Staff writer
USD 397 Board of Education learned Monday that technology director Dusty Wiegert and high school custodian Martin Combs are in the process of installing cameras at entrances to school buildings.
The cameras have audio and video capabilities to allow school personnel to talk to anyone wishing to enter the building.
Upon recommendation by Superintendent Jerri Kemble, the board voted to purchase a buzzer system, not to exceed $4,000, from Midwest Locksmiths, Emporia. It will give office workers the ability to monitor those who come to the doors. The workers then can allow or not allow individuals to enter, and teachers will not be disturbed.
This system will be especially useful at the elementary school because the office is on the second floor and workers often are unaware of who has entered the building.
“This new system will be a great improvement to the safety and security of our schools,” Kemble said.
Prior to the purchase, the board met in executive session for 17 minutes with Kemble, principal Nadine Smith, and Wiegart to discuss the system and keep confidential its exact capabilities.
The board conducted a five-minute executive session to discuss non-elected personnel with Smith and Greg Wyatt.
Upon returning to open session, they employed Kurt Kemble as assistant high school girls’ basketball coach and Tyler Weinbrenner as assistant boys’ basketball coach.
Laura Klenda, the new agriculture education instructor, and Weinbrenner, the new physical education instructor and junior high coach, were introduced to the board.
Homework and practice
Lynley Remy and Weinbrenner gave a report on how they promoted homework and practice during the past month. The project was one of nine teaching strategies from a research-based program, “Classroom Instruction That Works.”
Promoting flexibility and fitness, Weinbrenner selected two seventh-grade students to do stretching exercises at home for seven days to help them touch their toes with their hands. They had improved at the end of the period.
Remy taught sixth grade band members to play “On Wisconsin.” They signed time sheets for time spent practicing individually at home. Parents were asked to set time and place for their students to practice. Videos taken in class showed students how they improved from the first day of class to the next day after home practice, and, finally, to Monday’s performance.
Kemble reported on her communication with a KASB attorney regarding district liability for incidents that may occur at community ballfields. The district pays the light bills.
At the September meeting, it had been suggested that the school lease the ballfields to get greater control over how they are operated.
Five patrons from Tampa and one from Lincolnville were in attendance. Tampa Mayor Jim Clemmer said Tampa did not want to lease its ballfield.
After conferring with another attorney, the two KASB attorneys had reported to Kemble that the district’s liability would increase if it leased the ballfields.
Consequently, the board voted 4-2 to continue as in the past, paying light bills at ballfields, while leaving communities with the responsibility of operating ball programs and maintaining ball diamonds.
“I think it’s a good deal for everybody,” said Tom Duggan, a Tampa resident.
Mark Heiser and Jesse Brunner said they were opposed because of continued liability concerns.
Enrollment reported
Kemble submitted official enrollment figures for the 2009-10 school year. Total enrollment is 255, an increase of four over the previous year. Full-time equivalency (FTE), on which state aid is based, jumped from 225.5 to 237.5. FTE figures do not include 4-year-olds.
CES enrollment is 133, including 10 4-year-olds, 17 kindergartners, 71 in first through fourth grades, and 35 in fifth and sixth grades. CJHS has 45 students, and CHS has 75.
Four-year-olds and third grade are the smallest classes with 10 each. Fourth grade is the largest class with 25. Other classes are: kindergarten, 17; first grade, 23; second grade, 13; fifth grade, 17; sixth grade, 18; seventh grade, 22; eighth grade, 23; freshmen, 22; sophomores, 14; juniors, 21; seniors, 18; and two special education students.
Kemble reported Kansas Department of Transportation is planning to install flashing yellow lights from both directions near the approach to the high school site at the intersection of 310th Street and U.S. 77. The lights will be programmed from the high school.
The board opened and accepted a sealed bid from Brian Mell for $400 for a 1993 Chevy Suburban. No other bids were received.
The board approved a 1:30 p.m. dismissal at Lost Springs and a 1:38 p.m. dismissal at the high school site Tuesday to allow Centre High School to prepare for the IA regional volleyball tournament it will be hosting. The six-team tournament will begin at 3 p.m.
The board approved a premium payment of $43,175 on a property/casualty and fleet insurance policy from Continental Western Group.
Jesse Brunner and Mark Heiser were re-appointed to serve as negotiators with the teachers’ association for the next year.
The board will meet for a goal-setting session at 6 p.m. Nov. 9, prior to its 7:30 p.m. regular meeting. They will conduct a walk-through Nov. 11 of Centre schools.