March BOE Minutes
by Ann Shaughnessy
March 11, 2008
The board met in regular session on March 10, 2008 at the district office in Axtell.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Brian Deters. The agenda was approved.
Administrative Reports:
Superintendent Bob Bartkoski and Principal Jim Struber updated the board on school activities. Bartkoski updated the board on the grant with Sabetha to help reduce underage drinking; the KASB Spring Regional information was shared; the Axtell Knights will donate $500 for improvements to the Axtell School parking lot and the Summerfield School report included the consignment sale summary and that a “Success” assembly was held to kick off assessment tests.
The Bern School report by Mr. Struber included information on the assessment test kick off; shared track numbers; school play information; summarized the basketball teams’ year and informed the board that the regional basketball games went well.
The Axtell School Report sent in by Mr. Graham shared information about the new scholarship available from the family of Audrey Brinker; gave a report on track numbers; reported that Ashley Blonquist attended the KU Honors Program and reported on the school play.
Executive Session:
Executive sessions were held concerning personnel and student issues and employer-employee negotiations.
Consent Agenda:
• The March claim vouchers were approved.
• Approved employment for Bonnie Bauerle as Axtell FACS teacher and Madalyn Vieselmeyer as ½ time music teacher at Summerfield School.
• Increased Trent Platt to 64% time for the 2008-09 school year and Pam Walker to 68% for the 2008-09 school year.
• Approved a request from the Martinez parents and from the Alvarado parents for their children to attend the Bern School.
Old Business:
• The board voted to proceed with the Feasibility Assessment from TAC as part of an energy audit for the school buildings.
• Three bus drivers will receive reimbursement for electricity used on bus block heaters at their private residences.
• The 2008-09 school calendar was approved.
• Approval was given to purchase a used 72 passenger BlueBird Vision bus.
• Approval was given to purchase a 7-9 passenger vehicle to be purchased at a later date.
• The Capital Improvements item list was approved for purchase. The Summerfield School will purchase a new computer for the Smartboard and repaint lockers; the Bern School will purchase 2 Smartboards and 2 LCD Projectors and put a new roof on the Vo-Ag Building; the Axtell School will purchase a new drinking fountain for the upstairs hallway; new heater for the Vo-Ag room, 2 Smartboards and 2 LCD projectors and will paint the hallways in the school. District Wide improvements approved were to hire the gym floors refinished from Pur-O-Zone, replace white boards as needed and upgrade all copy machines in the district.
• The board approved raising the rent on the Bern district owned house to $275.00 per month.
New Business:
• A summer school session was approved for Axtell, Bern and Summerfield Schools. The sessions will run from June 2-20 for students in grades 1-8. Student eligibility will be determined by grades, test scores and teacher recommendation and parent recommendation. Parents will have the final say on whether the eligible student attends or not.
• Information was presented on a rapid communication service used by the school to alert parents when necessary.
• Graduation requirements were discussed by the board with no action taken.
• Information was shared on the 2007-08 budget. The budget will be republished with a hearing held on May 12 at 6:45 p.m.
• The Axtell School has students interested in a cross county team for the 2008-09 school year. The board was informed of the interest.
• Jon Smeeton was approved at the Bern High School Assistant Track coach and Trent Platt as the Junior High Track coach.
• Authorization was given to advertise for summer help at both high schools. Applicants must be 18 years or older to apply.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m. The next regular meeting of the board will be on April 14, 2008, at the district office in Axtell.
