Search for new school chief begins
Staff writer
USD 408’s search for a new superintendent was the primary focus of school board members during Monday’s meeting.
Doug Moeckel, executive director of the Kansas Association of School Boards, told board members that community members suggested integrity and good communications with others were characteristics most important to them in a new superintendent.
The association is screening applications and will meet with board members in executive session Jan. 20 to present recommendations for applicants to interview.
The week of Jan. 23 is set aside for interviews with prospective superintendents.
Community and school relationships, technology, and good facilities are among the district’s assets, board member Jeremiah Lange said.
Concerns include state funding, a relatively high level of poverty, facility upkeep, and declining enrollment.
As far as a new superintendent, the community wants to see integrity and honesty, and good communication with people inside and outside the district, Lange said.
Changes in district policies recommended by the association were distributed to board members by Superintendent Lee Leiker.
The changes would close gaps in existing policies and bring USD 408’s policies in line with other districts.
The district’s two-year contract with Opaa Food Service Management will expire this year. Vendor bids will be sought for next year.
A state-required training session before negotiations with teachers is being scheduled jointly by county schools, Leiker said. Board members Duane Kirkpatrick and Nick Kraus will represent the board in this year’s negotiations.
The board approved appointing Jamie Mayfield as assistant forensics coach and accepted the resignation of first grade teacher Ginger Becker, who will retire at the end of the school year.