2001 - 2002 BOARD MINUTES ARCHIVES

Disclaimer: These notes are not the official records of Board of Education meetings. The official record of the meetings are the Board minutes, which are on file at the Administration Center, 1520 North Plum, Hutchinson, KS, 67501.
 

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June 24, 2002

Board approves new sign
Thanks to a donation from Bank of Kansas and Board action, the corner of 17th and Severance soon may have a new district sign.

During the USD 308 Board of Education meeting Monday (June 24, 2002), Board members approved three motions designed to bring a new two-line message center sign to the northeast corner of Don Michael Field. The sign will replace a nearby non-lighted sign.

Total cost of the sign and installation is $24,233.87 of which the Bank of Kansas will contribute $12,729.45 with the district paying the remaining $11,504.42. Bank of Kansas officials Ernie Beaudet and Densmore Hart made the offer to the district.

The sign was one of the ideas discussed by the district's Marketing Committee. The 17th and Severance intersection is highly traveled in the community, particularly by individuals traveling to the Kansas State Fairgrounds.

The two-line message center will allow Hutchinson Public Schools to highlight a wide range of district events in addition to the traditional Hutchinson High School events that have graced the current sign. The control center for the sign will be located in the district's central office.

The motions accepted the sign as a gift, approved an agreement with Luminous Neon for fabrication and installation of the sign and approved a 24-month maintenance agreement with Luminous Neon for $150 a month.

In other action, the Board approved refinancing of $5.1 million worth of general obligation bonds. At its Sept. 10, 2001, meeting, Board members approved the refinancing concept but the savings only was 2.4 percent at that time. Since federal rules limit the district to one refinancing during the life of a bond issue, the guide for refinancing is a savings of at least 3 percent.

U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray now estimates savings at 3.25 percent or about $163,000 from 2006 to 2010.

In other action, the Board:


Increased the price of an adult lunch price to $2.35 from $2.30. While student meal prices were left unchanged for 2002-03, federal law requires the price of adult meals at least be as much as the federal reimbursement for meals.
Approved participation in the Kansas Association of School Board's Risk Management Service Inc. Workers Compensation Fund for the 2002-03 school year.
Approved new Health Department books for Hutchinson High School. The current series uses 1988 information and is outdated.
Approved renewal of a contract with ARAMARK for towels and linen service.
Approved second semester individual development plans for certified staff.
Approved Susan Fangman, Dr. Gary McKee, Paula Payton and Dr. Tim Crater as new members of the Hutchinson Public Schools Endowment Fund Supervisory Committee. Charles Studt will chair the committee in 2002-03.
Approved a Head Start/Child Care Partnership Agreement with Abundant Life Preschool/Child Care Center. This is part of a fiscal year 2001 expansion grant to serve an additional 20 children in full-day, full-year programming, beginning in September 2002.
Received a report on fiscal year 2002 ending budget, making several specific transfers as requested by Lori Blakesley, director of fiscal management and business operations.
Approved new human resources/accounting software from Skyward. The $130,376 expenditure will be paid from the $4.7 million bond issue voters approved in November 2000. Additional hardware and conversion costs may add $70,000 to the total cost of the project.
Approved a resolution formally selling the former Roosevelt School property to the Kansas District of the Wesleyan Church, Inc., of which Harvest Community Fellowship is a part. Harvest was the successful bidder for Roosevelt.
Held executive sessions totaling 60 minutes on personnel and negotiations.
Personnel
The Board approved the following personnel changes.


Certified
Hired

Daryl Koestel, band teacher at HHS
Karen Thayer, FACS teacher at HHS
Michael Woods, Latin teacher at HHS
Kathleen Barker, Year-Round School/Second Session at Avenue A
Staci Burlie, half-time kindergarten teacher at Graber
Teddy Gingerich, district elementary art teacher
Michelle Lowden, half-time science teacher at Morgan
Position Changes

Wilma Harber, not teaching second session of Year-Round School
Classified
Hired

Mary Vieyra, custodian at McCandless
Richard McVey, custodian at Faris
Josh Black, custodian at HMS-8
Nathan Ross, custodian at Morgan
Leann Grant, para/Year-Round School at McCandless/Avenue A
Terminations

Claudette Carter, custodian at HMS-8
Shirley Zumalt, custodian at HMS-8
Resignations

Albertha Mayberry, head baker at HMS-7
Eva Yvonne Stanton, LD para at Graber
Antonette Gajewski, playground aide at Graber
Donna Chase, custodian at Faris
Tammy Carlyle, computer support tech at TSC
Kathy Helfrich, speech at ESC
Christina Palmer, Head Start teacher assistant at Hutcherson Center
Jeanette Williams, office assistant/cafeteria aide at Roosevelt
Judy Kennedy, permanent sub at HMS-7
Katherine Palmer, satellite cook/server at HMS-8
Tammie Sanchez, gifted para at ESC
Retirement

Carolyn Duggan, vocational secretary at Vo-Tech
Non-Renewed

Jana Smith, clothing center at Avenue A
Position Changes

Patty Chappell, from custodian at Morgan to custodian at McCandless
Patricia Collins, from family support worker/teacher assistant at Union Valley to family support worker/teacher assistant at Obee
Bonnie Avila, from family support worker/teacher assistant at Obee to family support worker/teacher assistant at Hutcherson Center
Lou Finn, from payroll at the Administration Center to human resources secretary at the Administration Center
Gifts to Schools
The Board approved the following gifts to schools.


Miscellaneous metal valued at $16,931.22 from Master Machine Tools, Inc., to the Vocational Technical Center.
$200 from Jacque Roberts to the HMS-7 orchestra.
Playground equipment valued at $11,000 from the Faris PTO to Faris.
YMCA waiving fees for leasing swimming pools for the 2002-03 school year.
$875.22 from the Hutchinson Community Foundation for the Dillon's Fun Run to Graber.
47 dictionaries valued at $282 from the Noon Optimists for the Graber fourth graders.
42 donations of books to the district's libraries from various donors during the 2001-02 school year.
Next Meeting

The Board's next regular meeting will be at 7 p.m. July 8, 2002, at the Administration Center. The July 8 event will the first formal meeting for the 2002-03 school term.



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June 4, 2002

Board approves athletic project agreement

The USD 308 Board of Education approved a cooperation agreement Tuesday (June 4, 2002) that lays out the groundwork for the proposed $7.5 million bond issue for improvements to Gowans Stadium and Don Michael Field.
The first Board meeting in June was held six days early to accommodate staff and Board members' schedules.
The agreement between Hutchinson Public Schools, Hutchinson Community College and the city of Hutchinson outlines who gets priority in use of the facilities, the responsibilities for each agency for funding and upkeep, conveying property to the city during the duration of the bond issue's life and other details.
The most significant change between Tuesday's agreement and earlier discussions is on a practice track at HCC. The bond issue now includes a practice track just north of Gowans Stadium for HCC. The college was concerned that with all the entities using the track facilities at Don Michael Field, it could get difficult to schedule all the events and practices.
If approved, Gowans Stadium will be used for interscholastic football for both USD 308 and HCC as well as soccer. USD 308's existing competitive – but unlighted – soccer fields at 23rd and Severance are not part of the bond issue or agreement.
Don Michael Field would be used for interscholastic track meets by both the school district and college.
Earlier Tuesday, the Hutchinson City Council approved placing the bond issue on the ballot for the Aug. 6, 2002, primary election. The city still must pass an ordinance formally placing the issue on the ballot.
In other action, the Board approved a fee schedule for 2002-03 that is largely unchanged from the 2001-02 school year. Basic enrollment fees for books and consumable items remains at $30 per student, kindergarten through 12th grade.
One type of fee was eliminate entirely – towel fees. At the middle school, towel fees amounted to $3.50 a semester for physical education classes and $2 per season for most sports. At the high school, the fee was $3 a trimester for physical education classes and $2 a season for most sports.
The district has no “pay to play” fees.
Other middle school changes include making the computer skills fee $10 for the semester instead of $5 per nine weeks and a new fee of $5 per nine weeks for the multi-media class.
At the high school, art fees were increased to $15 from $10 per trimester, the fee for the business and computer class was raised to $10 from $5 per trimester and an additional fee of $3 was added for the introduction to athletic training class. Additionally, the $10 fee for computer graphics was left unchanged but moved out of the Art Department and into Industrial Education.
In other action, the Board:

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Heard an Effective Schools Report from Avenue A Elementary School.

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Approved purchase of a lot for the Building Trades Program for $16,500 from Don M. Stiles Builders, Inc. The program will build its 2002-03 house on the lot. The district will be reimbursed for the lot – and all other expenses associated with construction of the house – when the house is completed and sold in 2003.

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Approved a change in Latin textbooks at Hutchinson High School.

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Approved bids from Apac Kansas, Inc., Shears Division for asphalt overlays at Wiley and Allen schools totaling $33,727.65.

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Held an executive session for 30 minutes to discuss personnel and negotiations.

Personnel Report
The Board approved the following personnel changes in the district.

Personnel Report
Certified
Hired

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Linda Burdette, Title I at St. Teresa

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Cary Carter, Head Start teacher

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Carla Goertzen, Lincoln Elementary teacher

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Shirley Humes, Title I at McCandless

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Chris Newton, teacher at Bob Johnson Youth Center

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Melissa Thomas, teacher at Bob Johnson Youth Center

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Kerri Werth, teacher at Lincoln Elementary

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Tami Wolgamott, teacher at McCandless

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Tiffany Zink, teacher at Faris

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Heather Immesote, teacher at Graber

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Eloise Anderson, Year-Round School teacher

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Kristy Farley, Year-Round School teacher

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Wilma Harber, Year-Round School teacher

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Justina Denison, Year-Round School teacher

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Margo Miller, Year-Round School teacher

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Barbara Phillips, Year-Round School teacher

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Phyllis Hoppes, Year-Round School teacher

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Eileen Murphy, Year-Round School teacher

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Teresa Brown, Year-Round School teacher

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Kelly Williams, Year-Round School teacher

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Peggy Grundy, Year-Round School teacher

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Kris Anderson, Year-Round School teacher

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Yvonne Johnson, Year-Round School teacher

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Glinda Theus, Year-Round School teacher

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Tina Beegley, Year-Round School teacher

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Jo Bowman, HMS-7 Summer School

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Trisha Burgey, Year-Round School teacher

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Dixie Wedel, special education

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Suzanne Meeks, HHS for special education

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Sue Howard, HMS-7 Summer School

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Shelley Rodriguez, Year-Round School teacher

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Larry Ballard, director for Summer School at HHS

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Anne Potucek, Year-Round School teacher

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Elizabeth Ridgway, Year-Round School teacher

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Glenn Fortmayer, Year-Round School principal

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Mary Smith, Year-Round School principal

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Marvin Birzer, summer school at HHS pending enrollment

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Dawn Justice, summer school at HHS pending enrollment

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Lisa Bonds, summer school at HHS pending enrollment

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Marion Oborny, summer school at HHS pending enrollment

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Patsy Smith, summer school at HHS pending enrollment

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Judy Engel, summer school at HHS pending enrollment

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Amy Frederick, English at HHS

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Carmen Costello, drama/speech at HHS

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Joseph Godina, English at HHS

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Loretta Dieker, special ed summer school at HHS

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Annette Emmert, special ed summer school at HHS

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Laura Overeem, special ed summer school at HHS

Position Changes

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Shelley Rodriguez, from teacher at Faris to teacher at McCandless

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Susan George, from teacher at Morgan to teacher at Graber

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Kathleen Barker, from teacher at Avenue A to teacher at Wiley

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Carla Honeycutt, from teacher at Avenue A to teacher at Head Start

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Heather McClure, from teacher at Allen to teacher at HMS-8

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Jean Rowland, from teacher at Roosevelt to computer Title I at Allen/Avenue A

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Kevin Kneisley, from drama teacher to broadcast journalism teacher at HHS

Resignations

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Sally Bridge, vo-tech communications at HHS

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Piper Evans, school nurse at HHS

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Rosetta Hutter, math at HMS-8

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Kathryn Janzen, elementary art educator for the district

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Brenda McCurdy, special education teacher at Head Start

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Elizabeth Ridgway, third grade teacher at Roosevelt

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Laura Wessel, fifth and sixth grade teacher at Morgan

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Kristie Luginbill, speech pathology for the district

Classified
Hired

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Robert Davis, part-time custodian at the Administration Center

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Sandra Maple, custodian at HMS-7

Terminations

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Julie Parkhurst, teacher aide/bus/lunch aide at the Hutcherson Center.

Resignations

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Suzanne George, para at HHS

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Dobby Schmidt, district plumber

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Diane Wesley, para at Allen

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Cristie Mulder, teacher assistant/bus aide/lunch aide for Head Start at Haven

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Fray Gideon, custodian at McCandless

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Starla McConnell, para at the Hutcherson Center

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Claudia Scheibmeir, bi-lingual teacher assistant at the Hutcherson Center

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Laurie Givan, library media assistant at Faris

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Annie McMannis, certified human resources secretary at the Administration Center

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Medina Williams, satellite cook server at Lincoln

Non-Renewed

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Brad Picken, para at Avenue A

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Mary Dusseau, para at HHS

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Kathy Aboulhosn-Dominguez, ESL educational aide at HMS-8

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Valerie Petrie, educational aide – Title I at Faris

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Shannon Roberts, para at HMS-8

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Carrie Sutton, para at HHS

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Kim Starks, educational aide – Title I at Faris

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Christine Winchester, educational aide at Faris

Position Changes

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Candy Reeves, family support worker at the Hutcherson Center to child care partner family social worker at the Abundant Life Center


Gifts to Schools
The Board also accepted the following gifts to schools.

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> $1,000 from the Kerr Charitable Foundation for district educational activities.

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> Gifts valued at $18,091.70 from the Morgan PTO to Morgan Elementary School.

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> $500 from the Hutchinson Community Foundation for the McCandless Elementary School Library Fund.

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> A single pass to the Salt City Splash for all students and staff at Allen Elementary School.

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> The Great Flags of American Mini-Ingot Collection from Beverly Baumer to Allen Elementary School.

<!--[if !supportLists]--> · <!--[endif]--> $154.81 from Target to Lincoln Elementary School to be used for student activities.

The next Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. June 24 at the Administration Center.


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May 26, 2002

USD 308 approves agreement with HCU

The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education Sunday (May 26, 2002) voted 4-3 to approve an agreement with Hutchinson Credit Union to provide purchasing cards for the district. The approval came during a special meeting at the Administration Center.
Purchasing cards are similar to credit cards but provide the district with additional protections. Like a credit card, the money is not withdrawn immediately, and the governmental agency makes a single payment each month to pay off the card. Balances are not carried forward from billing period to billing period.
More and more suppliers for the district are requiring payment be made through a purchasing card or credit card to reduce the lag time between a purchase being made and traditional channels government agencies use for making payments.
At the same time, the purchasing cards allow the Board and district administrators more security and budget control than credit cards. For example, a mechanic could be given authority to use the card to purchase a starter for a district van. Attempts to use the same card to buy lumber, hotel rooms or computer supplies would be rejected.
Originally, the district had a contract on the table to use United Missouri Bank for purchasing cards. UMB has the state contract for purchasing cards. Local financial institutions asked that they be given time to come up with counter offers.
Hutchinson Credit Union matched the UMB contract.
Initially, Board Member Jeff Nichols moved to contract with UMB for one year, giving Hutchinson Credit Union and the district a year to work on purchasing cards. Nichols and other members were concerned this was a new program for both organizations. UMB, on the other hand, has considerable experience with purchasing cards.
Nichols' motion, however, died for lack of a second.
Board Member David Hindman made a subsequent motion to approve the contract with the Hutchinson Credit Union. Voting in favor of the contract were Hindman, President Peggy Childs, Board Member Betty Garcia and Board Vice President Darla Neal. Voting against the contract were Nichols, Board Member Cecilia Pina and Board Member Jeff Allen.
The district and the credit union have a parallel history. The credit union was organized in 1948 at Hutchinson Teachers Credit Union. For the first 20 years or so, only teachers were eligible for membership. In the late 1960s, other school employees were allowed to join.
In 1977, the organization had its first merger, joining with Hutchinson Hospital Credit Union. In 1978, the cooperative financial institution changed its name to Hutchinson Credit Union.
Sunday's meeting adjourned prior to the 2 p.m. commencement for Hutchinson High School.
The Board's next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, 2002. The date was moved up six days from the normal first meeting date in June to accommodate Board and staff schedules.


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Board approves four capital projects

The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education approved four projects to maintain and improve district facilities.
Bids were approved to construct a prep station in the Vo-Tech Building at Hutchinson High School, to renovate the Art Building at HHS, improve lighting in six rooms at HHS and to construct a parking lot on the south side of Graber Elementary School.
The winning bid on the Vo-Tech prep station at HHS was the low bid of $30,700 from Hutchinson's Foy Construction. The prep station will be used by the vocational program as a painting booth. Funds for the project will come from the district's vocational budget, Hutchinson Community College, which has students enrolled in the program, and from the local option budget.
The winning bid on the Art Building renovations was Weins & Co. of Hutchinson at $23,495. The renovations will be paid with capital outlay funds.
The winning bid for the lighting project at HHS was Kline Electric of Burrton for $15,835.26. Rooms to have new lighting are Nos. 107, 108, 109, 110, 119 and 120. The project will be paid with capital outlay funds.
The winning bid for constructing the parking lot south of Graber was Foy Construction with the low bid of $107,500. The district has owned the lot for more than a year and has allowed limited parking there. Funds for the parking lot paving will come from the local option budget.
In a couple items of old business, the Board again tabled a purchasing card agreement with United Missouri Bank. Purchasing cards are similar to credit cards, but users have strict limits on amounts that can be spent and expenses for which the cards may be used.
The Board heard from Garth Strand with Hutchinson Credit Union. Strand's organization offered to match the United Missouri Bank proposal, including a provision that allows the district up to 60 days to pay charges.
In the subsequent motion, the Board approved a special meeting at 1 p.m. on May 26 at the Administration Center to bring the UMB proposal back off the table and consider the Hutchinson Credit Union proposal. The meeting immediately precedes the 2 p.m. Hutchinson High School graduation May 26 at the Sports Arena.
The other item previously discussed by the Board was to amend Resolution 2002-014, which asked the City of Hutchinson to call an election to fund a new stadium. Recent developments have suggested the cost may be more than the $7.396 million price tag approved in the resolution on April 22, 2002. Specifically, a desire for a practice track facility has bumped up the potential cost.
The Board decided to leave the resolution alone because the option picked by the Board in April was the same one picked by the community committee that worked on the project.
Under the Consent Calendar, the Board approved hiring a new activities director for the Hutchinson High School. Eric Armstrong comes to USD 308 from Liberal where he was on staff for nine years, including head activities director for the past year. He served as the assistant athletic and activities director at Liberal the previous three years.
Armstrong is a graduate of Oklahoma Christian University of Science and Arts and received his master's degree from Fort Hays State University.
Armstrong will replace Phil Stines who is retiring at the end of the current school year. As activities director, Stines, and in 2002-03 Armstrong, oversees or provides assistance for the whole gamut of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities in the district from arranging vans for debate or DECA trips to scheduling Ark Valley League games.
In other action the Board:

Approved a contract with the Wichita State University School of Nursing to allow students from WSU to use USD 308 facilities to provide clinical education experience for College of Health Professions students.
Approved revised evaluation forms for child care center employees, clerical, educational aides, library-media assistants, lunchroom/playground supervisors, para educators, food service employees, maintenance employees and warehouse employees.
Heard Effective Schools Reports from Hutchinson Middle School and YouthFriends.
Approved course curriculum guidelines for science, social studies and foreign language.
Held a 15-minute executive session to discuss personnel and negotiations.
Personnel
The following personnel changes were approved by the Board.

Certified
Hired

Denise Dubois, FACS at HHS
Jo Kingsley, math at HHS
Gavin Thorne, school psychologist for the district
Eric Armstrong, activities director at HHS
Jack Miller, physics and chemistry at HHS
Jamie Wittig, special education at HHS
Retirements

Janet Enfield, sixth grade at McCandless
Jan Lindwall, first grade at Graber
Mary Ellen Schrock, fifth grade at Graber
Resignations

Chris Endress, physics and chemistry at HHS
Tammy Konzem, English at HHS
Gayla Moeckel, FACS at HHS
Brad Nord, Latin at HHS
Megan Geffert, speech language pathologist at the Educational Services Center
Susan George, kindergarten at Morgan
Becky Hetrick, special education at HHS
Classified
Hired

Brooke Jones, para for year-round school
Kimberly Whitley, para for year-round school
Margo Velazquez, para for year-round school
Donna Henry, para for year-round school
Della Janzen, para for year-round school
Stella Marquez, para for year-round school
Janet Saylor, para for year-round school
Carol Hayes, para at HHS
Retirements

Darlene Richardson, para at Graber
Patricia Krase, library media assistant at Graber
Bob Murrell, custodian at the Administration Center
Resignations

Janna Huschka, family support worker/teacher assistant at the Hutcherson Center
Brad Smith, custodian at McCandless
Sherri Fink, job coach at HHS
Karen Pitzer, medication aide at McCandless
Mary Vieyra, custodian at HMS-7
Recognitions
Board President Peggy Childs recognized a district student as the most inspirational athlete at the Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament.
President Childs also recognized the following individuals for 25 years of service in education – Tracy McNaul, Lawrence Shafer, Martin Vieyra and David Ward.
No Board meeting will be held on the fourth Monday in May because it is Memorial Day. The next regular meeting of the Board will be at 7 p.m. June 10, 2002.


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April 29, 2002

Legislative inaction prompts Board precaution

The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education reluctantly approved resolutions Monday (April 29, 2002) giving 15 teachers and two medical professionals its intent to non-renew their contracts. Action came during a special meeting of the Board.
The resolutions are part of a package of budget cuts that bring the total reductions for the district to $2.42 million.
Earlier this spring, the Board approved measures that would reduce the budget by about $1.5 million. Those cuts included non-renewing the contracts of 25 teachers and reducing three administrative positions.
The $1.5 million of cuts anticipated the Legislature passing a budget that kept the base budget per pupil at $3,870. Declining enrollment and increased costs prompted the initial round of cuts in the budget.
When the Legislature adjourned earlier this month without a budget plan, USD 308 and the other 300-plus districts in Kansas faced the prospect of having to tell teachers by May 1 if they had jobs without knowing how much money would be available to pay them.
A bill that would have given districts until May 10 to tell teachers if they were being non-renewed was approved by the Senate and sits in a House committee.
“Right now, we are in the middle of a guessing game,” said Dr. Wynona Winn, USD 308 superintendent. “We have to plan for the worst-case scenario while at the same time hoping state aid to schools will not be cut.”
The additional cuts will pare another $923,000 from the budget. Among those cuts are the equivalent of 14 full-time teaching positions (impacting 15 teachers), eliminate the state’s only dental hygiene program, cut one school nurse position and $30,000 from the athletic budget.
The cuts now will affect non-USD 308 entities. The list also includes annual contracts the district has with the Kansas Cosmosphere, the Reno County Museum and Dillon Nature Center. USD 308 has contracted with each of these agencies for field trips that are integrated with district curriculum.
Winn said the cuts being proposed would allow the district to absorb a $175 per student cut in state funding.
At Monday’s meeting, the Board acted only on the contracts of the teachers and other certified staff. Those individuals will be given what’s known as an “intent to non-renew” their contracts. The Board has to pass a second resolution at a future Board meeting to actually non-renew the contracts.
“We anticipate that if the Legislature approves a budget which leaves the per pupil funding formula at $3,870 we will be able to retain these highly qualified individuals and the programs they represent,” Winn said.
Prior to the anticipated resolution expressing the Board’s intent to non-renew the certified staff members, an executive session was held to discuss personnel.
The only other action item on Monday’s agenda consideration of an agreement with United Missouri Bank for purchasing cards. The purchasing cards have very strict limits, customizable to individual employees, as to what may be purchased and the total dollar amount.
The Board tabled the purchasing cards issue unti1l the May 13 regular meeting, asking Director for Finance Elaine Bentz to see if any local financial facilities could offer similar cards at comparable costs.


Resolution 2002-017
Intent to Non-Renew

Heather McClure, fifth grade at Allen Elementary School
Kathleen Barker, third grade at Avenue A Elementary School
Candace Lawrence, second grade at Avenue A Elementary School
Carol Wheeler, computer assisted instruction at HMS-7
Dianne Coons, second grade at Morgan Elementary School
Laura Wessel, fifth grade at Morgan Elementary School
Johnna Ailshie, kindergarten at Morgan Elementary School
Jodie Silvers, fourth grade at Morgan Elementary School
Resolution 2002-018
Intent to Non-Renew

Angie Williams, sixth grade at Graber Elementary School
Elizabeth Ridgway, third grade at Roosevelt Traditional Elementary School
Victor Wilkinson, fifth grade at Avenue A Elementary School
Carla Honeycutt, Title I at Avenue A Elementary School
Yvonne Danyluk, second grade at Allen Elementary School
Sarah Nicks, third grade at Morgan Elementary School
Lachelle Spann, second grade at McCandless Elementary School
Vickie Quick, school nurse
Elaine Lockwood, dental hygienist

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April 22, 2002

Board moves stadium issue forward

The Hutchinson Public Schools approved three resolutions Monday (April 22, 2002) that set its portion of the proposed Hutchinson stadium project into motion.
Specifically, the Board’s resolutions:

Request the city of Hutchinson place a bond issue on the August primary election ballot to make improvements at the current Gowans Stadium and Don Michael Field. Gowans would be used for football and soccer while Don Michael would be used for track.
Create an agreement between USD 308 and Hutchinson Community College for the use of both facilities.
Convey the property where Don Michael Field is located to the city of Hutchinson should the bond issue be approved by voters. The city would retain ownership of Don Michael Field over the 20-year repayment of the bonds. HCC will be asked to do the same with Gowans Stadium.
Since last fall, a committee of local citizens and representatives of USD 308 and HCC have been working on plans to improve football, soccer and track facilities in Hutchinson. The consensus of the group has been to leave the football stadium in its current location, increasing the seating and making major renovations to restrooms and concessions. Soccer could be played on Don Michael as well. Track and field events, then, would be held at Don Michael Field.
The estimated cost of the project would be up to $7.5 million. City of Hutchinson taxpayers would repay bonds over 20 years. Maintenance of the facilities would be up to the school district and college.
In other action, the Board accepted a bid of $10,092 from Harvest Community Fellowship to purchase Roosevelt Elementary School Building. The building will close after the 2001-02 school year with the traditional school concept moved to Allen Elementary School.
Harvest Community Fellowship proposes using the facility for worship services and would allow community groups to use the building.
Harvest’s bid was the lowest of three offered to the Board, $6,708 lower than the highest bid. Associate Superintendent for Operations Gary Carson said the administrative recommendation was made to accept the Harvest bid based on the group’s research into the facility, its plans and its future vision.
As an alternative, Carson told the Board it could reject all three bids.
Superintendent Wynona Winn concurred, saying Harvest’s intended uses fit well with the neighborhood as well as are congruent with the district’s goals of serving young people.
Board members also gave their approval to a marketing plan for the district. Since last fall, a group of Hutchinson citizens, Board members and administrators have been working on a draft marketing plan for the district.
Specifically, the plan’s three components look to change perceptions of the district, identify marketing audiences and implement the marketing strategies.
The Board took a few minutes out of Monday’s meeting to recognize two real heroes in the district. Teacher Victor Wilkinson and educational aide Pearl Hignight performed the Heimlich maneuver on a fellow staff member who was choking earlier this spring.
In other action, the Board:

Approved a nutrition services agreement with the Kansas Department of Education to offer a summer nutrition program.
Held an executive session for personnel and negotiations for 30 minutes.
Approved Resolutions 2002-012 and 2002-013, non-renewing the contracts of district 25 teachers, which include contracted substitute teachers as well as teachers paid with Class-Size Reduction federal monies. An expected smaller budget in 2003-04 prompted the moves. The Board had expressed its intent to non-renew the certified teachers during meeting on March 11 and April 8.
Set a special meeting of the Board for 7 p.m. April 29, 2002, in the Administration Center to consider future staff reductions if needed. State law requires certified staff be notified if they are non-renewed before May 1.

Personnel
The Board approved the following personnel changes.

Classified
Resignation

Jeff Moore, LD para at HMS-8
Certified
Resignation

Phil Stines, athletic/activities director, June 30, 2002
Resolution 2002-012
Non-Renewals

Glenn Bieberstein, elementary vocal music
Judy Hester, Title I at Lincoln
Shirley Humes, Title I at McCandless
Linda McCue, elementary vocal music
Jenise Nelson, fifth grade teacher at Roosevelt
Chris Newton, teacher at Bob Johnson Youth Center
Molly Perser, Title I, non public
Beth Olson, Head Start
Susan Snellings, Head Start
Judy Snyder, counselor at HMS-8
Tami Wolgamott, sixth grade teacher at Wiley
Tiffany Zink, fifth grade teacher at Allen
Robin Gillan, permanent substitute
Christina Reeves, permanent substitute
Linda Tripp, permanent substitute
Andrea Carlton, class-size reduction teacher
Cary Carter, class-size reduction teacher
Diane Ehling, class-size reduction teacher
Chris Mason, class-size reduction teacher
Alyson Tubbs, class-size reduction teacher
Resolution 2002-013
Non-Renewals

Linda Burdette, Title I at Lincoln
Penny Schrag, permanent substitute
Carla Goertzen, Grade 5 at Lincoln
Kerri Werth, Grade 3 at Lincoln
Melissa Thomas, Grade 4 at Allen
Gifts to schools

20 copies of the book, Flying Lessons, written by Kenneth Peirce from Dillon Nature Center to McCandless Elementary School.
$100 from the James T. Bever Agency DBA Quad J Inc. to be used for the McCandless Elementary School revolving library fund.
$129 from Mark Woleslagel of Associated Insurers to be used for the McCandless Elementary School revolving library fund.
$129 from Hutchinson Credit Union to be used for the McCandless Elementary School revolving library fund.
$100 from the Hutchinson Community Foundation for the McCandless Elementary School Reading is Fundamental Program.
$265 from Target to be used for the McCandless Elementary School revolving gift account.
$375 from Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad for the McCandless Elementary School Reading is Fundamental Program.
$300 from the James A. and Juliet L. Davis Foundation for the McCandless Elementary School Reading is Fundamental Program.
$1,200 from the Rotary Club of Hutchinson for the USD 308 Dental Program.
The next regular Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. May 13, 2002, at the Administration Center.


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April 8, 2002

Board approves membership in new league

The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education Monday (April 8, 2002) approved membership in a merged athletic/activities league for the 2004-05 school year.
In March, administrators for the existing Ark Valley and Chisholm Trail leagues voted to form the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League, beginning in the fall of 2004. Additionally, the two Salina high schools will be part of the new league. School boards now are adding their stamps of approval on the merger.
The new league’s bylaws call four four six-team divisions. Hutchinson would be in Division I, which also includes Derby, Maize, McPherson, Salina Central and Salina South. Another Reno County school, Buhler, would be in Division III.
The divisions were aligned along school size and geographic considerations. USD 308 currently is a member of the Ark Valley League, which includes members that range in size from 6A schools to 4A schools. The new league’s alignment will avoid the smallest schools being forced to play the largest schools in all sports.
Also during Monday’s meeting, the Board approved Resolution 2002-010, giving its intent to non-renew the contracts of four staff members. The resolution also corrected the name of one staff member whose name was misspelled in the resolution passed March 11. The staff reduction is directly related to declining enrollment and the potential for decreased state aide in 2002-03.
This follows action at the March 11 meeting when 14 certified staff members were non-renewed as part of a reduction in force because of anticipated budget reductions. Also at the March 11, meeting, the Board non-renewed the one-year contracts for four permanent substitute teachers and five federal Class-Size Reduction Teachers.
The Board also passed Resolution 2002-011 to non-renew the contract of Steve Miller, human resources director, to reduce the budget. The district will have two fewer administrators in 2002-03 – Miller’s position and one principal position opened up by the closing of Roosevelt Traditional Elementary School coupled with the retirement of Faris Principal Janis Bair.
In other action, the Board:

Approved high school summer school classes.
Approved the low bid of $174,877 from Don Vaughn, Inc., for new heating and air conditioning as well as a kitchen hood system in the HMS-7 Food Service area. Money for the project comes from the Local Option Budget.
Approved continued membership in the Kansas Association of School Boards, costing $8,934, and the KASB’s Legal Assistance Fund, costing $900.
Heard an Effective Schools Report from McCandless Elementary School that included a student-produced movie about events at the school.
Held an executive sessions to discuss personnel and negotiations for 40 minutes.
Personnel
The following personnel changes were approved.
Certified Staff
Retirements

Nancy Murry, counselor at Hutchinson High School, effective July 1, 2002
Marty Brown, language arts teacher at HMS-7, effective July 1, 2002
Resignation

Phil Klafta, math teacher at HHS, effective at the end of the 2001-02 school year
Position Changes

AvNell Mayfield, from full-time art at HMS-7 to half-time art at HMS-7 (job share)
Debbie Mullins, from half-time computers at HMS-8 to half-time art at HMS-7 (job share)
Intent to Non-Renew from Resolution 2002-010

Linda Burdette, Title I at Lincoln
Penny Schrag, permanent substitute
Carla Goertzen, Grade 5 at Lincoln
Kerri Werth, Grade 3 at Lincoln
Melissa Thomas, Grade 4 at Allen
Non-Renewal from Resolution 2002-011

Steve Miller, human resources director

Classified Staff
Hired

Nancy Guisinger, TACS educational aide at HMS-8
Jennifer Vigil, child care provider at the Hutcherson Center
Stacey Lyon, bus aide/lunch aide/teacher assistant at the Hutcherson Center
Resignations

Elsie Fly, gifted paraprofessional at Morgan
Lyle Osborn, MR para at Allen
Position Change
Pam Ditgen, from secretary at Allen to secretary at Graber

Gifts to Schools
The Board approved the following gifts to schools.

$300 from the Charles E. Carey Memorial Fund for the Reading is Fundamental Program at Faris.
$300 from the Charles E. Carey Memorial Fund for the Reading is Fundamental Program at Avenue A.
$2,400 from the Charles E. Carey Memorial Fund for operational costs of the Hutchinson High School Child Care Center.
$200 from the Charles E. Carey Memorial Fund Allen.
$300 from the Charles E. Carey Memorial Fund for the Reading is Fundamental Program at Lincoln.
Recognitions
The Board recognized:

HHS state wrestling qualifers
Achievements in the National Merit Scholarship Program
Achievements in the National Hispanic Recognition Program
The next Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. April 22, 2002, at the Administration Center.


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March 11, 2002

Board approves budget-cutting move

The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education Monday (March 11, 2002) approved a proposal to cut 14 certified staff members teachers and two administrators as part of a reduction-in-force. An additional nine teachers who are permanent substitutes or class-size reduction teachers were non-renewed as well.
The move is part of a package of about $1.5 million in cuts the district anticipates having to make because of a weak outlook for state funding and declining enrollment. Audited enrollment numbers show the full-time equivalency for students dipped about 180 students or 50 more than earlier anticipated.
Normally, the district non-renews its permanent substitute teachers and its class-size reduction teachers because those staff members are on one-year contracts, contingent on funding being available locally or from the federal government.
In all, the district could face cuts of up to $2.4 million if the Legislature approves the initial budget proposed by Gov. Bill Graves. The cuts would represent about 8 percent of this year’s budget.
The Board faced an active agenda. As part of the transition to the new elementary magnet school in 2002-03, the Board approved a new map for elementary attendance areas.
Under the new map, Wiley Elementary School will absorb the area currently served by Allen Elementary School. Most of the students from both the existing Roosevelt Traditional School and Allen have enrolled to attend the new Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen in 2002-03.
In the past two decades, elementary boundaries have been porous in USD 308. Currently, about one in five elementary students attend a school that is in an attendance area other than the one in which they reside.
The Board also heard a report from Associate Superintendent for Operations Gary Carson on the use of district facilities by the Hutchinson Recreation Commission. The HRC approached the Board at its Feb. 25 to appeal for more usage of district facilities.
The commission agreed to contribute $250,000 over five years toward the construction costs of the Salthawk Activities Center.
In return, the HRC was to get “second position” for use of district facilities behind district activities. HRC commissioners did not believe they were getting their fair share of time.
Carson said the HRC has regular use of the North Gym on the Hutchinson High School campus and routinely uses several elementary gymnasiums. Districtwide, all outside groups use of facilities typically has exceeded 7,000 hours a year for each of the past eight years. In 2000-01, district facilities were used 2,428 times, totaling 7,679 hours.
While facilities are used, the district has faced challenges from the use by non-school groups. The North Gym, for example, has sustained damage after HRC use over a several week period. Carson expressed concern that the larger Salthawk Activities Center would present even more challenges for HRC staff in monitoring appropriate use and preventing any damage.
District administrators believe they have lived up to the intent of the agreement with the Hutchinson Recreation Commission, Carson said. No one from the commission was on hand to respond to the district’s concerns.
The Board accepted Carson’s report and recommendation that administrators work with HRC to resolve issues surrounding the commission’s use of facilities.
In other action, the Board:

Approved a list of obsolete and surplus computer equipment. The equipment will be distributed to district patrons through school parent-teacher groups.
Approved the ABACUSxp Automated Curriculum/Assessment Program. The program will develop local standards and performance based assessments. Cost of the program and associated computer hardware is $197,984. The Board opened its meeting 30 minutes early with a work session to study the ABACUSxp program. Funds for the program will come from the Technology Bond Issue proceeds.
Approved a contract with PowerSchool for $81,970 to extend the program throughout all elementary and middle schools in 2002-03. The district piloted PowerSchool at Hutchinson High School in 2001-02 and it was well received. The electronic student management program allows parents to get instant access to their own students’ grades and attendance. Funds for the program will come from the Technology Bond Issue proceeds.
Approved a contract for $17,529 with Apple Computer to create an in-district e-mail system to replace the system the district currently contracts to use each month. The contract will be paid with proceeds from the Technology Bond Issue.
Heard Effective Schools Reports from Wiley Elementary School and the Elementary Art Program. Four district patrons followed the reports, asking that support for the elementary arts programs not be cut.
Met in executive session for 15 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel and negotiations.
Briefly discussed how to deal with declining enrollment. USD 308 lost 183 students in 2001-02 and forecasts a loss of 162 additional students in 2002-03 for a two-year loss of 345 students. No action was taken with Board members expecting to renew the discussion early in the 2002-03 school year
The Board also approved extending Superintendent Wynona Winn’s contract an additional year through 2003-04 and the contracts of 29 other administrators through 2002-03. Faris Principal Janis Bair earlier had announced her retirement at the end of the current contract year. The position of director of human resources, currently held by Steve Miller, was eliminated as part of reduction in force.
Administrators whose contracts were renewed:

Gary Carson, Associate Superintendent
Connie Clark, Assistant Superintendent
Lori Blakesley, Director for Fiscal Management & Business Operations
Larry Frederick, Coordinator for Technology
Ray Hemman, Public Information Officer
Nancy Soldner, Director of Media Services, Early Childhood Education and PDC
Liz Peirce, Principal of Hutchinson Elementary Magnet School at Allen
Glenn Fortmayer, Principal of Avenue A Elementary School
Tamara Sullivan, Principal of Faris Elementary School
Jan Strecker, Principal of Graber Elementary School
Christine Baird, Head Start Director
Ronn Roehm, Principal of Hutchinson High School
Gail Prutow, Assistant Principal of Hutchinson High School
Ron Overeem, Assistant Principal of Hutchinson High School
Rick Kraus, One Year Reassignment – PowerSchool Project Director*
Phil Stines, Hutchinson High School Athletic Director
Don Thomas, Director of AVTS
Randy Norwood, Principal of HMS-7
Kevin Graham, Assistant Principal of HMS-7
Michael Ellegood, Principal of HMS-8
Mark Thomas, Assistant Principal of HMS-8
Marietta Gray, Principal of Lincoln Elementary School
Robert Williams, Jr., Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds
Laura McLemore, Principal of McCandless Elementary School
Andrea Fisher, Assistant Principal – McCandless Elementary School
Rod Rathbun, Principal of Morgan Elementary School
Doug Mitchell, Support services Director
Dana Lueger, Food Service Director
Michelle Young, Principal of Wiley Elementary School
Personnel
The Board approved the following personnel changes.

Certified

Retirements

Otto Henning, technology and consumer science at HMS-8, effective July 1, 2002
Helen Bird, English teacher at HHS, effective July 1, 2002
Resignations

Bob Lee, assistant band director at Hutchinson High School
Classified
Hired

Nelson Joyner, part-time custodian at Roosevelt
Susan Evans, health aide at Head Start
Jeffrey Moore, LD Para at HMS-8
Cecilia Franz, satellite cook server at Grandview
Terminations

Karen Pitzer, medication aide at McCandless
Susan Mendoza, LD para at HMS-8
Resignations

Maria Finnestad, Head Start teacher assistant at Obee
Patches Meadows, part-time secretary/cafeteria aide at Graber
Positions Changes

Cami Scott, to MR para at McCandless from medication aide at McCandless
Shannon Roberts, to LD para at HMS-8 from TACS educational aide at McCandless
Reductions in Force

Glenn Bieberstein, elementary vocal music
Judy Hester, Title I at Lincoln
Shirley Humes, Title I at McCandless
Linda McCue, elementary vocal music
Susan Nanney, science teacher at HMS-7
Jenise Nelson, fifth grade teacher at Roosevelt
Chris Newton, teacher at Bob Johnson Youth Center
Molly Perser, Title I, non public
Beth Olson, Head Start
Wendy Schultz, Head Start
Susan Snellings, Head Start
Judy Snyder, counselor at HMS-8
Tami Wolgamott, sixth grade teacher at Wiley
Tiffany Zink, fifth grade teacher at Allen
Steve Miller, human resources director
Permanent Substitutes non-renewed

Robin Gillan
Christina Reeves
Penny Schrag
Linda Tripp
Class-Size Reduction Teachers

Andrea Carlton
Cary Carter
Diane Ehling
Chris Mason
Alyson Tubbs

Gifts to schools
The Board approved the following gifts to schools.

Math and social studies flash cards valued at $800 from the Roosevelt PTA to Roosevelt Traditional School
$338 from the Helen Adams Hamilton Endowment Donor Advised Fund from Hutchinson Community Foundation for Head Start
The next Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. April 8.


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February 25, 2002

Board handles bids for roofs, roof-top units

The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education Monday (Feb. 25, 2002) approved a variety of bids at its regular meeting.
Specifically, the Board approved a bid of $78,689 to replace the roof on the vocational building at Hutchinson High School from Wray and Sons Roofing. The new roof will be funded by the local option budget.
The Board also approved two bids for climate control. The first was for $14,360 for a roof-top heating and air conditioning unit for a portion of the vocational building at HHS. Sturgeon Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning was the successful bidder, and the project will be paid with local option budget funds.
Sturgeon also was the successful bidder for climate control for two other projects – in the Educational Services Center and at Graber Elementary School. The $15,595 will provide adequate climate control for computer rooms at the buildings and will be paid with funds from the $4.7 million technology bond issue voters approved in 2000.
The Board also heard a presentation from the Hutchinson Recreation Commission about expanding the commission’s use of district facilities. In 1997, the HRC approved paying $250,000 over five years toward the cost of the Salthawk Activities Center. HRC has made three payments and is ready to make the fourth of five total payments.
Chuck Lee, chairman of the HRC, said that in return for the commitment, the commission and the Board agreed to give the HRC “second position” behind USD 308 in priority for using the North Gym at HHS, the Salthawk Activities Center and other district facilities. So far, HRC has used the Salthawk Activities Center twice in four years.
Since Phil Stines, activities director in charge of scheduling HHS facilities, and Gary Carson, associate superintendent for operations, were unable to be at Monday’s meeting, Superintendent Wynona Winn asked the Board to wait until the March 11 meeting to make a decision. At that meeting, administrators will have a proposal for the Board about HRC’s use of district facilities and a utilization report on the facilities.
In other action, the Board:

Eliminating one of the two bank accounts used for the HHS Daycare Center.
Approved a work session for the Board at 6:30 p.m. on March 11, which will be immediately prior to the regular Board business that night. Members will take a look at software that will help the district develop its own assessments for students.
Met in executive session for 20 minutes for personnel and negotiations.
Gifts to schools
The Board approved a $200 gift to YouthFriends from an anonymous donor.

Personnel
The Board approved the following personnel changes.

Certified
Retirements

Suzanne Allison, special education – homebound at the Educational Services Center, effective July 1, 2002
Teresa Hickey, special education – learning disabled at Hutchinson High School, effective July 1, 2002
Elaine Bentz, director for finance, effective July 1, 2002
The next Board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. March 11, 2002, beginning with a work session.


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February 11, 2002

Board approves bidding process

The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a sealed-bid process for selling the Roosevelt Elementary School building Monday (Feb. 11, 2002).
The sealed bid process is one of several legal methods for disposing of the building. State law also allows the district to determine whether the intended use of the potential buyers fits in with the character of the neighborhood in which the building sets.
Constructed in 1920 and situated in the middle of a residential neighborhood, Roosevelt will close at the end of the 2001-02 school year because of declining enrollment. Roosevelt holds the record for the longest continuously used building in the district at 82 years.
Advertising for the sealed bid sale will begin immediately with the bid closing date set for April 12.
In other action, the Board:

Approved assurances for ESSDACK health insurance but sending a letter to the agency to explain the district’s legal inability to comply with all the proposed assurances. Specifically, the district is not able to comply with any assurance that would stipulate the district pay a particular percentage of a single premium for employees.
Approved a $31,210 contract to install stairwell treads in HMS-7 and HMS-8.
Approved a $13,500 contract with Hart Floors to screen and recoat five gymnasium floors this summer.
Held executive sessions, totaling 80 minutes, to discuss non-elected personnel and negotiations.
Saw an Effective Schools report from Morgan Elementary School. After a brief introduction by Principal Rod Rathbun, students showed an iMovie they had created about success at the school, using technology provided by the $4.7 million bond issue voters approved in November 2000.

Personnel report
The Board approved the following changes in district personnel.

Certified
Position Change

Sherri Hart, from Reading at HHS to administrative intern at HHS for the 2002-03 school year. This is a one-year reassignment.
Resignations

Sherri Rankin, teacher at Bob Johnson, effective Feb. 15, 2002
Norma Exposito, HMS school counselor on leave of absence for the 2001-02 school year, effective immediately
Classified
Hired

Bruce Cooper, custodian at HHS
DeShyda Reddick, satellite cook/server at Avenue A/Allen
Tami Alexander, ED paraprofessional at Morgan
Rebecca Hazelton, copy clerk at VoTech
Resignations

Laree Votruba, health aide at the Hutcherson Center
Patricia Hamilton, BD paraprofessional at the Hutcherson Center

Gifts to schools

The Hutchinson Downtown Kiwanis, Krause Plow, YMCA and Doskocil donated a total of $457.01 to purchase 182 sets of math flash cards for student use at Avenue A and McCandless Elementary Schools.
The Board set 7 p.m. Feb. 18, 2002, as a special meeting at HMS-7. The Board will meet in conjunction with a district wide site council meeting to discuss the state’s fiscal crisis and its impact on USD 308.
The Board’s next regular meeting will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 25, 2002, at the Administration Center.


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January 28, 2002

Board tables recognition program

The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education tabled an employee recognition program Monday (Jan. 28, 2002), asking administrators to return with a scaled-down version.
A portion of one of the Board’s goals for the current school year was to “implement an employee recognition program.” The district has not had a consistent program to recognize employees.
Board Member Jeff Nichols said he heard concerns that in a tight budget year, the $6,808.46 for the first year of the program would be considered excessive. The program was estimated to cost $6,808.46 the first year to “catch up” staff members with ongoing costs of $1,000 annually for service award lapel pins.
Instead, the Board directed staff to bring back a less expensive program in conjunction with a recognition dinner in May.
The Board also tabled a proposal to donate back to the Morgan PTO 19-inch televisions the organization had donated to the school several years ago. The PTO, in turn, planned to sell the televisions to offset the cost of new 27-inch televisions the group would donate to the school.
The Board asked for more input from administrators on the exact proposal.
In other action, the Board:

Reviewed progress made toward goals it set earlier this school term.
Approved two contracts with Bartlett Settle and Edgerle, certified public accountants, to perform the fiscal year 2002 independent audit and to do the agreed upon procedures from the Kansas SRS contract.
Held executive sessions to discuss personnel matters and negotiations, totaling 40 minutes.

Personnel report
The Board approved the following personnel changes.
Certified
Retirements

Janis Bair, principal at Faris, effective July 1, 2002
Ruby Lee, developmental first grade at McCandless, effective July 1, 2002
Positions changes

Tamara Sullivan, principal at Allen Elementary to principal at Faris Elementary (effective 2002-03 school term)
Rick Kraus, assistant principal at HHS to technology project director (a one-year assignment for 2002-03 school term)
Classified
Hired

Medina Williams, satellite cook/server at Lincoln/McCandless
Kathleen Henderson, lunch aide at Head Start
Harry Pitts, custodian at the Activity Center
Gayla Miller, HHS Child Care Center director
Jeanette Williams, secretary/cafeteria aide at Roosevelt
Resignations

Renee DuPree, secretary/cafeteria aide at Roosevelt
Donna Dula, custodian at McCandless
Position changes

Fray Gideon, custodian at HHS to custodian at McCandless
Brad Smith, custodian at HHS to custodian at McCandless
Gifts to schools
Board President, Peggy Childs, acknowledged the following gifts to schools:

$1,000 from the Kerr Charitable Foundation to USD 308.
$200 from the Southwestern Bell Pioneers, Southern Kansas Council to Head Start for its Reading is Fundamental Program.
The Board’s next regular meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11, 2002. The Board will conduct its annual tour of facilities, beginning at 8:05 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2002, from the district’s Administration Center. The annual tour is a special meeting of the Board.


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January 14, 2002

Board approves 4-mill levy

The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education approved a 4-mill capital improvement levy for four years during its meeting Monday (Jan. 14, 2002).
For the past five years, the capital outlay levy had been reduced from 4 mills by an amount equivalent to bond payments on the Salthawk Activities Center. The published amount of the capital outlay for 2001-02 was 1.3 mills with the equivalent balance – 2.7 mills – used to repay the bonds on the activities center.
The capital outlay reduction was done to meet a promise the Board made to voters when the bonds to construct the Salthawk Activities bonds were approved.
Moving the capital outlay levy to 4 mills is expected to free up $350,000 from the general fund and local option budget for other purposes. Capital outlay spending repairs roofs, replaces stairway treads, updates technology and is used for other major capital purchases.
Given reduced enrollment and a dismal state budget picture, the $350,000 is expected to reduce the impact of some of the budget reductions the district expects in 2002-03.
The 4-mill levy can be challenged by a petition signed by at least 10 percent of the district’s qualified voters within 40 days of the capital outlay resolution’s publication in The Hutchinson News. If challenged, the capital outlay levy would be decided during the next election.
The Board also voted Monday to begin the process of advertising and selling Roosevelt Elementary School. Earlier this school year, the Board voted to close the facility and move the magnet school to Allen Elementary for the 2002-03 school year.
Associate Superintendent for Operations Gary Carson told the Board the building could be available as soon as July 1. The Board directed Carson to make it clear in the advertising that any future use of the building would have to be “neighborhood friendly.”
In other action the Board:

Approved the 2002-03 school calendar. Under the calendar, the first day for students in first through ninth grades will be Aug. 15. High school sophomores through seniors will come back to school Aug. 16. Kindergarten will start Aug. 19. The final day of school in 2002-03 will be May 22, 2003.
Approved the district’s exclusive benefit governmental 401(a) nontrusteed retirement plan.
Approved a bid of $10,153.82 for a skid-steer loader with a trade-in from White Star Machinery in Wichita.
Approved original and updated individual development plans for staff for the first semester.
Approved the annual trash contract with Nisly Brothers, Inc. for $29,552.76.
Held an executive session for 60 minutes to discuss personnel and negotiations.
Heard an Effective Schools Report from Lincoln Elementary School.

Personnel report
The Board approved the following personnel changes in the district.

Classified
Hired

Bradley Piken, LD para at Avenue A
Josefina Parra, ESL aide at Avenue A
Elsie Fly, gifted para at Morgan
Gay Estes, LD para at Allen
Lillie Kelley, permanent sub at HHS
Terminated

Jessica Martin, MR para at Allen
Resigned

Krystal Hernandez, part-time custodian at Morgan
Helen Field, satellite cook/server at Lincoln/McCandless
Jackie Pence, permanent substitute at HMS-8
Phoebee McInnis, Head Start lunch aide at the Hutcherson Center
Diane Robinson, LD para at Morgan
Desaree Recker, custodian at Morgan
Erna Roberts, satellite cook/server at HMS-7/Avenue A
Virginia Anderson, satellite cook/server at Allen
Tracy Decker, secretary at Maintenance
Position Change

Evelyn Decker, to secretary at Maintenance from copy clerk at the Administration Center
Administrative Leave

Kim McClelland, library clerk at Avenue A to do student teaching at Graber
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Gifts to schools

Board President Peggy Childs acknowledged the following gifts to schools.

$75 from Carol and Weymeth Harrison to the Hutchinson Public Schools Endowment Fund.
$75 from Richardson Brothers Construction employees on behalf of Chris Bechard to YouthFriends.
$200 from Carl and Diane Caton to YouthFriends.
$300 from the James A. and Juliet L. Davis Foundation to Head Start for its Reading is Fundamental Program.
$1,000 to Head Start, Lincoln, Allen and Avenue A Reading is Fundamental Programs from the Peter and Barbara Macdonald Charitable Fund.
Gifts totaling $13,696.07 for a variety of projects from Dr. Richard Briscoe, Rotary Club, Salthawk Booster Club, Dillons Fun Run, Mid-Kansas Investment, Target, Trinity United Methodist Church, Freund Investment, Don’s Car Care and Hubco to Hutchinson High School.
$200 from an anonymous donor for the HMS-7 Orchestra Trip Scholarship.
$300 from the James A. and Juliet L. Davis Foundation to Faris for its Reading is Fundamental Program.
$300 from the James A. and Juliet L. Davis Foundation to Allen for its Reading is Fundamental Program.
$200 from Lynn and Derek Park and PMS Foods to the Day Care Center at HHS.
$300 from the James A. and Juliet L. Davis Foundation to Avenue A for its Reading is Fundamental Program.
The Board’s next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 28, 2002, at the Administration Center.


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December 10, 2001

Board approves plans for new school
The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education approved plans implementing the new magnet school at the current Allen Elementary School during its meeting Monday, December 10, 2001.
The new school is the result of actions taken earlier this fall by the Board to merge the current Allen and Roosevelt Traditional Schools at Allen. Moving the district’s magnet school to the Allen facility from Roosevelt was considered the first phase of a long-term plan to deal with declining enrollment in the USD 308.
The Board’s action approved the belief, mission and vision statements for the new school, the basic concepts of the magnet school and specific characteristics and regulations for the new school. Copies of those documents are available on the district’s web site at www.usd308.com/magnet .
Those documents were developed by an 18-member committee of parents from both schools, staff and administrators. The new name for the school will be Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen.
Existing students and their families from both Roosevelt and Allen will be given the first opportunity to enroll in the new magnet school.
Also during Monday’s meeting, the Board formally recognized the cast and crew of Diary of Anne Frank. Under the direction of HHS drama teacher Kevin Kneisley, the production has been judged one of the three best high school theater performances in Kansas and will compete in January at Kansas City for the right to go to a national thespian competition.
A total of 4,642 people watched the play from across Kansas during its run in October and November. Additionally, an exhibit at the Hutchinson Mall titled “Anne Frank: A History for Today” drew 9,427. The international exhibit, a cooperative project of HHS and the Reno County Museum, was held in conjunction with the play.
Gifts to School
The Board approved the following gifts to schools.

Wiley PTA donated books, field trip money, Homework Headquarters money, magic show, wish list, Fox Theatre and magic show gifts toWiley Elementary School, totaling $7,699.11.
Dictionaries from the Hutchinson Optimist Club to the fourth graders at Allen Elementary School.
$1,000 from Wal-Mart to Head Start to purchase books.
Personnel

The Board approved the following personnel changes for the district.

Certified
Hired

Daryl Koestel, assistant band director for Hutchinson High School, for the 2002-03 school year
Classified
Hired

Carol Keever, cafeteria aide at HHS
Crystal Cape, day care teacher assistant at HHS Day Care
Tammy Carlyle, computer support technician at TSC
Dorothy Sorensen, permanent substitute at HMS-8
Termination

Judith Smith, parent educator, at the Hutcherson Center
Resignations

Nancy Sanchez, ESL aide at Avenue A
Position Changes

Ulela Baker, Head Start lunch aide at the Hutcherson Center from Head Start child care at the Hutcherson Center
Brenda Foulke, head main dish cook at HMS-7 from assistant main dish cook at HMS-7
Wanda Markhart, assistant main dish cook at HMS-7 from head main dish cook at HMS-7
Janet Saylor, to library clerk at Avenue A from para at Avenue A
Administrative Leave

Kim McClelland, as library clerk at Avenue A to do student teaching at Graber
In other personnel action, the Board approved a resolution terminating tenured teacher Bret Roberts after a 10-minute executive session. The teacher was notified of four reasons for his termination at a special meeting of the Board on November 16, 2001. At that time, he was given the opportunity to ask for a due-process hearing. No due process hearing was requested.
Monday’s meeting was held two hours early to allow patrons and Board members to attend district winter music programs later in the evening.
The next regular Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. January 14, 2002.


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November 26, 2001

Board discusses possible league merger
The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education discussed the possible merger between two regional high school athletic conferences during its meeting Monday (November 26, 2001).
Hutchinson High School is a member of the Ark Valley League, which shares much of the same territory as the Chisholm Trail League. Buhler High School is a member of the Chisholm Trail League. Both leagues share another challenge – a wide disparity in size between the largest and smallest schools.
Both leagues have schools ranging in size from small 4A schools to medium-size 6A schools. The proposed new league would have three divisions, including both Salina high schools from the I-70 League.
The Board’s consensus was to move forward with further discussions on a merger between the two leagues. Phil Stines, district activities director, said the soonest he would foresee such a merger would be the 2004 football season.
Also during Monday’s meeting, the Board:

Heard the audit report for the 2000-01 school term.
Approved a resolution adding Lori Blakesley as authorized to make deposits and withdrawals from the Municipal Investment Pool on behalf of the district.
Held an executive session for 10 minutes on non-elected personnel.
Personnel
The Board approved the following personnel changes.

Certified
Retirement

Dorthie Randles, sixth grade teacher at Roosevelt Traditional School, effective at the end of the 2001-02 school term
Classified
Hired

Shelly Whisler, bus aide at Hutcherson Center/Union Valley
Christi Winchester, educational aide/ Title I at Faris
Jay Gehring, MIS specialist and computer specialist at Hutcherson Center and TSC
Donia Rae Wiebe, head teacher at Day Care
Kim Byard, LD para at HHS
Mary Vieyra, custodian at HMS-7
Shirley Culver, satellite cook/server at Graber/McCandless
Fray Gideon, custodian at HHS
Resignations

Darlene Miller, custodian at HMS-7
Bryan Bornholdt, ISS monitor at HHS
Olga Weston, lunch aide at Hutcherson Center
Position Changes

Terri Hesketh to ISS monitor at HHS from LD para at HHS
Leona Teague, satellite server at Wiley from satellite server at McCandless/Graber
The next Board meeting will be at 5 p.m. Monday, December 10, 2001, at the Administration Center. The meeting was moved up two hours from its regular time to allow patrons, Board members and staff to attend district music programs later in the evening.


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November 16, 2001

Board moves to terminate teacher

The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education approved a resolution Friday afternoon starting the termination process for a fifth grade teacher at McCandless Elementary School.
Action came during a special meeting of the Board Friday (Nov. 16, 2001) at the Administration Center.
In its resolution, the Board notifies teacher Bret Roberts of its intent to terminate him. Roberts now has 15 days in which to file a written request for a due process hearing.
If no hearing request is made, the Board has the option of terminating Roberts. It is anticipated that action could occur at the Dec. 10, 2001, Board meeting.
Should Roberts request a hearing, a date will be set.
The resolution passed by the Board lists four reasons for termination.

Violation of the district’s technology usage policy
Use of the school district’s computers to reach web sites containing inappropriate language and inappropriate images
Use of the district’s camera to take pictures of an inappropriate nature
Failure to maintain relationships with students which are conducive to an effective education environment
Roberts has been employed by the district since Aug. 23, 1995. He was suspended by Superintendent Wynona Winn on November 9, 2001.
The Board met in executive session for 20 minutes prior to the resolution being approved on a 7-0 vote.
Because the resolution deals with a personnel matter, district officials have been advised by counsel to make no further statements.


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November 12, 2001

Board moves forward with stadium study

The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education Monday (Nov. 12, 2001) approved spending up to $10,000 on a feasibility study for a new stadium complex in the community.
USD 308 will share the feasibility costs with Hutchinson Community College. On Thursday (Nov. 8, 2001) the HCC Board of Trustees voted to spend up to $15,000 on the feasibility study.
Gowans Stadium is used by USD 308 and HCC for varsity football games. USD 308 also uses the facility for some junior varsity football contests, an annual Powder Puff game and various other events during the year.
During the 2001 season, spectators were given the opportunity to use restrooms in an HCC building across the parking lot from Gowans because the stadium’s facilities had deteriorated.
Gowans has an old-fashioned six-lane cinder track, a track that has not been used for interscholastic events since the mid 1980s. High school and college track meets are held at Don Michael Field, an all-weather track that is owned by USD 308 but is not lighted for nighttime events. Don Michael Field also hosts a variety of other district middle school and other football games.
Additionally USD 308 plays its soccer matches on the new facility at 23rd and Severance.
The feasibility study will determine community needs for a new or renovated outdoor stadium. Another critical question to be answered is how a new or renovated stadium would be financed. One possibility is to place a bond issue before city of Hutchinson voters in August 2002.
In a related motion, the Board selected David Hindman, Gary Carson, Whitey Alpers, Ernie Beaudet, Ernest Bradley, Bo Frondorf and Russ Reinert to sit on the Steering Committee for the stadium project. HCC also will nominate members for the committee. The Steering Committee will be chaired by local businessman Allen Fee.
Also during Monday’s meeting, the Board approved spending $21,955 to install an underground sprinkler system on Don Michael Practice Field. The practice field has received heavier use over the past several years, making it difficult to schedule a time to properly water the grounds.
Additionally, the portable system does not water the facility as well as an underground sprinkler and must be moved manually.
In other action, the Board:

Accepted a bid for $33,528.33 for a district-wide delivery van from Hambelton-Lagreca Chevrolet.
Approved an agreement with the YMCA for use of the YMCA pool for the 2001-02 school year. The district will pay $7,260 to the YMCA to rent the facility during the school year or $5,338.50 less than for 2000-01. Additionally, second graders from the district’s Title I schools will use the YMCA swimming facilities four times during the year for a series of special water safety classes.
Rescheduled a tour of district facilities for Board members for 8 a.m. on Jan. 29, 2002.
Held two separate executive sessions on personnel and negotiations, totaling 40 minutes.
Heard from patron Devon Borton during open comment. Borton asked the Board why the district has different grading scales for the elementary and secondary schools in the district. Superintendent Wynona Winn said Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning Connie Clark was working on the grading scale issue with the goal of developing a single scale for the district.
Personnel
The Board approved the following personnel changes.

Certified
Resignations

Marlene “Marty” Casey, FACS at HHS, (listed as a retirement on October 22, 2001 minutes)
Janice Walters, librarian at Faris (effective at the end of 2001-02 contract year)
Classified
Hired

Lyle Osborn, MR para at Allen
Kathy Starks, FACS/TECH educational aide at HMS-7
Darlene Miller, custodian at HMS-7
Rita Gonzales, satellite server at HMS-8/Roosevelt
Jackie Pence, permanent sub at HMS-8
Virginia Anderson, satellite cook server/cafeteria aide at Allen/HHS
Janna Huschka, teacher assistant/family support worker at the Hutcherson Center
Jessica Martin, para at Allen
Regina Garcia, para at McCandless
Nori Bottelman, para at McCandless
Resignations

Linda Birney, para at HHS
Tyra Marshall, satellite server at Wiley
Lastisha Morris, bus aide for the Hutcherson Center/Obee
Jennifer Wilson, lead teacher at the HHS Day Care Center
Tressa Sherman, para at Allen
Position Changes

Lander Tolbert, to assistant head baker at HHS from permanent sub at HHS
Robin Garcia, to head baker at HHS from assistant head baker at HHS
Recognitions
Board President Peggy Childs acknowledged four Hutchinson High School seniors in national academic programs.
The Board’s next meeting will be at 7:45 p.m. Nov. 26, 2001. The meeting will start 45 minutes late to allow members to attend the 7 p.m. Night of the Hawk festivities at the Salthawk Activities Center. Prior to the Nov. 26, Board meeting, at 6 p.m., the public is invited to a reception at the Administration Center to announce the winners of the 2001 grants.
The Board decided to meet early on Dec. 10 – at 5 p.m. – to allow members to attend the Hutchinson High School winter music program later that evening.


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October 22, 2001

Board approves extended-year education plans

The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education Monday (Oct. 22, 2001) approved a year-round school proposal that would create a more prescribed approach to summer learning programs for primary students.
Known as Year-Round School, the plan will have two summer sessions – from June 3 to 27 and from July 9 to Aug. 1. The program will target 200 students in kindergarten through third grade, who will be able to attend either or both sessions.
Title I students will be the first priority for the program. The program will be a continuation of the current academic program, using the same curriculum as the rest of the school year, and will not be designed as a remedial learning classroom.
Dr. Connie Clark, assistant superintendent for student learning, said the program also was designed not to be perceived by students as punitive because it will be an extension of the school year and because of family and student incentives that are designed into it.
Classes will be held three hours a day, Monday through Thursdays with breakfast and lunch available. Staff will work four hours a day, five days a week.
Additionally, pre-kindergarten children will be encouraged to attend the second session for 1.5 hours each day.
The summer program will include frequent monitoring of student progress, diagnosing individual student needs to be addressed. Teachers will have staff development prior to the summer sessions.
To get families more involved in the extended-year activities, students who attend 75 percent of classes each two weeks will be awarded special field trips, prizes and activities for the entire families.
The program will cost $73,671 the first year. Funding for the program will come from a Kansas State Department of Education School Improvement Grant, Title I funds and Class Size Reduction funds.
Also during Monday’s meeting, the Board heard the Effective Schools Report on the Break the Mold program at Faris Elementary School. In its fifth year, Break the Mold is designed to assure that each student by the end of third grade can read, write and have math skills to be successful in fourth grade and beyond. Faris has seen achievement gains in reading over similar schools and maintained its slight edge over the same schools in math.
Break the Mold has received significant local support with the Hutchinson Community Foundation providing more than $200,000 in funding for the program.
In other action, the Board:

Accepted a bid from White Star Machinery & Supply Co. on a skid-steer loader for Vocational Education for $19,067. $15,000 of the bid amount is designated in the capital outlay fund for this purpose and the balance will come from Vocational Education combined equipment accounts.
Accepted a bid from Hambelton-LaGreca for an eight-passenger van for $21,408.60.
Approved inclement weather plans for the district’s nine elementary schools. The plans provide information for staff and parents on how recess and other duties are handled when the weather is bad.
Approved a plan to change football playoffs in Kansas. [ Under the proposal adopted by the Board, two teams would advance from each four-team district to playoffs.] The Kansas State High School Activities Association still must approve the plan.
Held a discussion on the new leadership skills for school leaders.
Selected Jeff Allen as the district’s voting delegate to the Kansas Association of School Boards Delegate Meeting in December at Topeka.
Held an executive session for 10 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel.
Personnel
The Board approved the following personnel changes.

Certified
Retirement

Marlene “Marty” Casey, FACS at HHS, at the end of the 2001-02 school year
Classified
Hired

Janet Bachofer, satellite cook//server at Lincoln/McCandless
Helen Field, satellite cook/server at Lincoln/McCandless
Roxanne Peterson, YouthFriends specialist at the Administration Center
Mary Dusseau, LD para at HHS
Becky Misak, ED para at HMS-8
Melody Mason, teacher assistant/lunch aide at Head Start/Nickerson Elementary
Terminations

Ralph Shepherd, custodian at HMS-7
Resignations

Cassie Rice, TA/FSW at the Hutcherson Center
Sandra Drakulich, ED para at HMS-8
Rhonda Kennard, head fruits and vegetables cook at HMS-8
Gregory Ford, Educational Aide/Title I at Faris
Position Changes

Cynthia Lanham, head fruits and vegetable cook from assistant fruits and vegetables cook at HMS-8/Morgan
Cecilia Herpich, assistant fruits and vegetables cook at HMS-8 from permanent sub at HMS-8
Gifts to Schools
The Board formally accepted the following gifts to schools.

$100 from Brad and Jane Easter in memory of Peter Macdonald for Lincoln Elementary School’s Reading is Fundamental program.
13 dental emergency kits valued at $130 for each health room in USD 308.
$169.38 from Target Stores for educational enrichment at Roosevelt Traditional School.
$100 from the Wal-Mart Foundation through the generosity of Bertha Smith for educational enrichment at Roosevelt Traditional School.
Balloons and helium valued at $100 from Johnson and Sons Funeral Home for the remembrance ceremony at Graber.
$450 from the Graber PTO for Graber Elementary to use for field trips.
$2,000 for the Accelerated Reader/Library program at Graber.
The Board’s next regular meeting will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Administration Center. The Board will have a special meeting at 8 a.m. Nov. 19 to tour district facilities.


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October 8, 2001

Allen/Roosevelt schools ‘merged’

0The USD 308 Board of Education clarified its Sept. 24 decision on restructuring the district’s magnet school, considering the decision now a merger.
The Board voted 7-0 Monday, Oct. 8, 2001, to merge Allen Elementary and Roosevelt Traditional schools at the Allen site. The decision came after more than an hour of discussion that featured sometimes-emotional comments from six parents of Allen students and four of the district’s educators.
Superintendent Wynona Winn told the Board and the crowd of some 70 parents and patrons that the transition team of parents, educators and administrators were viewing the change as a merger. The goal is to merge the strengths of both schools into a new magnet school.
In a related move, the Board decided to wait at least until spring before making any decisions on future changes in the structure of the district.
Moving the district’s magnet school to the Allen facility from Roosevelt was considered Phase I of a long-term plan to deal with declining enrollment in the USD 308. Phase II included several options for reconfiguring the district’s elementary schools. Some of those options included the creation of primary and intermediate schools.
Given the issues surrounding the Roosevelt/Allen merger, Board members concluded it would be best to wait until later this school term before revisiting any other changes.
In other action, the Board approved a plan to donate obsolete computer equipment the district no longer needs. As the result of last fall’s $4.7 million bond issue, the district has numerous computers that do not meet minimum requirements of new software programs.
Historically, those computers have brought little or nothing at the local government surplus auction in the spring. The obsolete computers will be donated “as is” with no warranty to local individuals or groups.
To avoid any copyright or usage violation on software the district has licensed, the only software that will be left on the computers will be the operating system. The recipient will be responsible for purchasing any other applications for the computers.
Later this school year, the district will bring back a list of old computer equipment for the Board to declare as “surplus.”
In other action, the Board

Set 8 a.m. Nov. 19, 2001, as its annual tour of facilities.
Heard an Effective Schools Report from Principal Ronn Roehm and Teacher Todd Ray from Hutchinson High School on the school’s improvement plan.
Held an executive session on personnel for 15 minutes.
Gift to Schools
The Board accepted a gift of $148.83 from Target Stores to enhance educational programs at McCandless Elementary School.
Personnel
The Board approved the following personnel changes.

Classified
Hired

Wendy Turley, para at Lincoln and Morgan
Kim Starks, educational aide at Faris
Sherri Fink, job coach at HHS
Annie McMannis, certified Human Resources secretary at the Administration Center
Stella Marquez, bilingual educational aide at Avenue A
Valerie Petrie, educational aide at Faris
Rita Anderson, kitchen manager at HMS-8
Brooke Jones, MR para at ESC
Sandra Drakulich, ED para at HMS-8
Phyllis Hassler, ED para at HHS
Marry Dusseau, LD para at HHS
Resigned

Diana Stover, LD para at Allen
Jane Drake, head baker at HHS
The next Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Administration Center.


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Sept. 24,2001

Board votes to move traditional school concept

On a 6-0 vote, the Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education voted Monday (Sept. 24, 2001) to close the Roosevelt school building after the 2001-02 school term.
And on a subsequent 5-1 vote with Board Member Jeff Allen dissenting, the Board voted to move the traditional school to the Allen building for the 2002-03 school year. Board Member Cecilia Pina was ill and could not attend Monday’s meeting.
The votes came in front of a packed room at the Administration Center with about 60 patrons. Five parents spoke during the meeting about the decision.
The closure of the building and the moving of the traditional school concept to Allen is Phase I for dealing with declining enrollment in the district. Over the past decade the district has lost more than 500 students and anticipates losing about 500 more students over the next five years.
Built in 1920, Roosevelt is the district’s oldest school. It is estimated it would take nearly $1 million to bring the facility into compliance with state and federal regulations.
Over the past two weeks, the Board surveyed parents from Roosevelt, Allen, Faris and Morgan about their preferences. About 70 percent of the parents who returned the survey from Roosevelt stated they would follow the traditional school concept no matter where it was located while the remaining 30 percent said location of the school could make a difference in their decision.
For the other schools, Faris had the highest percentage of parents who said they would send their children to a traditional school at 42 percent with another 13 percent saying they might. Allen had 31 percent of parents say they would send their children to a traditional school and another 21 percent who said they might. Morgan had 25 percent of its parents say they would send their children to a traditional school while 35 percent said they might.
In other action, the Board on a 5-1 vote with Allen dissenting approved a proposal by the district’s Insurance Committee to remain with the ESSDACK health insurance pool for employees for another year. The district is on probation for the coming year because it did not sign up enough employees for the plan and could face a financial penalty.
If the district is able to find 11 employees who have insurance through another group, there will be no penalty. If fewer than 11 employees are found, the penalty could be as much as $36,700.
The district’s Insurance Committee will begin searching for other health insurance possibilities this fall for the 2001-02 school year.
The Board also reviewed student scores on Kansas assessment tests for the 2000-01 school year. Associate Superintendent for Student Learning Connie Clark reviewed the results with the Board.
The district had three schools score high enough to meet the state standard of excellence. Morgan Elementary School met the standard in both reading and math while Graber and Wiley met the state standard in math.
The Board also approved four annual contracts for services provided to the district. Those contracts were for audiology services with Drs. Pease and Smith, therapeutic riding with Reins of Hope Therapeutic Riding, Inc., orientation and mobility services from Southwest Kansas Area Cooperative District No. 613 and contacts with Reno County Education Cooperative to provide programs for Grandview, the Early Education Center and occupational therapy.
In other action, the Board met in executive session to discuss non-elected personnel for 30 minutes.

Personnel
The Board approved the following personnel changes

Classified
Hired