By Jayden Mies
Freelance reporter
Special to the Tribune
The USD 382 Board of Education met on Monday, February 10, when they discussed news and updates concerning the school district, as well as multiple personnel changes coming to the staff. Board President Bill Bergner called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
In this meeting, Superintendent Tony Helfrich introduced and updated several developments happening within the district. First, in his report, he said that the PAC BOE room that the Board meets in will be receiving several updates. He and Molly Swank traveled to Dodge City for Cytec web conferencing. Helfrich also gave an update on the transportation/maintenance building. He said that walls have been put up, and they are expecting a turnover in late May or June.
Some personnel changes were approved in the February meeting as well. First, Emma Stroyan will be the new hire as the PHS biology teacher, replacing Bryce Stegman. Additionally, Chris Battin will be accepting the position of Head Boys’ Tennis Coach, replacing Tate Thompson.
The board began the meeting by going through the consent agenda, which included items like the previous meeting’s minutes, the treasurer’s report, and the payments of bills and funds. These items were approved through motions made by board members Jeremy Demuth, Jennifer Hopkins, and Michelle Ferbert. Randy Ford of BFR also presented the fiscal audit of FY2024, and he said that there were no issues present.
Chris Drake reported on the SCKSEC Board meeting, which included items such as policy updates, future teacher license letters, and the SCK audit. Donna Hoener-Queal was absent from the meeting to report on governmental relations, but Helfrich discussed various legislative bills in her place.
Maintenance Director David Inslee’s report included the following:
– A&R Roofing and Diamond Roofing were done at LMS and the PAC, respectively.
– A door to the football storage room was installed.
– A scoreboard issue was repaired under warranty.
Assistant Superintendent Antonia Villa’s report consisted of a curriculum review, where various items were deemed needed or not needed.
Items from Superintendent Helfrich’s report:
– Fundraising for the PAC was discussed, as well as staffing and breakfast policies for the Lilypad Childcare Center.
– Information was gathered about the Professional Development Day, which was on February 17.
– March 12 is KASB’s day at the Legislature, and Helfrich inquired the Board members about who would attend.
– A tech refresh will be presented in March, which includes Chromebooks, iPads needed for Lexia, and various staff devices.
Items from new business:
– A motion to approve a calendar change was approved, which moved the end of the third quarter from March 7 to March 14.
– The purchase of the Structured Literacy Professional Development program was approved through a motion made by Hopkins and Demuth.
– Demuth and Ferbert motioned to approve the replacement of the water heaters at PHS using Integreen.
– Items like the PAC BOE room A/V and a power washer purchase had no motions, so those will be discussed in the March meeting.
Following new business, the Board recessed into executive session. After they talked about all the personnel changes for the month, the meeting returned to open.
Personnel changes include:
– The resignation of Elizabeth Poort as the PHS Musical Director.
– Michelle Naumann will replace Jenni Pelland as the LMS Girls’ Wrestling Assistant Coach.
– Estella Showalter and Ashlynn Miracle were approved as new hires for LCC Lead Teachers.
– Cassie Whitson is a new hire for an LCC Part Time Float Teacher.
After these changes were approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
