Staff writer
Members of the board of education of Centre USD 397 ate lunch at the school Monday and visited classrooms before meeting at 4 p.m. for a goal-setting session.
In regular business, the board approved the purchase of a Xirrus wireless network system for the entire school facility at a cost of $26,340.
They employed Vickie Jirak as coordinator for the Kansas Online Learning Program sponsored by the district. Jirak has been involved in coordination activities while serving as a teacher’s aide.
Jirak‘s duties in her official position as virtual school coordinator will begin Jan. 1. She will receive $10 per hour, not to exceed 40 hours per week.
Jirak has the responsibility of coordinating USD 397 with the National Network of Digital Schools, setting up weekly meetings, preparing lists of students with concerns, and sending out noncompliance letters.
Superintendent Jerri Kemble reported the district has already received inquiries about enrollment in the virtual school for the 2011-12 school year.
After discussing bid-taking on non-emergency items, the board agreed to secure multiple quotes when more than one vendor is available for items or projects costing $2,500 or more.
In a split vote, 3-3, the board rejected participation in the Marion County Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. Jesse Brunner, Steve Jirak, and Brent Methvin voted against participation.
The board accepted the resignation of Lynley Remy as cheerleading sponsor, effective at the end of the school year.
The board approved a Biddy Basketball program for fourth, fifth, and sixth-graders to be conducted at the high school gymnasium on six Saturday mornings. The dates will be announced later. Instructors, to be announced, will receive salaries of $350 each.
Kemble reported that classes reaching standard of excellence in academics were rewarded with a celebration, the new heating system has been installed in the vocational agriculture building, the Lost Springs facility was winterized, and parents and students on the Ramona bus route met for a pizza supper.
The next board meeting will be 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10.