclusions (Achievement & Future Considerations). 

ESSER III Planning - Brian Schwanz, Executive Director of Secondary Education, shared with the Board where the district is with regard to ESSER III planning.  He gave the board a timeline for ESSER III noting that in January the administration will begin to gather stakeholder input from staff/students/parents using established groups such as the District Site Council, District Improvement Team, Student Advisory Committee, Staff Advisory Committee and Student Services Parent Advisory Group.  In February a plan will be developed.  And in March the goal is to submit the plan to the the State Board of Education for approval.  Mr. Schwanz said the fous will be on three areas:  Students, Staff and Community.  For students focus will be on academics and social-emotional.  For staff focus will be on retention stipends, continuation of District Instruction Specialist and School Improvement Specialist positions, professional learning and self-care resources.  For Community focus will be on looking at multiple platforms of communication and community supports.

 

NEXT MEETING:

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, February 7, 2022, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.

 

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Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held December 6, 2021.

ACTION ITEMS:

Consent Agenda.  The Board approved the consent agenda with the following change:

• Removal of check number 56952 from Consent Agenda item “B. Approve payment of bills and transfer of funds” for approval separately.

Fiscal Year 2021 Audit Report.  The Board received a copy of the 2021 fiscal year audit from the school district’s auditor Ms. April Swartz of Varney & Associates.  Ms. Swartz gave clean opinions on internal control and compliance and reported that there were no statutory violations.  The Board approved the 2021 Fiscal Year Audit as presented.

Communicable Disease Mitigation Protocols.  Superintendent Harwood gave the Board updates on the following COVID-19 metrics:  Case Rates in Johnson County, Percent Positivity in Johnson County, Adult ICU Bed Availability, Vaccination Rates in Johnson County for all residents/12-17 year olds/5-11 year olds, Student Attendance Rates and Exclusions for Isolation and Recommended Quarantines for students and staff.  Alvie Cater, Assistant Superintendent of Administration & Communication, shared an update on the Test to Stay program.  Superintendent Harwood then visited with the Board about the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners mask requirement and school district “Home Rule”.  After discussion, the Board approved continuation of the requirement for barrier face masks in Preschool, Elementary and Middle School buildings in compliance with the Johnson County health order.  When the county mask order expires, barrier face masks will be optional as long as recommendations for quarantine and isolation for COVID-19 are below 4%.  If recommended quarantine and isolations exceed 4%, barrier face masks will be required following guidelines previously adopted for high schools.

DISCUSSION ITEM:

City of De Soto to Consider Redevelopment District – TIF.  The Board received information from De Soto Mayor Rick Walker and City Administrator Mike Brungardt regarding the city’s consideration of establishing a redevelopment district for approximately 6,000 acres of the former Sunflower Army Ammunition site, located south of K-10 Highway.  If the redevelopment district is approved by the city council, it will set the stage for it to consider Tax Increment Financing for projects within the designated area.

 

NEXT MEETING:

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, January 10, 2022, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.

 

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Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held November 1, 2021.

ACTION ITEMS:

Consent Agenda.  The Board approved the consent agenda with the following change:

• Removal of check number 56624 from Consent Agenda item “B. Approve payment of bills and transfer of funds” for approval separately.

Substitute Rates.  The Board heard a report from Brian Schawnz, Executive Director of Secondary Education, and Carrie Handy, Executive Director of Elementary Education, on the need to raise the daily rate of substitute teachers (both short-term and long-term) in order to stay competitive with area districts.   Mr. Schawnz and Mrs. Handy recommended the board increase the short-term daily rate to $140.00 and the long-term daily rate to $170.00.  

After discussion, the Board approved an increase in the daily rate for short-term substitute teachers to $140.00 and long-term substitute teachers to $175.00.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Bond Project Update. The Board received an update from Steve Deghand, Assistant Superintendent of Facilities & Operations, on status of all projects done with voter approval of the 2018 Bonds Election ($85,000,000.00).  

Student Achievement. The Board received an update on student achievement from Michelle Hite, Director of Elementary Curriculum & Instruction/Accreditation, and Dr. Joe Kelly, Director of Secondary Curriculum & Instruction/Title Programs.

Communicable Disease Mitigation Protocols. The Board received data on exclusions for isolation and recommended quarantines for students and staff from Superintendent Harwood and information on the Test to Stay program from Alvie Cater, Assistant Superintendent of Administration & Communications.

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, December 6, 2021, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.

 

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Unofficial summary of the Special Board of Education meeting held October 18, 2021.

Action Item

Communicable Disease Mitigation Protocols

Board members heard a report from Alive Cater, Assistant Superintendent of Administration & Communications, regarding the Test to Stay & Learn program offered through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, as well as a report from Superintendent Harwood with Considerations for Optional Masks.  After discussion, the Board took action to make barrier face masks optional starting October 20, 2021, in buildings serving grades 9-12 if the weekly percentage of recommended quarantines and isolations is below 4% of a building’s student enrollment.  If the percentage of recommended quarantines and isolations is greater than 4%, barrier face masks will be required as they are in other USD 232 buildings for at least two weeks and the percentage of recommended quarantines and isolations is less than 2% for two consecutive weeks.

 

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, November 1, 2021, at 6:00 p.m., at the Cedar Trails Exploration Center.

 

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Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held October 4, 2021.

ACTION ITEMS:

Consent Agenda.  The Board approved the consent agenda with the following changes:

• Removal of check number 56329 from Consent Agenda item “E. Approve payment of bills and transfer of funds” for approval separately.

Communicable Disease Mitigation Protocols.  After hearing input from patrons, as well as a presentation from Superintendent Harwood and having discussion, the Board took action to remove outdoor exposure exclusions from the recommended quarantine guidelines as detailed in the current Communicable Disease Mitigation Protocols. If the only exposure occurred outdoors, individuals identified as close contacts will not be excluded from school. Board members decided to revisit protocols, including the mask requirement for high schools, after the Test to Stay and Learn program is available as an option. The Board may call a special meeting prior to the regularly scheduled meeting in November to discuss.

Paraprofessional and Student Nutrition Compensation. Carrie Handy, Executive Director of Elementary Education and Brian Schwanz, Executive Director of Secondary Education both presented their research and recommendation for an increase in pay for district paraprofessionals and student nutrition staff. After some discussion, the Board approved raising paraprofessional, aide and Early Childhood Lead Teacher pay by $1.00/hr. (para and aide base pay to $14.00/hr.), raising center-based paraprofessional differential by $.75/hr. to $1.00/hr. and raise student nutrition pay by $1.00/hr. (student nutrition assistant base pay to $13.50/hr.) with corresponding increases to salary ranges. The increases will be retroactive with the individuals work agreement for the current school year.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER). Superintendent Harwood shared that there is now an ESSER Funds section on the COVID-19 information page on the district website. Information about ESSER and current plans are included.

2021-22 Enrollment Update. Superintendent Harwood reviewed the preliminary September 20th (official count day for funding purposes) enrollment numbers for all district buildings and programs.

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, November 1, 2021, at 6:00 p.m., at the Cedar Trails Exploration Center.

 

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Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held September 13, 2021.

Action Items:

Consent Agenda.  The Board approved the consent agenda with the following changes:

• Removal of check number 55942 from Consent Agenda item “E. Approve payment of bills and transfer of funds” for approval separately.

• Removal of the De Soto High School Cross Country extended day trip from Consent Agenda item “N. Approve the following extended day trips:”

Instrumental Music RFP.   Instrumental Music Teachers Deb Steiner (Mill Valley High School) and Matt Bradford (De Soto High School) explained to the Board that they would like to do a Request for Proposal (RFP) to identify a music vendor within the Kansas City Metro Area that could partner with the school district to offer parents quality band instruments, repair services and other resources associated with a successful instrumental music program.  This would be voluntary on the part of the parents. After discussion, the Board members chose to not take action and requested that the teachers conduct a Request for Information (RFI) with vendors and to bring additional information back to the Board.

Communicable Disease Mitigation Protocols.  After hearing input from patrons, as wells as a presentation from Superintendent Harwood and having discussion, the Board did not take action to make changes to the current Communicable Disease Mitigation Protocols. Board members will revisit protocols at the regularly scheduled meeting in October.

 

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, October 4, 2021, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.

 

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Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held August 2, 2021.

Action Items

• Consent Agenda
  The Board approved the Consent Agenda.
• Budget & Revenue Neutral Rate Notice of Hearings Publication
  The Board approved the publication of Notice of Hearings for the 2021-22 USD 232 Budget and Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for the 2021-2022 School Year.
• Approval of 2021-22 Audit Firm
  Due to the district receiving notification that the previously approved audit firm would no longer be conducting school audits, the Board approved use of a recommended audit firm that will perform the service at the same rate with the understanding that the administration will issue requests for proposals for the service next year.
• Professional Negotiated Agreement, 2021-22
  The Board approved a tentative agreement with the De Soto Teachers’ Association (DTA) in regards to the Professional Negotiated Agreement for the 2021-22 school year.  The DTA will conduct a process during the month of August to seek ratification of the agreement by professional employees who are represented by the association. 
• Compensation Packages for Employees no covered by the PNA
  The Board approved a compensation package that will apply to all employee groups not covered by the Professional Negotiated Agreement for the 2021-2022 school year.
• Retention Incentive MOU with De Soto Teachers Association
  The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding between USD 232 and the DTA regarding a one-time retention incentive for professional employees.
• Communicable Disease Mitigation Protocols
  The Board adopted a mask requirement in response to concerns about the spread of COVID-19 and maintaining in-person learning:        
  • Masks indoors will be required for students in grades pre-K – 12, as well as visitors. Masks indoors will be required for all staff when students are present.
  • Exceptions to wearing barrier masks would be made in accordance with the same protocols adopted by the Board during the previous school year. The barrier mask exceptions include persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering.
  • Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, or communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, would be exempt where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.
  • Barrier masks are not required while eating or drinking.
  • Students participating in indoor school sponsored sports and activities may remove their face coverings when actively participating in the sport/activity.

 The Board also approved recommended changes to the Communicable Disease Mitigation Protocols.

           

Unofficial summary of the Board of Education meeting held July 12, 2021.

Action Items

• Consent Agenda  The Board approved the Agenda/Consent Agenda.
• 2021-2022 Organizational Items   The Board approved the Organizational Packet.
• Communicable Disease Mitigation Protocols  The Board adopted recommended Communicable Disease Mitigation Protocols for the start of the 2021-22 school year.
• Recommended Calendar for the 2022-23 School Year  The Board approved the drafted 2022-23 school year calendar.
• Bond Project Changes (Batting Cages/Concrete Work/Sound Upgrade)  The Board approved a revised bid for installation of eight batting cages (4 at De Soto High School and 4 at Mill Valley High School) at a cost of $519,297.  They also approved additional concrete work to be done at the De Soto High School baseball/softball fields at a cost of $12,594. There was no action on the Sound Upgrade as it was removed from consideration due to high cost.
•  Javelin Runway Agreement  The Board approved an agreement with the City of Shawnee that will allow the district to place up to 30’ of the Javelin Runway on city property.  There is no cost to the district for this piece of property.

Discussion Items

• Changes to Budgeting Procedures  The Board received a report from Superintendent Frank Harwood and Julie Stucky, Director of Finance, explaining new budgeting procedures being implemented in response to Senate Bill 13.  Alvie Cater, Assistant Superintendent of Administration & Communications, also informed the Board about policy changes necessary to address Senate Bill 13 and House Bill 2104. 
• ESSER Funding  Superintendent Frank Harwood gave an update on Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER).   These are funds awarded to State Education Agencies based on the Title I formula to provide emergency relief funds to school districts for addressing the impact that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools across the nation.  It is broken down into three distributions:  ESSER I, ESSER II and ESSER III.  He showed fund totals, expenditures to date and planned expenditures.

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, August 2, 2021, at 6:00 p.m., at the Board of Education / Administrative Office.

 

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