Thiesen promotes placement of AEDs in county schools
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Darryl Thiesen, director of Marion County Emergency Medical Services, on Monday gave Centre USD board of education a presentation on a lifesaving device known as an automatic external defibrillator (AED).
The board met at Tampa Senior Center for its regular monthly meeting. At least seven Tampa residents attended.
An AED is a computerized medical device which can check a person's heart rhythm after sudden cardiac arrest. The AED advises when a shock is needed to restore a normal rhythm.
The AED uses voice instructions, lights, and text messages to tell rescuers the steps to take.
The machine must be used within three to five minutes after a person experiences cardiac arrest to be successful in restoring a normal rhythm to a quivering heart.
Thiesen said AEDs are accurate and easy to use. He said ordinary people can operate an AED safely with a few hours of training.
Thiesen wants every school district in the county to obtain at least one AED. He said one was received through a grant and was given to Peabody-Burns district, which put in the first request.
He said Hillsboro school district plans to purchase two AEDs. He encouraged the school board to set aside money to purchase one. Estimated cost is $1,400.
Thiesen said AEDs eventually will be required in schools and other public gathering places, much like fire extinguishers are required at present.
Superintendent Bob Kiblinger gave an update on water storage for the high school site. After talking to several constituents, he said he thought it best to purchase a converted tanker car. He said the school district can apply for a $20,000 grant which, if received, would cover the purchase and installation of two tankers, the other at Fire District No. 5 at Lincolnville.
A 10 percent match of money or in-kind services would be required. Doug Svitak of Marion County Conservation District, said the county has agreed to dig the holes for the tanks. He also said Marion County Natural Resources Conservation Services could provide cost-share funds on installation of dry hydrants.
Without the grant, Kiblinger estimated purchase and installation of a 30,000 gallon tanker car would cost the district no more than $10,000.
It is hoped installation of a reliable water supply will reduce the fire rating at the high school, thus reducing the district's property insurance premium.
Counselor Lacy Wallace presented a master schedule of classes for the 2005-2006 school year. No blocked classes are scheduled for freshmen and sophomores.
"Our teachers seem to want daily contact with their students, especially the younger ones," Wallace said.
The board approved a revised 2005-2006 school calendar. Aug. 18 is slated for the first day of school. May 25 is the last day. Four student half-days off scheduled in the first draft were combined in the final draft for two full days off, Oct. 21 and Jan. 16.
Resignations
The board accepted the following resignations effective at the end of the school year: Jennifer Montgomery as play director and National Honor Society sponsor; Lynley Remy as high school cheerleading sponsor; Lisa Beye as junior high basketball and track coach; and Warren Barton as bus driver.
Barton has served the district for 23 years, as custodian, then transportation director and bus driver.
The board approved a district health plan with Kansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Premiums have increased 17.7 percent.
The board approved republishing the general fund budget because of an increase of $15,452 in state aid due to an additional four full-time equivalency students.
The board conducted two executive sessions to discuss personnel and certified staff negotiations.
Kiblinger gave a report on state laws that allow school districts to collaborate in educational programs. He also shared a report from Kansas Department of Education detailing how several school districts have cut costs.
Kiblinger said he is looking into ways to improve communications between bus drivers and the transportation office. He is investigating the use of repeaters. He said Jim Donahue has a repeater on the elevator in Lincolnville and is willing to let the district use it.
Jennifer Kassebaum reported on legislative progress in state funding for schools. She doesn't think the current one-year increases proposed by the house and senate will satisfy the demands made in the Kansas Supreme Court ruling.
The board will meet in April at Centre Elementary School in Lost Springs.
