Monday, February 5, 2018, marked the first meeting of the Geary County Schools Board of Education taking place at the newly proposed time. The meeting began promptly at 5:30 PM at the Devin Center for Educational Support.
Teaching & Learning Presentation
Rebekah Helget, Executive Director of Special Education, shared information on the District’s Special Education program. Some of this information included a history of Special Education and laws that are specific to providing education to those with special needs.
GCA Appreciation
Chief Operations Officer, David Wild took a moment during the Monday meeting to recognize some work of GCA employees. Several GCA staff worked tirelessly to clean up and fix a water pipe burst at the Junction City High School. This pipe burst flooded a portion of the school in an inch of water, however, because of the work of GCA the school day was only minimally impacted.
Recognition of Ft Riley Board Representative CSM James L. Collins
Dr. Miller, President of the Geary County Schools Board of Education, presented CSM Collins with a small token of appreciation for his time spent on the USD 475 Board of Education. Collins will be retiring from his position and will no longer serve on the Board of Education in Geary County.
Consent Agenda
It’s of routine nature are often placed on the consent agenda and approved by the Board of Education. The consent agenda for February 5, 2018, was presented and approved. Items on the agenda consisted of school calendars, the budget report, minutes, and more.
Conversations with Principals
Melanie Laster, Jefferson Elementary School Principal, spoke to the Board about her school and how students and staff are working toward district goals. Laster complimented her PTO and expressed her appreciation to her staff. She mentioned that these two groups have worked diligently to provide families the opportunity to become involved in Jefferson Elementary.
Public Comment
Public comments were split into two sections (one public and one executive session) out of respect for personnel matters. The public comments consisted of concern over high school graduation requirements, appreciation for the great working environment at Junction City Middle School, and hiring at Geary County Schools USD 475.
Executive Session
The Board of Education next went into recess for Executive Session to discuss an individual employee’s performance. The open meeting resumed shortly after. Executive Sessions are not open to the public, however, the following people were invited to attend Donna Whiteman, KASB Legal Counsel, and Mark Edwards, USD 475 Legal Counsel.
Approve Adoption of Resolution 2018-34
It was moved, seconded, and approved to remove this item from the Board of Education agenda. The Board also approved to cancel the resignation of another administrator.
After the vote, a standing ovation was given for the decision.
Reemployment of District Administrators
Following the vote for non-renewal resolution, the Board of Education discussed the reemployment of other district administrators. Board members were given a list of administrators who were up for renewal on their contracts and they voted to renew these contracts.
General Remarks from the Board
CSM Collins spoke to the crowd during this comment section and expressed his appreciation to and opportunity with the Board of Education.
Junction City Middle School Youthfit/Kidsfit Game Changer Grant
The Youthfit/Kidsfit Game Changer grant will provide services to students during classroom instruction (using kinesthetic equipment). The total grant funding being requested is $10,000, and there is no cash match required.
The Board voted to approve the request.
Westwood 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program Competitive Grant
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program Competitive grant will provide services to 80 students in the after-school program that will be held Monday through Thursday on the days school is in session. The summer program will be held Monday – Friday for three weeks beginning June 2019 serving 95 students. The total grant funding being requested for the 5 year grant period is $450,000, and there is no cash match required.
The Board voted to approve the request.
Seitz 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program Competitive Grant
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program Competitive grant will provide services to 75-95 students in the before and after school program that will be held Monday through Friday Before School Program and Monday through Thursday After School Program on the days school is in session. The summer program will be held Monday – Friday for three weeks beginning June 2019 serving 95 students. The total grant funding being requested for the 5 year grant period is $450,000, and there is no cash match required.
The Board voted to approve the request.
Technology
Chief Information Officer, Karl DeArmond, spoke to the Board of Education and gave an update on the 6-year master plan as it relates to technology. He sought approval for items that included Network Switches, Internet Service Provider Bids, Firewall, Wireless Access Points, Rewiring Morris Hill Elementary, Milford Elementary, and Franklin Elementary, and Computer Purchase.
The Board elected to vote in favor of the requests as presented.
Later in the meeting, DeArmond spoke to the Board about the “Microsoft License Renewal” for the district. This item was a discussion item and there was no vote made.
Consider Live-Stream System and Board Room Sound System
The Board of Education voted to table this conversation until the March Board of Education Meeting.
Consider Request For Proposals for Bond Proceeds
USD 475 extended a Request for Proposals (RFP) to local financial institutions (banks) located within Geary County to serve as the lead agency for investing funds tied to bond proceeds. Chief Operations Officer, David Wild spoke to the Board of Education about the process and mentioned that a recommendation could be made at a future meeting.
Discussion was also had about finding areas where members of the community may help participate in the new JCHS process. USD 475 has already stated that the community will be able to become involved by providing input after the initial schematic drawings are completed.
General Remarks from the Board
Dr. Khoury took this general remarks section to suggest that the Board of Education create a panel to increase the rate of minority staff within USD 475. He made a motion which was approved by the Board to have USD 475 create such a panel in the near future.
Executive Session
The meeting on Monday ended with two sessions not open to the public. These sessions included an Executive Session to Discuss Negotiations and an Executive Session to Discuss Non-Elected Personnel.
The Board of Education meeting ended at approximately 11:00 PM.