Cooperative discusses new building
Marion County Special Education Cooperative #617 continued Monday evening to discuss building options but all discussions were held in executive session.
Doe Ann Hague, representative of Peabody-Burns USD #398, made a motion to have school superintendents from the five districts in the county appoint a committee to research building needs and costs for a new facility. Lyle Leppke, representing Marion-Florence USD #408, voted against the motion but it passed 3-1. Debbie Geis of Hillsboro USD #410 was absent.
Hague said she wanted to know if a new facility is a possibility. Cooperative director Chris Cesar will check with Kansas Association of School Boards regarding legal issues of having board members on that committee.
Cesar said his main concern was the lack of wheelchair accessibility at the cooperative buildings.
Richard Drake of Goessel USD #411 said the question remained whether each district is willing to support the cooperative.
In other business:
— A contract was approved with Northview Development Services for three students to continue to receive services. Concerns were expressed that NDS was at risk of losing its license by Sept. 30. Drake commented that if NDS appealed the decision, the license would not be pulled until after the appeal process, which typically took 30 days.
The contract is valid as long as NDS is licensed and in operation.
— The board approved the 2007 budget as presented.
Cesar explained that 35 new paraprofessionals were hired this year which resulted in more time being spent by office staff and administration in the hiring process.
— Insurance for the cooperative's building contents, liability, and truck was approved for $6,025 with Case and Son Insurance of Marion.
— The resignation of Sarah Dye, a paraprofessional at Marion Elementary School, was accepted.
New paraprofessional hires include Pam Riesen, Kandis Pankratz, Sheila Rubel, Glenda Mackey, Carol Davies, and Paula Harris.
— A contract was approved with Diane Chadwick as a speech therapist. She will provide therapy two days per week to Peabody-Burns schools at a rate of $42.50 per hour. She will start at two hours per evening and may consider increasing the time.
— A contract with Harvey County Special Education Cooperative for audiology services was approved. The anticipated cost is $1,656, and dependent on actual use and costs.
— Recruitment continues for two speech therapists and a gifted teacher.
