Board of Education Minutes, December 1, 2008
by Jan Tremblay
USD #224 Board of Education
December 1, 2008
7:00 p.m.
Clifton Clyde High School
Members Present
Renay Branfort, Kenton Brown, Frank Brownell, Steve Feight, Paula Kieffer, Jeff Koch,
Steve Rogers
Others Present
Superintendent David Roberts, Principal Cheryl Keim, Clerk Jan Tremblay
Patrons: Scott Seifert, Pat Girard, Luanne Willbrant, Ed Willbrant, Ben Foster, Eric
Tabor, Max Heim
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by President Brown.
Superintendent Evaluation
Motion made by Branfort, seconded by Brownell to enter into executive session for a
period of fifteen minutes to discuss non-elected personnel matters in order to protect
the privacy interests of the individuals to be discussed. Motion carried 7-0.
The board entered into the session at 7:07 p.m. and reconvened in open session at
7:22 p.m.
Motion made by Brownell, seconded by Kieffer to extend the executive session for a
period of ten minutes. Motion carried 7-0.
The board entered into the executive session at 7:23 p.m. and reconvened in open
session at 7:33 p.m. Mr. Roberts was invited into the session.
Approve the Consent Agenda
Motion made by Rogers, seconded by Kieffer to approve the consent agenda. Motion
carried 7-0.
Approve Bills for Payment
The board discussed the bills for repairs on buses #11 and 92A and the bill for the
rock used at the middle school and high school. Motion made by Branfort, seconded
by Brownell to approve the bills for payment. Motion carried 7-0.
Review Correspondence
A thank you was received from the Salvation Army Football program for use of the
football field and facilities during their season.
Receive Patrons Comments
Scott Seifert and Pat Girard asked that the board consider their request for the
Salvation Army Football team to use a field next year for the championship weekend in
October. The high school field would fit their needs the best because of seating
capacity and lights, but would have to be converted to a 11-man set-up. Concern was
also expressed about the extra wear and tear when the high school season is still in
progress.
The middle school would work as an alternative if the lighting is functioning properly
and more seating is brought in.
It was the consensus of the board to work with the Salvation Army to make sure this
event is successful.
Seifert also informed the board that a gate was bent during the last game at the high
school and the Salvation Army will compensate the district for the damage.
Frank Brownell requested use of a gym for a girls softball team to practice drills during
the winter months. They will use it on Sunday afternoons and do all of the set up and
tear down of nets.
It was a board concern regarding liability insurance of the girls since it is not a school
sport.
It was the consensus of the board to grant this request depending on the outcome of
the insurance issue.
Hear Board Member Reports
Smoky Hill Service Center Report: Brown reported on the last meeting of the
Smoky Hill ESC. The Chinese teacher has been set up for housing and will start
classes on January 9, 2009.
Dr. Rita Cook will visit all of the districts in the consortium.
The budget was discussed and members were assured that costs will not go up.
Hear Building Reports
Report from Mrs. Keim:
• The football team has ended a very successful season. The administration
and Board of Education extend their congratulations to the team for their
successes.
• The first basketball games will start this weekend with the Washington
tournament.
• Fifteen students went to the middle school to promote their anti-smoking
campaign.
• The FBLA American Enterprise team is working with the Clyde webpage on a
podcast.
They held a fundraiser to purchase shelving for the Chapman schools.
• The high school is hosting fourteen schools in a Scholar Bowl tournament on
Tuesday, December 2nd.
• The KAYS have been sponsoring a membership drive.
They helped with the blood drive, Buddy Walk and will host the children’s
holiday store.
• The Friends of Rachel group is planning activities for the last day of the
semester.
Report from Mr. Roberts:
• The grade school students went to Linn on November 20th for the Body
Venture program. This program teaches students about nutrition and effects
on their bodies.
• On November 24th they went to a program “Three Little Pigs” in Concordia.
• The middle and high school band participated in the Veterans Day parade on
November 11th.
• The middle school received the Governors Achievement Award. This award is
based on math and reading assessment results, AYP and attendance rate.
Unfinished Business
KASB Convention: The KASB Annual Convention will be December 5-7. President
Brown will attend and represent USD 224 at the Delegate Assembly.
Twin Valley Telephone: Eric Tabor and Ben Foster talked to the board about
updating the phone system in the district. They presented a cost comparison between
a PBX and IP Centrex systems and explained the capabilities of each.
It was the consensus of the board to have Twin Valley Telephone do a site analysis of
the district before any decision is made. They also want to include internet costs and
any bundle rates.
New and Miscellaneous Business
Superintendent Search-Dr. Max Heim: Dr. Heim addressed the board on the
process used in the superintendent search. The vacancy and district brochure have
already been posted on the KASB website. All applications will go directly to Dr. Heim
to be screened by him and after the closing date, the finalists will be screened by a
professional committee. The board will meet on January 12th with Dr. Heim to examine
the finalists and set up an interview schedule.
The board discussed their desirable qualifications in a candidate and their ideas on a
salary range.
They want USD 224 to be competitive with other districts our size in the salary they
offer a future superintendent. This meeting will be adjourned to December 10th to
further discuss the issue.
KASB Superintendent Search Agreement: Motion made by Brownell, seconded by
Feight to approve the superintendent search agreement with KASB. Motion carried 7-
0.
Superintendent Remarks
Mr. Roberts gave the board a list of future facility needs for USD 224. A work session
will be scheduled for sometime after the first of the year.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p.m. to December 10th, at 6:00 p.m. at the high
school.
*This is the unofficial record of the December 1, 2008 meeting of the Board of Education pending board approval at the regular January meeting.
