Centre board discusses personnel issues
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
The board of education at Centre USD #397 discussed and acted on several personnel issues during its Monday meeting.
They accepted the resignation of first grade teacher Staci Hansen. She has taken a position at Marion USD #408.
Based on student numbers, the board acted earlier in the year to reduce the first grade from two classrooms to one for the 2004-05 school year. The plan was to assign Hansen to one of two kindergarten classrooms since class size is expected to exceed 20.
Because of Hansen's resignation, the position is open. The board discussed how to fill the vacancy. Kindergarten teacher Kenna Krause recommended they retain one class and hire a full-time or half-time teacher's aide. Krause would use the extra classroom for various group activities.
Employing a half-time certified teacher also was discussed, although the position probably would be for only one year.
After much discussion, the board voted, 5-2, to not fill the kindergarten vacancy and work with Krause to employ a full-time aide.
The board accepted the resignation of Matt Self as high school math instructor as well as assistant football and track coach. He has accepted a teaching position in his hometown of Eudora.
Roy Houdyshell submitted his resignation as transportation director. He has held the position for four years. He plans to return to the private sector.
The board accepted the resignation of Phil Peterson as Rule 10 assistant girls' basketball coach, a position he has held for six years.
Instructor Greg Wyatt was employed as assistant volleyball coach.
Linay Jones was employed as an assistant cook at Centre High School at the rate of $7.25 per hour for six and one-half hours, a standard work day. Jones has five years experience as an assistant cook and baker in another Kansas school district.
Other classified personnel re-employed for the 2004-2005 year include: office staff — Peggy Falen, board clerk, Dawn Luna, CHS secretary, Francie Mueller, secretary to superintendent/treasurer, Debi Sweet, QPA secretary; aides — Janet Rindt, CHS library, Sheri Stahlecker, CES computer/K-4 classroom/library, Rose Ybarra, K-4 teacher's aide;
Custodial — Martin Combs, CHS, Holly Hemmer, CHS, Ron Mille, CHS head custodian, Lawrence Rindt, CES; food service — Mary Ann Mille, CES head cook, Marge Klenda, CES assistant cook, Inge Nordstrom, CHS head cook; transportation — director, OPEN, drivers, Warren Barton, Elaine Mueller, Donna Southers, Melia Vinduska, Connie Gage, Rose Zinn, Dawn Kaiser, Rachel Naerebout; technology systems technician, Russ Hake.
The board spent 35 minutes in executive session with superintendent Demitry Evancho and clerk Peggy Falen to discuss negotiations with certified personnel. Negotiations have not yet been completed regarding terms of the 2004-05 contracts.
The board authorized a trip July 14-18 by Future Business Leaders of America par-law team to the national convention in Denver. The team qualified to participate in national competition by winning the state competition. Sponsor Lisa Beye will accompany team members Amanda Kleiber, Andrea Carlson, Andrea Kleiber, and Shaina Makovec. The district will provide transportation and hotel accommodations.
Clark Davis sought clarification of air conditioning repairs made on a vehicle which was sold "as is." Evancho explained the air conditioning was working when the vehicle was purchased with a stipulation it be delivered at a later time. Evancho said the air conditioning failed while the district still was using the vehicle, which required it be repaired.
After 20 minutes in executive session to discuss a student matter, the board in open session directed the superintendent to respond to the communication received about a student complaint.
The board voted to conduct an "expectation seminar" in the latter part of August with the new superintendent. It will be led by Dr. Bill Majors of the Kansas Association of School Boards at a cost of $100 per hour, not to exceed $400. Gas and mileage costs will be reimbursed.
In other actions, the board:
— approved enrollment of one student at Newton Vocational Center for the 2004-05 school year and authorized payment of $5,580 tuition and reimbursement of mileage at $.36 per mile. The student will use his own vehicle. Most of the tuition cost is covered by state aid.
— approved student accident insurance including extended catastrophic coverage for a premium of $4,857.46.
— appointed Clark Davis as Marion County Special Education Cooperative representative, Robert Kiblinger as freedom of information officer, and Peggy Falen as custodian of records.
— authorized purchase of four computers for $6,300 from Integrated Solutions Group, Salina. The computers will be used for a video production class.
— authorized Falen to sign for local purchases in amounts not to exceed $250 in the absence of an administrator during the month of June.
— authorized summer maintenance on asphalt surfaces at the elementary and high school sites by Clinton Powers of Canton at a cost of $14,600.
— adopted a revised policy on district authority and a new policy stating the job description of the superintendent/K-12 principal position.
— approved professional development transcripts submitted by Staci Hansen, Deb Wiles, and Andy Hansen.
— authorized membership in the Southeast Kansas Education Service Center for contracted services such as school improvement, crisis intervention, and administration.
Before adjourning, the board discussed the FFA and FBLA programs. Several board members were concerned about the many days away from school by those who participate.
Evancho noted the programs are not "extra-curricular," but "co-curricular."
"The activities give students a chance to apply what they have learned in the classroom," he said.
Sponsors of the two programs will attend the July meeting to address the board's concerns.
