By Jayden Mies
Freelance reporter
Special to the Tribune
The USD 438 Board of Education met on Monday, February 10, when they had their regular monthly meeting. Here, they discussed the latest news that concerned their district as the second semester of the 2024-25 school year rolls on. Board President Rex Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
In this meeting, several personnel changes were discussed and approved. The most significant of these, however, were two resignations within the district that were approved by the Board. First, Andrew Nation has resigned from his position as Athletic Director, which will become effective at the end of the school year. The other resignation was Mariea Briggs, who will step down from her position as Food Service Director. This resignation became effective on February 28, 2025.
To begin the meeting, the Board went through the consent agenda. They briefly discussed the minutes of the January meeting, as well as payments of bills, funds, and the treasurer’s report. Members Jerry DeWeese and David McComb motioned to accept the agenda, and it passed.
Following this were the individual reports. First was Superintendent Becca Flowers. In her report, she talked about various updates concerning legislation, as well as water operator training. Next, Principals Diane House and Steven Novotny gave their building reports. These included state assessment schedules, attendance, and discipline.
The last item before old business was a reminder that an Admin/BOE work session will be held before the next regular meeting on March 10. In old business, no action was taken on the 2025-26 calendar, but there was an INA Alert Update. This update said that the first half was paid, and a work schedule will be available at a later time.
Items from new business include:
– A change in the high school cell phone policy was discussed. After discussion concluded, Graber and DeWeese motioned to approve the handbook change, which will become effective on March 24, 2025.
– Information was given regarding a KSDE audit.
– The Board was presented the Staff and Family Survey results, with 66% of families recording input.
Next, the Board recessed into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel changes. After a brief discussion, the meeting returned to open at 8:37 P.M.
In addition to the changes in personnel mentioned earlier, there were two more in USD 438. First, Jalen Basart was appointed as a CTE Teacher for the 2025-26 school year. The other change concerned Jill Nech, who was approved to have a supplemental contract as the Assistant Middle School Track Coach for the 2024-25 year. These changes were approved through motions made by Mark Graber, Dustin Eubank, and David McComb. The meeting was then adjourned at 8:39 P.M.
