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2005 - 2006 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 28, 2006
Board moves forward with Master Plan

The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education Wednesday, June 28, 2006, voted to place a resolution on the July 10 Board agenda for a November vote on a bond issue to implement the district's Master Facility Plan.

The proposed $78.8 million 20-year bond issue is the result of more than three years of work on the part of the Board in conjunction the DLR Group and a community Master Facility Plan Steering Committee.

On Monday, June 26, the Master Facility Plan Steering Committee was briefed on changes in the plan since it recommended the Board move forward with a bond issue in May. Final reviews of the proposed plans with DLR showed several areas of the plan could be reduced somewhat and not affect the overall plan.

The plan makes major renovations at all elementary schools, makes modest improvements on the two middle school facilities and makes major changes on the Hutchinson High School campus.

Under the plans, all the elementary schools would have library/media centers that are sized appropriately for the enrollments of the buildings and would have severe weather safe rooms. Major improvements at Hutchinson High School include a new Vocational Academy, new library/media center, renovated physical education areas and a new performing arts center.

The vote was 6-0. Voting in favor were Jeff Allen, Peggy Childs, Betty Garcia, Darla Neal, David Hindman and Jeff Nichols. Board Member Bill Drews was absent.

The Board also received good news on another district improvement project. The Board approved a $314,800 bid for a Food Service addition to the Support Service Center, which was significantly less than earlier estimates.

The Food Service addition will allow for further consolidation of support services in the district at one location.

As the final meeting of the 2006 fiscal year, the Board spent the majority of its time on approving bids and looking forward to the 2007 fiscal year. The Board approved recommendations from district Director of Fiscal Management and Business Operations Lori Blakesley to close out the 2006 fiscal year. Additionally, the Board held a brief public hearing on republishing the 2006 budget. The district has received an additional $19,157 in funding for special education for the 2005-06 school term.

In a forward-looking move, the Board approved a new classified staff development plan. Classified staff provide support for district operations, including cooks, custodians, maintenance workers and paraeducators. Classified staff typically get buildings open in the morning and are the last ones to turn out the lights in the evening.

The classified staff development plan rewards individuals by allowing them to advance professionally in the district based on taking college hours or continuing education courses.

The meeting included approval of a long list of bids from both competitive bids and state-approved vendors.

Bids approved included:

  • $24,434 worth of band instruments from MidWest Music and $15,776 from Woodwind & Brasswind from capital outlay funds.

  • $10,527.12 for floor covering from Thomas Flooring for the Vocational Program's Building Trades home. The money comes from a revolving account that is replenished each year by the sale of the Building Trades home.

  • Three pickups for the Operations Department. Bids approved included a pickup with service body for $25,300 from Lubbers Chevrolet, a three-quarter ton pickup from Lubbers for $19,188 and a half-ton pickup from Lubbers for $20,220.

  • Concrete work for $14,344 from Gus Meschke for projects at Graber Elementary School and for $8,997 for parking at Hutchinson High School.

  • Stair tower painting at HMS-7 and HMS-8. Robinson Art was awarded the bid of $13,120 for each facility, totaling $26,240 for both projects.

  • Renewed worker's compensation insurance with Fee Insurance Group for $236,418, an increase of $3,914. Employee safety improved in USD 308 during 2006. Had the district not improved its safety performance, the bid would have been $12,895 higher.

  • Approved a bid for catastrophic student accident insurance from Student Assurance/Charlton Manley for $20,024.48.

  • Approved the purchase of 150 Apple iPod Nano's for $37,942.50. The iPod Nanos will be used with the new reading curriculum adoption.

  • Approved the purchase of four-channel headphone amplifiers from Midwest Electronics for $10,492.50 to be used with the new reading curriculum adoption.

  • Approved the purchase of medical carts and miscellaneous equipment for district nurses for $10,058.66 from School Health Corp.

  • Approved the purchase of chairs, desks, tables, a paper cutter, map rails and a bulletin Board from Roberts Hutch Line for use at HMS-7 for $11,846.21.

The Board also held executive sessions, totaling 40 minutes, to discuss negotiations, non-elected personnel and preliminary discussions for land acquisition.

Personnel Report

The Board approved the following personnel changes in the district.

Certified

Hired

  • Linda Parker, Grade 6, McCandless Elementary

  • Belita Birzer, Extended School Year Speech Language Pathologist, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Janice Ebmeier, Head Start Teacher, Hutcherson Center

  • Colleen Jones, Special Education – Interrelated Resource Room, McCandless Elementary

  • Anne Potucek, Extended School Year Speech Pathologist, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Amy Replogle, Head Start Teacher, Hutcherson Center

  • Sarah Rodriguez, Assistant Coach Volleyball, HMS-7

  • Jodi Ruda, Extended School Year Speech Language Pathologist, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Jennifer Stokely, Grade 3, Faris Elementary

  • Dorothy Zimmerman, Special Education – Interrelated Resource Room, McCandless Elementary

Resignation

  • Trisha Burgey (contingent upon finding a suitable replacement), Grades 2 and 3, Faris Elementary

  • Shirley Yoder, Assistant Coach Girls' Basketball, Hutchinson Middle School

Classified

Hired

  • Kristin Barb, Extended Year/Summer School Para, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Yowanda Gardner, Custodian, HMS-8

Resignations

  • Jason Kazar, ISS Supervisor, HMS-8, effective May 25, 2006

  • Jeannette Venable, Head Start Food Service Assistant, Hutcherson Center, effective May 26, 2006

Position Change, From, To

  • Carolyn Davies, Custodian/HMS-8, Custodian/Wiley, effective June 21, 2006

  • Howard Rush, Grounds Crew/Maintenance, Grounds Supervisor/Maintenance, effective July 1, 2006

Gift to Schools

The Board approved the following gift to schools.

  • $500 from the Communities That Care program for participating in the Community Youth Development Study to McCandless Elementary School

Next Meeting

The next regular Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. July 10. The meeting will be the Board's annual reorganizational meeting in which it elects officers for the 2006-07 school term and handles routine appointments.

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June 12, 2006
Board approves agreement aha! Process

The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education Monday, June 12, 2006, approved a third year of work with a company known for its strategies for working with low-income students.

The agreement represents is the third and final year of work between district staff and Ruby Payne's internationally known aha! Process Inc. Payne, herself, has made several presentations to USD 308 staff. During the 2006-07 school term, staff from aha! Process will provide the district technical assistance.

The Board also discussed for 90 minutes but did not act on the district's Master Facility Plan. The plan is the result of more than three years of work by the Board in conjunction with staff, community members and the DLR Group.

The Board will revisit the Master Facility Plan at its June 28 meeting.

In other action, the Board:

  • Heard a Baldrige Moment from Hutchinson Middle School.

  • Approved the 2007 program agreement between the district and the Kansas Department of Education for the National School Lunch Program, Special Milk Program, After-School Care Snack Program and Cash-in-lieu-of Commodities.

  • Granted easements for the city of Hutchinson for the reverse osmosis water treatment plant waterline projects.

  • Approved a subcontract agreement with Reading is Fundamental, Inc.

  • Approved the purchase of 228 laptop computers and 14 laptop carts to support Odyssey learning and reading support software.

  • Declared 915 five-year-old computers surplus and then approving a bid from IT Source/Apollon Computers to buy the aging computers for $78,934.34. The computers are being replaced as part of a scheduled computer hardware upgrade.

  • Approved a bid from MIS Technologies to purchase and install 63 ceiling-mounted LCD projectors in designated secondary schools.

  • Approved a bid from Klein Industrial Electric to install 66 ceiling electrical outlets.

  • Approved a bid for $60,830 from MIS Technologies for 35 electronic interactive whiteboards.

  • Approved a bid from Apple Computer for $170,529.55 for the purchase of a network data backup system.

  • Approved the purchase of Apple servers and laptops for the Technology Department.

  • Approved the purchase of a software upgrade for the district's six-year-old Kronos electronic collection system. The Kronos system is an electronic version of the former “punch clocks” hourly employees once used to track hours worked.

  • Vote to republish the district budget to take advantage of $19,157 in additional special education funds to which the district is entitled.

  • Approved an interagency agreement with the Kansas Children's Service League for Early Head Start Services.

  • Approved the purchase of toddler-sized playground equipment for the Hutcherson Center to use during playgroup and other outdoor activities.

  • Approved a service agreement with Aramark Uniform Services to provide towels, dust mops, aprons and shirts.

  • Held executive sessions, totaling 30 minutes, to discuss non-elected personnel and negotiations.

Personnel Report

The Board approved the following personnel changes.

Certified

Hired

  • Roxane Cline, Math Teacher, Hutchinson Middle School

  • Loretta Dieker, Extended School Year Teacher, Hutchinson High School

  • Rebecca Downs, Speech Language Pathologist, Educational Service Center

  • Annette Emmert, Extended School Year Teacher, Hutchinson High School

  • Kelsey Farley, Rule X - Assistant Coach Cheerleading, Hutchinson Middle School

  • Mary Flores, Extended School Year Teacher, Hutchinson High School

  • Joseph Godina, Assistant Coach Girls' Golf, Hutchinson High School

  • Laura Hartley, Grade 2, McCandless Elementary

  • Phyllis Hoppes, Extended School Year Teacher, HMS at Allen

  • Tonya Neville, Grade 2, Lincoln Elementary

  • Kelly Patterson, Building Trades Teacher, Vocational Technical Center

  • Jerry Patton, Interdisciplinary Team Teacher, Bob Johnson Youth Center

  • Angela Peppiatt, Grade 4, McCandless Elementary

  • Tiffany Peterson, Summer School Teacher, HMS at Allen

  • Alice Schmidt Boyd, Extended School Year Teacher, HMS at Allen

  • Angela Sroufe, Special Education Teacher, Lincoln Elementary

  • Letha Warner, Assistant Principal, McCandless Elementary

  • Elizabeth Bennin, Communications Multi-Media, Hutchinson Middle School

  • Mary Brillhart, Math, Hutchinson Middle School

  • Maranda Bryant, Grade 5, McCandless Elementary

  • Mary Hutton, Grade 4, Lincoln Elementary

  • Rylee Foster, Grade 4, Morgan Elementary

  • Shelley Rodriguez, Grade 5, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Andrea Urban, Special Education – ED, McCandless Elementary

Resignations

  • Travis Conaway, Rule X-Assistant Coach Wrestling, Hutchinson Middle School

  • Sara Conner, Rule X-Head Coach Volleyball, Hutchinson Middle School

  • Sean Harper, Rule X-Assistant Coach Football, Hutchinson High School

  • Kyle Keast, Rule X-Assistant Coach Football, Hutchinson High School

  • Kara Lambertus, Rule X-Assistant Coach Cheerleading, Hutchinson Middle School

  • Tyson Meyers, Rule X-Assistant Coach Wrestling, Hutchinson Middle School

  • Casey Stiggins, Assistant Coach Softball, Hutchinson High School

  • Lana Vogts, Assistant Coach Girls' Basketball, Hutchinson High School

Positions Changes From, To

  • Jorena McFadden, Math/Hutchinson Middle School-8, Helping Teacher/Hutchinson Middle School

  • Vicki Smith, Special Education/McCandless Elementary, Special Education/Graber

  • Linda Perrin, Head Start Teacher/Hutcherson Center, Special Education Kindergarten Consultant, Education Services Center

  • Nancy Prieb, Special Education/McCandless Elementary, Special Education/Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

Classified

Hired

  • Julie Alexander, Extended Year School Para, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Donna Bugner, Summer School Para, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Sheri Corwin, Extended Year School Para, Hutchinson High School

  • Ellie DeHaven, Extended Year School Para, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Sara Fast, Extended Year School Para, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Marilyn Forbes, Summer School Para, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Mandy Franklin, Extended Year School Para, Hutchinson High School

  • Carolyn Gamble, Summer School Para, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Nancy Guisinger, Summer School Para, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Elizabeth Hartshorn, Extended Year School Para, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Della Janzen, Summer School Para, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Jamie Light, Extended Year School Para, Hutchinson High School

  • Georgia Link, Summer School Para, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Penny Lovett, Summer School Para, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Lisha Monaghan, Extended Year School Para, Hutchinson High School

  • Michelle Mora, Summer School Para, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Debra Nienke, Extended Year School Para, Hutchinson High School

  • Christina Rose, Summer School Para, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Janet Simmons, Summer School Para, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Karen Sweeden, Extended Year School Para, Hutchinson High School

  • Chris Whitley, Summer School Para, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Maxine Woelzlein, Extended Year School Para, Hutchinson High School

  • Catherine Jones, OHI Para, Holy Cross

  • Cyunthia Kroeker, Extended Year School Para, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Earl Vines, Extended Year School Para, Hutchinson High School

Resignations

  • Janett Barkman, PT Para, ESC, effective May 25, 2006

  • Sharon Crawford, Night Custodian, Wiley, effective June 2, 2006

  • Chelsea Dickey, Child/Teacher Support Aide, Hutcherson Center, effective May 25, 2006

  • Randy Evans, Grounds Supervisor, Maintenance, effective June 30, 2006

  • Dalia Garcia, ECSE, Hutcherson Center, effective May 25, 2006

  • Sherry Gibson, LD Para, HMS-7, effective May 25, 2006

  • Michael Mann, Custodian, HMS-8, effective May 19, 2006

  • Kristin Morris, MR Para, Graber, effective May 25, 2006

  • Erin Wolf, ECSE Para, Hutcherson Center, effective May 23, 2006

  • Marlene O'Connor, LD Para, Holy Cross, effective May 25, 2006

  • Mildred Page, SMH Para, Faris, effective May 25, 2006

Positions Changes From, To

  • Cheri Mullen-Hastert, LD Para/HMS 8, OHI Para/HMS-8, effective Aug. 15, 2006

  • Steve Reimer, Full Time Custodian / Hutchinson High School, Head Elementary Custodian / Wiley, effective May 15, 2006



 

Gifts to Schools

The Board formally accepted the following gifts and thanked the donors.

Various gifts totaling $6,070 from the Faris PTO to students and staff at Faris Elementary School

  • Series of Time-Life History of the World books valued at $108.09 from Dr. and Mrs. Michael Dobbs to HMS-7

  • $500 from the Communities That Care Youth Survey to Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • $458.76 from Lifetouch National School Studios to Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Donations totaling $792.19 from Target to McCandless Elementary School

  • $300 from the Charles E. Carey Memorial Fund to the McCandless Reading is Fundamental Fund

  • $767.29 from the Hutchinson Community Foundation to Graber Elementary School for the Dillon Fun Run

  • $300 from Ronn and Annie Roehm for the library and Accelerated Reader Program at Graber Elementary School

  • Various gifts totaling $6,227.12 from the Graber PTO to students and staff at Graber Elementary School

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Board will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday June 28. The June 28 meeting is the final meeting for the 2005-06 fiscal year.

 

May 22, 2006
Board accepts Steering Committee report

The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education Monday (May 22, 2006) accepted the report from the Master Facility Plan Steering Committee.

The committee, which met over 13 months to gain public input on the plan, recommended the Board move forward to a bond issue with the majority of work contained in the Master Facility Plan. Dorothy Barnett, USD 308 parent, made the presentation on behalf of the committee.

The Board will take a close look at the plan and the committee's recommendations during meetings in June. Members voted to have a special study session at 7:30 p.m. June 5 in the Administration Center.

The committee made the following recommendations.

  1. The Committee recommends that the USD 308 Board of Education schedule a bond election to be held at the time of the general election in November 2006.

  2. In this bond, the Committee recommends that the following items from the Facility Master Plan be included:

    1. The building of Library/Media Centers at seven elementary schools and renovation of the Library/Media Center at Hutchinson High School

    2. The renovation of and addition to the Vo-Tech Academy at Hutchinson High School

    3. Additional elementary classroom space at USD 308 elementary schools

    4. Expanded science labs at HMS-7, HMS-8, and HHS

    5. The addition of dedicated special education space

    6. Renovation of and addition to parking areas and improvement of traffic flow around school buildings

    7. The construction of a Fine Arts Center at HHS

    8. Renovation of classrooms, auditorium and cafeteria at HHS

    9. Renovation of physical education classroom and locker room space at HHS

These improvements would cost an estimated $86 million. If the these improvements were paid with a 25-year bond, the additional cost over current school taxes for a homeowner of a $75,000 home would be less than $5 a month.

Additionally, members Jeff Nichols and David Hindman met with staff from The DLR Group and building administrators to review the Master Facility Plan on May 15. Nichols and Hindman reported to the Board no major changes were suggested.

Also during Monday's meeting, the Board approved an energy management agreement with Energy Education Inc. By educating district staff, the company projects savings for the district of nearly $1.3 million over seven years.

Because the cost of the program is contingent on the savings, the district should have no financial risk.

The Board also approved modest increases in school meal prices in the district. Lunch prices for students would increase a dime a meal while breakfast prices would increase a nickel. Adult prices would increase by 15 cents.

Even with the increase, the district's lunch prices will be below the 2005-06 prices for all other public school districts in Reno County. Breakfast prices will be comparable to the other districts as well.

The Board also voted to move forward with an innovative program to help teachers who are new to USD 308. The New Teacher Induction Program will help teachers new to the district make the jump from their college studies or another district to USD 308. The new teachers will be provided with additional assistance from the district, from their schools and from professional development.

In other action, the Board:

  • Approved renewal of the One Page Planning and Performance System.

  • Approved the standard contract addendum to state form DA-146a.

  • Approved the purchase of an Ascension Portable Wheelchair Lift for the district.

  • Approved adopting Handwriting Without Tears as the district's formal handwriting program.

  • Received a proposal on supplemental salaries.

  • Approved bids for sheet vinyl and installation at Hutchinson Middle School – 7 and Hutchinson Middle School – 8 and for a winged mower.

  • Held executive sessions, totaling 25 minutes, to discuss negotiations and non-elected personnel.

Gifts to Schools

The Board accepted the following gifts to schools.

  • $350 from the Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen PTA to the school for the Dr. Gizmo science assembly

  • $165 from the Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen PTA to the school for a down payment on the Windy City Players performance

  • $357 from the Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen PTA to the school for intermediate planners/school agendas for the 2006-07 school year

Personnel Report

The Board accepted the following personnel changes in the district.

Certified

Hired

  • Alicia McClure, Elementary Teacher, McCandless Elementary

  • Donita Mendenhall, Summer School Teacher, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

Resignations

  • Mary Brillhart, Summer School Teacher, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Michelle Collins, Head Start Teacher, Hutcherson Center

  • Jeanne Goodman, Special Education Teacher, McCandless Elementary

  • Sandra Kemper, Speech Pathologist, Educational Services Center

  • Carol McLean, English, Hutchinson High School

  • Connie Kersenbrock, Mental Health Coordinator, Hutcherson Center

  • Kevin Kneisley, Broadcast Journalism, Vocational Center

  • Cindy Knox, Assistant Coach Girls' Basketball, Hutchinson High School

  • Kathryn Waltner, Head Start Teacher, Hutcherson Center

Position Changes From, To

  • Antoinette Root, Interrelated Team/Bob Johnson, Social Studies/Hutchinson High School

  • Jennifer Winters, Grade 4/McCandless Elementary, Grade 3/Morgan Elementary

  • Connie Friesen, Grade 4/McCandless Elementary, Grade 5/Avenue A

  • Shelley Harper, Special Education/Graber, Special Education/Hutchinson Middle School

  • Gary Hogan, Interrelated Team Teacher/Bob Johnson Youth Center, Interrelated Team Teacher (0.7)-P.E. (0.3)/Bob Johnson Youth Center-Faris Elementary

  • Barbara Redetzke, Grade 4/Morgan, Reading Support/Lincoln-Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

Classified

Hired

  • Rosalia Ibarra, Head Start Bilingual Family Support Worker, Hutcherson Center

  • Kristen Minnis, Day Care Substitute, HHS Day Care Center

  • Christopher Schroeder, Family Support Worker, Hutcherson Center

  • Timothy Davis, Custodian, Hutchinson High School

  • Ginger Dingman, Head Start Teacher Assistant Substitute, Hutcherson Center

  • Shauna Eash, Vocational Student Services Secretary, Vocational Center

  • April Gajewski, Custodian, Hutchinson High School

Resignations

  • Kathleen Allen, MR Para, Hutchinson High School, effective May 25, 2006

  • Margaret Buchanan, Hearing Impaired Para, Wiley Elementary, effective April 18, 2006

  • Cheryl Cunningham, Family Support Worker, Head Start, effective March 30, 2006

  • Amber Dreiling, Head Fruits and Vegetables, Lincoln Elementary, effective May 12, 2006

  • Donna Ferguson, Custodian, Hutchinson High School, effective May 3, 2006

  • Stacy Karraker, ED Para, McCandless Elementary, effective May 25, 2006

  • Andrea King, MR Para, Graber Elementary, effective May 25, 2006

  • Melisa Hoskinson, LD Para, Wiley Elementary, effective May 25, 2006

Next Meeting

The next regular- Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. June 12. The Board will have a study session on the Master Facility Plan at 7:30 p.m. June 5 in the Administration Center.

 

May 8, 2006
Durham to continue providing bus services

The Hutchinson Public Schools will continue its long term relationship with Durham School Services to provide student transportation for the district.

At the Board of Education meeting Monday (May 8, 2006), members accepted the low bid from Durham. Also bidding on the contract in 2006 was Laidlaw, another national student transportation company.

The Board approved a three-year contract with Durham, written to meet state law on multi-year contracts.

Additionally, the Board approved extending the district's relationship with Pepsi as the district's exclusive provider for soft drinks. Area bottlers for both Pepsi and Coke submitted proposals.

Unlike past agreements, the new agreement will cover USD 308, Gowans Stadium and Hutchinson Community College, pending the approval by HCC and the Educational Facility Authority of Reno County.

In 2004-05, the reimbursement from Pepsi under the current contract to USD 308 was $16,436.40, which was used for a variety of district activities. Recent moves nationally, however, to limit the types of beverages sold to students may reduce that amount in future years.

In other action, the Board:

  • Heard a Baldrige Moment from Wiley Elementary School.

  • Approved bids for floor covering at Wiley, lunch room tables at McCandless, desks and chairs for the districts, tables for the district and paper.

  • Approved an agreement to host a Kagan Professional Development Structures for Success Institute June 19 to 22.

  • Approved the 2006-07 agreement for athletic training services with Pinnacle Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics. The agreement reflects a $3,000 increase of the current year.

  • Approved an annual subscription with Renaissance Learning Place to provide web-based programs for Accelerated Reader, English in a Flash and Star Reader. English in a Flash is used for guided practice for English language learners. First year costs for the program are $24,829.84. The second year expense for the programs is expect to be about $10,000.

  • Approved a lease-purchase agreement for the district's purchase of Compaq computers with Bank of America.

  • Approved a 2006 addendum to the real estate lease with New Beginnings.

  • Held an executive session for 30 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel, consultation with its attorney and negotiations.

Recognitions

The Board awarded the following students a Special Recognition Certificate for their involvement in the Boys and Girls Club After School Tutoring Program and the Communities That Care Program.

  • Danica Tomlin, Boys and Girls Club After School Tutoring Program for the 2005-06 school year

  • Ashley Field, Boys and Girls Club After School Tutoring Program for the 2005-06 school year

  • Briana Starks, Boys and Girls Club After School Tutoring Program for the 2005-06 school year

  • Estela Ocon, Strengthening Families Facilitator

  • Angie Ko, Communities That Care Board Member

  • Desirae Sheffler, Communities That Care Board Member and Strengthening Families Facilitator

  • Danielle Benson, Strengthening Families Facilitator and Tutor at the Boys and Girls Club

  • Audree Blakesley, Communities That Care Board Member and Strengthening Families Facilitator

Gifts to Schools

The Board formally accepted the following gifts to schools.

Certified

Hired

  • Judy Brown, K-1 At-Risk, Wiley Elementary

  • Brad Specht, Boys' Head Basketball Coach/PE, Hutchinson High School

  • Eloise Anderson, Summer School Teacher, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Mary Brillhart, Summer School Teacher, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Theresa Brown, Summer School Teacher, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Kelly Curry, Summer School Teacher, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Ellie DeHaven, Special Education Teacher, Lincoln Elementary

  • Justina Denison, Summer School Teacher, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Sharon Ensz, Grade 5, Graber Elementary

  • Kristy Farley, Summer School Teacher, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Marti Higdon, Elementary Teacher, Graber Elementary

  • Nancy Krafels, Grade 2 (0.2), Wiley Elementary

  • Patricia Lillard, Summer School Teacher, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Lova McMahon, Special Education Teacher, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Jeri Miller, Summer School Teacher, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Peggy Miller, Summer School Teacher, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Barbara Phillips, Summer School Teacher, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Clinton Rodriguez, Summer School Teacher, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Suzann Shea, Summer School Teacher, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Leslie Specht, Elementary Teacher, Elementary Building

  • Rebecca Stiles, Summer School Teacher, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Emily Strobel, Grade 6, Wiley Elementary

  • Martin Vieyra, Summer School Teacher, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Gayle Wilson, Summer School Teacher, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen


 

Resignations

  • Shannon Hendricks, Special Education, Educational Service Center

  • Holly Higbee, Grade 6, McCandless Elementary

  • Amanda Hogan, Grade 3, Morgan Elementary

  • Peggy Hallack, Special Education Teacher, Hutchinson Middle School

Position Changes, From, To



 

  • Cheri Horyna, Library Media Specialist/HMS-8, Library Media Specialist/HHS

  • Mary Smith, Assistant Principal/McCandless, Assistant Director of Special Education/ESC

Classified

Hired

  • Leesa Bedoe, Hearing Impaired Para, Wiley Elementary

  • Timothy Davis, Custodian, HHS

  • Analiza Haag, Food Service Substitute, District

  • Amy Sneath, Para Substitute, Graber

Resignations

  • Jennifer Angell, LD Para, Holy Cross, effective April 21, 2006

  • Sara Apps (Guerian) Head Start Child/Teacher Support Aide, Head Start at Union Valley, effective May 26, 2006

  • Ellie DeHaven, MR Para, Lincoln, effective May 25, 20060

Retirement

  • Kay Schmidt, Gifted Para, HMS-8, effective May 26, 2006

Terminations

  • Gerald Mills, Custodian, HHS, effective April 28, 2006

  • Roberta Scheminske, Custodian, ESC, effective April 28, 2006

Next Meeting

The next Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. May 22.

 

April 24, 2006
Board honors 25-year teachers

The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education Monday (April 24, 2006) honored 10 educators who have been serving Kansas children for 25 years.

The teachers were Pam Adams, kindergarten teacher at McCandless Elementary School; Phil Anderson, sociology/U.S. history teacher at Hutchinson High School; Kristin Anshutz, English teacher at HHS; Sue Brax, second grade teacher at Wiley Elementary School; Al Kolarik, business technology teacher for the HHS Vocational Center; Viriginia Mayfield, art teacher at HHS; Linda Perrin, Head Start teacher; Lora Randolph, counselor at Graber Elementary School; Donna Thiessen, kindergarten teacher at Faris Elementary School; and Diana Wilson, special needs teacher at HHS.

The teachers were honored with certificates from the University of Kansas.

The Board also took another step to refresh technology within the district. The Board approved replacing Windows-based computers that are nearly five years old.

The 1,159 replacement computers will cost $1,485,808.40 with the prices that are nearly 15 percent below the state of Kansas contract. Larry Frederick, district director of technology, attributed the lower prices to work by Hutchinson-based NMGI Inc.

The prices today are 25 percent less for machines that are more than twice as powerful than five years ago.

A year ago the district refreshed its Apple computers.

In November 2000, USD 308 voters approved a $4.7 million bond issue to upgrade technology in the district. At that time, the Board promised to regularly refresh technology within the district.

In other action, the Board:

  • Approved the 2006-07 cooperative purchasing agreement with the Southeast Education Service Center in Greenbush. This agreement allows the district to purchase supplies on a just-in-time basis.

  • Approved vending machine agreements for Wiley and Morgan Elementary schools. The vending machines will not be placed in student areas.

  • Approved an agreement with Stephanie Augustine to provide dental hygiene services for Head Start.

  • Approved the 2006-07l software license renewal contract for Skyward, the districts business office software, for $26,708, an increase of $708 from the current year.

  • Heard a report on summer maintenance projects in the district.

  • Approved a bid for 1,700 yards of carpet for HMS-7 and HMS-8 from Country Carpet Inc. for the state contracted amount of $31,450.

  • Approved a bid of $11,365 from Creative Floors to refinish the HMS-8 gym floor.

  • Approved a bid of $16,475 from Zenor Electric for certain lighting upgrades at HHS.

  • Approved a carpet installation bid of $13,134 from Ediger Enterprises to install carpet at HMS-7 and HMS-8.

  • Approved a bid to purchase and install vinyl flooring in the Lincoln Elementary School kitchen for $12,408.50 from Ediger Enterprises.

  • Approved a bid of $10,460 from A&A Builders for a stair addition at Wiley Elementary School's stage area.

  • Approved recommendations from the Purchasing Committee on accepted practices within the district.

  • Approved sale of the Building Trades house at 705 West 31st for the full asking price of the home of $192,200.

  • Held an executive session for 25 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel and negotiations.

  • Approved Resolution 2006-026 to non-renew the contract of non-tenured teacher Melinda Slane.

Personnel Report

Certified

Hired

  • Kyle Welliver, Physical Education, Morgan Elementary School

Resignation

  • Jennifer Young, Grade 5, Avenue A Elementary School

Retirements

  • Joan Hopping, Grade 4, Graber Elementary School

  • Jerry Beasley, World History/Government, Hutchinson High School

Position Changes, From, To

  • Barbary Manny, Grades 2-3/Lincoln, Grade 1/Faris

  • Cassie Sturgeon, Grade 2/McCandless, Grade 4/Graber

  • Bonita Ballard, Grade 1/Graber, Reading-Literature/Hutchinson Middle School

Classified

Hired

  • Hannah Emig, Head Start Substitute, Head Start

  • Rachelle Olson, Base Kitchen Cook/Server, Hutchinson High School

  • Tommy Wilson, Custodian, Hutchinson High School

  • Barbara Youngblood, Food Service Substitute, District

  • Angela Gonzales, Long-Term Teacher Assistant Substitute, Head Start/South Hutchinson

Resignations

  • Ginger Redd, LD Para, HMS-8, effective May 25, 2006

  • Michelle Sanchez-Woodson, MR Para, Graber Elementary School, effective April 17, 2006

  • Tana Weber, Head Start Teacher Assistant, Head Start at Fairfield West in Sylvia, effective May 26, 2006

  • Lori Knoeber, Gifted Para, HMS-8, effective May 3, 2006

Termination

  • Shari Engel, LD Para, HMS-7, effective April 11, 2006

Gifts to Schools

  • $100 from NMGI Group to the Hutchinson Public Schools Endowment Fund

  • $1,500 from the Rotary Club of Hutchinson to USD 308 for

 

USD 308 News Release
620-665-4429
April 10, 2006

Board moves forward with efficiency proposal

The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education Monday (April 10, 2006) took another step toward consolidating support services under one roof, a move that is expected to bring additional efficiencies to the district.

The Board approved a contract with The DLR Group of Overland Park to provide professional services for a building addition to the Support Services Center at 815 West 4th. The $55,670 contract is about $36,000 less than what normally would be charged for professional services on a project of that size. The DLR Group has worked with USD 308 to develop its Master Facility Plan.

The proposal brought to the Board effectively completes a district goal of the past several years to bring maintenance, warehouse and food service functions all under one roof. When the the Support Services Center was opened just over two years ago in a former truck dealership, the old maintenance facility on the Hutchinson Community College campus was closed and much of the warehouse was moved from 732 East 1st.

The new SSC, however, does not currently have enough room for all the warehouse needs and food service storage. The proposed 10,300-square-foot addition would provide that space.

District staff outlined that once approval is given, they will use district employees to accomplish some of the work, saving patrons money. A similar arrangement was used for the renovation of the SSC in 2003 and 2004.

Once completed, the district expects to be able to close the former Grandview School facility, now used for cold storage, as well as the district's old warehouse. The Reno County Educational Cooperative's day school, currently at Grandview, also will have to move.

The proposal fits in with the district's move to a “just-in-time” ordering system that has reduced the amount of space needed for long-term storage and brought additional efficiency to district operations.

The total cost of the proposal, to be paid with district capital outlay funds, would be $1.4 million. The Board voted 4-1 in favor of the proposal with Board Member Bill Drews opposing the motion.

Also during Monday's meeting, the Board approved a proposal many district patrons had requested for paying for fees, meals and other expenses. The district approved a contract with Bank of Kansas to allow patrons to pay using credit and debit cards.

While the type of payment is new to USD 308, many Class 6A schools in Kansas allow the credit/debit forms of payment.

In other action, the Board:

  • Recognized John Brown, long-time district science teacher, for winning the Elmer “Carp” Carpenter Award from the Kansas Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.

  • Heard a Baldrige Moments report from Morgan Elementary School.

  • Approved a summer food program with the Kansas Department of Education.

  • Approved a Head Start program agreement with Horizons Mental Health Center.

  • Approved the annual renewal of the district subscription to the EBSCO On-Line Periodical Database.

  • Approved renewal in both the Kansas Association of School Boards and the organization's Legal Assistance Fund.

  • Approved a new textbook series for the Hutchinson High School theater and drama program. Textbooks were last approved for the program in 1985.

  • Approved discontinuing transportation of students from the Winans area to other district schools. This year's sixth grade class was the final class promised transportation after the building was closed. Only two sixth graders are taking advantage of the transportation.

  • Held executive sessions, totaling 30 minutes, to discuss non-elected personnel and negotiations.

Personnel Report

The Board approved the following changes.

Certified

Hired

  • Myron Ellegood, Physical Education, Hutchinson Middle School

  • Jessica Estes, Grade 6, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Roy Freeman, Math, Hutchinson Middle School

  • Scott Stuhlsatz, Special Education, Hutchinson Middle School

  • Erica Meadows, Head Coach Cheerleading, Hutchinson Middle School

Resignations

  • Amanda Caley, Special Education Teacher, Lincoln

  • Cary Carter, Head Start Teacher, Hutcherson Center

  • Karen Goken, Head Start Teacher, Hutcherson Center

  • Tucker Snider, Reading, Hutchinson Middle School

  • Phil Anderson, Head Coach Boys' Basketball, Hutchinson High School

  • James Cotton, Rule X – Head Coach Wrestling, Hutchinson Middle School

Resolution 2006-025

Intent to Non-Renew a Non-Tenured Teacher

  • Melinda Slane, Grade 5, McCandless

Classified Employees

Hired

  • Brenda Franklin, LD Para, Lincoln

  • Jamie Light, SMH Para, HHS

  • Donna Ferguson, Custodian, HHS

  • Cherise Kelley, Playground Aide, Graber

Resignations

  • Stephanie Cumming, Playground Aide, Graber, effective March 23, 2006

  • Kaleena Johnson, MR Para, Graber, effective March 29, 2006

  • Brett Stafford, Custodian, HHS, effective April 17, 2006

Termination

  • Stacy Goss, LD Para, Lincoln

Gifts to Schools

The Board formally accepted the following gifts to schools.

  • $275 from the Charles E. Carey Memorial Fund for the Faris Elementary School Reading Is Fundamental Program

  • $864.47 for a playground geodome, $100 for supplies for each classroom teacher and $50 for each support staff for classroom materials and supplies at Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen’s PTA

  • $410 from Lifetouch National School Studios to Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • $828 from the School Mall program to the Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen for student participation in a magazine campaign

  • $92.25 from Target’s Take Charge of Education program to Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • $300 from the Charles E. Carey Memorial Fund for the Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen Reading Is Fundamental Program

  • $149.21 from Target’s Take Charge of Education program to Lincoln Elementary School

  • $300 from the Charles E. Carey Memorial Fund for the Lincoln Elementary School Reading Is Fundamental Program

  • Grants to five district teachers from the Celebrating Academic Success with Hutchinson Credit Union grant program. Teachers receiving the grants are Janet Davis, Hutchinson High School; Denise Neighbors, Faris Elementary School; Dori Schneider, Morgan Elementary School; Terri Baumchen, Graber Elementary School; and Pam Johnston, Faris Elementary School.

Next meetings

  • April 21, 2006, Building Tours, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

  • April 24, 2006, Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Board Room 

-- 
Ray Hemman,
Public Information Officer
Hutchinson Public Schools
1520 North Plum
P.O. Box 1908
Hutchinson, KS 67504-1908

District Website: www.usd308.com

Telephone: 620.665.4429
Fax: 620.665.4497

Our mission
Today and tomorrow: committed to excellence for all.

 

March 27, 2006
Board declares March Youth Art Month

The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education Monday (March 27, 2006) declared March “Youth Art Month” to celebrate the positive impact of art on education.

Monday's meeting began with a presentation from Sondra Horning and Teddy Gingerich, elementary art teachers, detailing Youth Art Month activities around the district. The Board also saw samples of district elementary artworks by student artists.

Youth Art Month has been celebrated nationally since 1961.

In other action, the the Board:

  • Heard a Baldrige Moment report from Graber Elementary School.

  • Approved a list of surplus equipment for this year's government auction, which will be 9 a.m. April 22 on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.

  • Tabled the district transportation plan, asking for more information from staff.

  • Approved the purchase of a rebuilt car for $11,825.50 from the Hutchinson High School Vocational Center for use as a district car.

  • Approved a quote for proposal of insurance from Hutchinson's Fee Insurance Group for district insurance for 2006 for $118,201, a 0.67 percent increase over 2005.

  • Approved district policy and guidelines for the use of automatic external defribrillators.

  • Approved hiring of administrators for 2006-07 after executive sessions totaling 80 minutes.

Personnel Report

Certified

Hired

  • Heidi Delaney, Assistant Track Coach, Hutchinson Middle School

  • Carolyn Deal, Special Education, Hutchinson High School

  • Kimberly Workman, Science, Hutchinson High School

Resignations

  • Kim Ellis, Head Coach Girls’ Basketball, Hutchinson Middle School

  • Cheryl Wardlaw, Gifted Education, Trinity High School

  • Michelle Duskin, K-1 at Risk, Wiley Elementary School

  • James Richerson, Grade 5, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Julie Siller, Grade 6, Morgan Elementary School

  • Jon Vance, High School Teacher, Hutchinson High School

Retirements

  • Donna Howell, Physical Education, Morgan Elementary School

  • Collette McGuire, Grade 1, Faris Elementary School

  • William McKay, Social Worker, Educational Service Center

  • Douglas Mitchell, Supervisor of Support Services, Warehouse

Position Changes, From, To

  • Cynthia Bowman, Library Media Specialist/Hutchinson High School, Technology Education Support Teacher/Technology Support Center

  • Stephen Gauthier, Grade 4/Graber, Technology Education Support Teacher/Technology Support Center

  • Monica Nelson, Math/Hutchinson Middle School, Technology Education Support Teacher/Technology Support Center

  • Sarah Rodriguez, Special Education/McCandless Elementary School, General Education/McCandless Elementary School

  • Thelma Jean Rowland, Computers-Title I/Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen and Avenue A Elementary School, Technology Education Support Teacher/Technology Support Center

  • Kimberly Theede, Collaborative Teacher/Head Start, Grade 1/Lincoln

  • Theresa Brown, Reading Support-Technology/Faris, Reading-Literacy Coach/Administration Center

  • Heidi Eschliman, Special Education/Lincoln, Interrelated Adaptive Resource Room/Graber

  • Cynthia Krafels, Computers-Title I/McCandless, Title I-Math/McCandless

Classified

Hired

  • Stacey Goss, LD Para, Lincoln Elementary School

  • Beatrice Hays, Cafeteria Aide, Hutchinson High School

  • Marilyn Johnson, LD Para, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Khalilah Matallah, Family Support Worker, Hutcherson Center, effective March 9, 2006

  • Claudia Devine, Family Support Worker, Hutcherson Center

Retirement

  • Harlan Beal, Custodian, Wiley Elementary School

Resignation

  • Khalilah Matallah, Family Support Worker, Hutcherson Center, effective March 13, 2006

  • Jodie Rawlins, MR Para, HMS-8, effective March 31, 2006

Position Changes, From, To

  • Janean Nusz, Computer Support Technician/Technology Support Center, Help Desk Facilitator/Technology Support Center, effective July 1, 2006

  • Roberta Scheminske, Food Service/HMS-8, Custodian/Educational Service Center, effective March 6, 2006

Gifts to Schools

  • Numerous Kansas Centennial items donated by John Brown to Graber Elementary School

  • $1,000 from the Dee and David Dillon Donor Advised Fund to the Hutchinson Public Schools Endowment Fund

  • 20 gifts, totaling $10,650.13 from various community members, to Hutchinson High School from Nov. 16, 2005, through Feb. 28, 2006

Next Meetings

  • April 10, 2006, Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Board Room

  • April 21, 2006, Building Tours, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.


 

 

Feb. 27, 2006

Board approves communication arts series

The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education Monday (Feb. 27, 2006) approved the recommendations of the District Curriculum Council for new communication arts series.

The Board approved the Pearson Scott Foresman series for pre-kindergarten through elementary grades and the Holt, Rinehart & Winston series for secondary students.

The council and communication arts committees that reviewed the different series over the past 18 months were impressed with the integration both series provided between printed and electronic materials. Both companies also offer extensive staff development for the adoption.

The adoption for the district's nearly 4,800 students will cost $574,781.05.

A related motion approved by the Board limits price increases the district could face for consumables – specifically workbooks – provided in the Pearson Scott Foresman series for elementary students. After the first three years in which there will be no price increases, prices will not increase more than 19 percent through 2012.

The Board also approved the summer school program for 2006. The program, titled “Summer Scholars” will be July 5 through 28 at Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen. The program will have sessions Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon.

The goal of the program will be to give Title I students a head start on the 2006-07 school year, focusing on communication arts and math skills.

The program will cost parents $10 per student, but scholarships will be available for families that cannot afford the cost. Overall, the program is expected to cost the district $70,000 with Title I funds paying for it.

The Board also approved the 2006-07 calendar. The first day of school for most students will be Aug. 16 with the final day for all students on May 24, 2007. Christmas-New Year's Recess will be Dec. 21 through 29 with Spring Break set for March 12 to 16, 2007.

In other action, the Board:

  • Extended Superintendent Wynona Winn's contract through the 2007-08 school term for a two-year agreement.

  • Approved on first reading new policies on the use of automatic external defibrillators.

  • Held executive sessions, totaling 55 minutes, to discuss non-elected personnel and negotiations.

Recognitions

The Board recognized the following students and staff.

  • Jeremy Browning - receiving a Superior Award for Videography at the Journalism Education Association and National Scholastic Press Association Convention

  • Curtis Mullins - receiving a Honorable Mention Award for Onsite Video Package Editing at the Journalism Education Association and National Scholastic Press Association Convention

  • Melinda Robinson - receiving a Honorable Mention Award for Onsite Video Package Editing and an Award of Merit for the Board of Education Video at the Journalism Education Association and National Scholastic Press Association Convention

  • Kim Manche - receiving an Award of Merit for the Board of Education Video at the Journalism Education Association and National Scholastic Press Association Convention

All four students also participated in the training of school districts in Mississippi as well as the Broadcasting program which is being selected to showcase at the State Capitol in Topeka.

  • Kevin Kneisley – teacher of the award-winning HHS Broadcast Journalism class

Personnel Report

The Board approved the following personnel changes.

Certified

HIred

  • Tracey File, Language Arts, Hutchinson Middle School, 2006-07 school year

  • Ella Horton, Assistant Key Club Sponsor, Hutchinson High School, 2006-07 school year

  • Ella Horton, NCA, Hutchinson High School, 2006-07 school year

  • Dawn Justice, Head Student Council Sponsor, Hutchinson High School, 2006-07 school year

  • Erica Meadows, Science or Special Education, Hutchinson High School, 2006-07 school year

  • Valli Dawn Booe, Rule 10 – Head Coach Tennis, Hutchinson Middle School

  • Jorena McFadden, Summer School Principal, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Robert Nixon, Assistant Coach Boys' Tennis, Hutchinson High School

  • Michael Sanders, Rule 10 – Assistant Coach Girls' Soccer, Hutchinson High School

  • Catherine Sutton, Rule 10 – Assistant Coach Girls' Soccer, Hutchinson High School

  • Donna Shorter, Substitute Teacher, District

  • Elsie Wickliffe, Substitute Teacher, District

Retirement

  • William Baker, Grade 5, Wiley Elementary, End of the 2005-06 school year

Resignations

  • Vanessa Leite, Rule 10 – Assistant Coach Soccer, Hutchinson High School

  • Cecil Vonachen, Substitute Teacher, District

Classified

Hired

  • Rhonda Meier, Day Care Assistant, Hutchinson High School Day Care

  • Jeannette Venable, Head Start Food Service Assistant, Hutcherson Center

  • Paige Rathbun, Day Care Assistant Substitute, Hutchinson High School Day Care

Termination

  • Jay Hampton, Custodian, Hutchinson High School, effective Feb. 20, 2006

Resignations

  • Lori Hildebrandt, Head Start Food Service Assistant, Hutcherson Center

  • Erika Gaskill, LD Para, Graber, effective Feb. 20, 2006

  • Jamie Schmidt, LD Para, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen, effective Feb. 13, 2006

Position Change, From, To

  • Shirley Culver, Satellite Cook-Server/McCandless, Custodian/McCandless

  • Marcia Pyle, Custodial Substitute, Custodian/Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen

  • Shirley Swan, Food Service Substitute, Satellite Cook-Server/McCandless

Gifts to Schools

The Board formally accepted and acknowledged the following gifts to schools.

  • $250 from Hutchinson Hospital for art supplies to be used for high school students’ artwork that will be hung in the tunnels connecting Hutchinson Hospital, Horizons and Dillon Living Center

  • $200 from the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 68, to Reno County Head Start

Next Meeting

The next Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. March 27. At its Feb. 13 meeting, the Board voted to cancel the March 13 meeting because it fell during Spring Break.

 

Feb. 13, 2006
Board approves technology plans

The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education Monday (Feb. 13, 2006) approved a two-pronged approach to improving technology within USD 308.

In November 2000, USD 308 voters approved a $4.7 million plan to bring technology in the district up to date. This “jump start” pushed the district to one of the most advanced in Kansas. Since that time, the district has used capital outlay funds and local option budget funds to keep the technology refreshed.

Monday, the board approved a plan, titled “Technology Enriched Learning” to better train staff members in all the tools they have at their disposal as well as provide day-to-day support of the technology. The goal of the plan is to make all staff and students within the district better independent users of technology.

When the district implemented its technology plan after the November 2000 election, it used teachers in each building as its “technology cadre” to help other staff members as needed with hardware and software issues. These were add-on responsibilities for staff members, most of whom were still full-time classroom teachers.

Later, some buildings were able to add technology support positions through Title I.

Under the plan adopted Monday, four certified teachers will provide the support to all the buildings on a full-time basis. For example, if teachers in a building wanted help with the district's Blackboard system, the technology staff could set up an in-service tailored to the building's needs.

Additionally, the district will hire a help-desk position under the new plan. The help-desk staff member will be the first point of contact for district employees who need assistance with tech issues.

Also during Monday's meeting, the district took another step toward its pre-engineering curriculum in Hutchinson High School's Vocational Center. The Vocational Center has been accepted into the Project Lead the Way network of schools.

Project Lead the Way is a research-based pre-engineering curriculum. Earlier this school year, the Board approved offering a pre-engineering program at the Vocational Center. Monday, the Board formally agreed to the district's participation in Project Lead the Way.

The Board also spent considerable time Monday looking at various scopes of work on the district's Facilities Master Plan. A week earlier, the Board met in a work session with DLR Group, looking at how potential improvements in district facilities could be grouped. At that time, the Board asked DLR for information on how a 20- or 25-year vs. 30-year payout on bonds would impact any possible bond issue it might take to voters.

After the discussion, the Board settled on 20-year bonds for improvements totaling about $50 million and 25-year bonds for improvements totaling $75 or $91 million. These three “scopes” -- $50 million, 75 million and $91 million -- will be taken to district patrons in March for input.

In March, the Speakers Bureau for the Master Facilities Plan Committee will meet with community groups to gain input on the plan.

In other action, the Board:

  • Heard a Baldrige Moment from Avenue A Elementary School.

  • Approved updates to Board policy on Head Start.

  • Approved a certificate of no-action, waiving the 30-day waiting period to form a redevelopment district for STAR bonds for the Underground Salt Museum. The funding plan does will not impact any school taxes, but state law still requires school districts to sign off on it.

  • Voted to cancel the March 13 Board meeting. The meeting falls during Spring Break and several Board members will be out of town that day. The Board also moved its second meeting in June to June 28.

  • Set April 21 as the date for the Board's annual tour of district facilities.

  • Held an executive session for 30 minutes to discuss negotiations and non-elected personnel.

Personnel Report

Certified Employees

Hired

  • Amy Foos, NCA, Wiley Elementary School, effective Jan. 13, 2006

  • Jeff McFarland, Special Education, Hutchinson High School, 2006-07 school year

  • Jeff McFarland, Assistant Football Coach, Hutchinson High School, 2006-07 school year

  • Teresa King, School Counselor, Hutchinson High School, effective 2006-07 school year

  • Glenn Brummett, Substitute Teacher, District

  • Amy Crane, Substitute Teacher, District

  • Lisa McConaghy, Substitute Teacher, District

  • Jerry Mitchell, Substitute Teacher, District

  • William Stueckemann, Substitute Teacher, District

Resignations

  • Erin Kerr, Language Arts, Hutchinson Middle School, end of 2005-06 school year

  • Theresa Smith, Assistant Key Club Sponsor, Hutchinson High School, end of 2005-06 school year

  • Theresa Smith, NCA, Hutchinson High School, end of 2005-06 school year

  • Matthew Berens, Physical Education, Hutchinson Middle School, end of 2005-06 school year

  • Matthew Berens, Head Football Coach Track, Hutchinson Middle School, end of 2005-06 school year

  • Matthew Berens, Assistant Coach Girls' Golf, Hutchinson High School, end of 2005-06 school year

  • Delora Brown, Rule X – Briny Birds Sponsor (0.5), Hutchinson High School, end of 2005-06 school year

  • Carol Hayes, Rule X – Briny Birds Sponsor (0.5), Hutchinson High School, end of 2005-06 school year

  • Jerry Patton, Special Education, Hutchinson Middle School, end of 2005-06 school year

  • Tonya Ward, Grade 2, McCandless Elementary, end of 2005-06 school year

  • Aaron Cox, Substitute Teacher, District

  • Traci Hansen, Substitute Teacher, District

  • Mary Norris, Substitute Teacher, District

  • Andrea Mesa, Substitute Teacher, District

Retirement

  • Marsha Autrey, Special Education, Hutchinson High School, end of 2005-06 school year

Classified Employees

Hired

  • Mary Ann Kelley, Library Media Assistant, Hutchinson High School

  • Cindy Kroeker, ECSE Para, ESC

  • Susan Ocon, Educational Aide, Avenue A

  • Norma Smith, Food Service Substitute, District

  • Margaret Buchanan, Hearing Impaired Para, Wiley

  • Kelli Burkes, ED Para, McCandless

  • Elizabeth Hartshorn, LD Para, McCandless

  • Leslie Heibert, Day Care Teacher, HHS Day Care

  • Kristine Mayberry, Early Head Start Home Visitor, Early Head Start

Retirement

  • Sharon Queen, Custodian, ESC, effective Jan. 27, 2006

Terminations

  • James Brown, Custodian, Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen, effective Jan. 25, 2006

  • Rod Henry, Custodian, McCandless, effective Feb. 8, 2006

Resignations

  • Kathryn Battershell, LD Para, McCandless, effective Jan. 27, 2006

  • Jackie Beach, Assistant Fruits and Vegetables, HMS-7, effective Jan. 26, 2006

  • Chris Higdon, Vo-Tech Student Services Secretary, Vocational Center, effective June 6, 2006

  • Nancy Ortiz, Child/Teacher Support Aide, Hutcherson Center/Hutchinson  Magnet School at Allen, effective Jan. 26, 2006

  • Brett Stafford, Custodian, Hutchinson High School, effective Jan. 3, 2006

  • Karon Hines, Day Care Teacher, HHS Day Care, effective Feb. 10, 2006

  • Cynthia Jones, SMH Para, HHS, effective March 31, 2006

Position Change, From, To

  • Chelsea Dickey, LD Para/Lincoln, Head Start Child-Teacher Support Aide/Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen, effective Feb. 9, 2006

Gifts to Schools

The Board formally accepted the following gifts to schools.

  • $300 from the James A. and Juliet L. Davis Foundation for the McCandless Reading is Fundamental program.

  • 48 dictionaries, valued at $95.52, from the Hutchinson Noon Optimists Club, for fourth graders at Graber Elementary School.

  • $300 from the James A. and Juliet L. Davis Foundation for the Head Start Reading is Fundamental program.

  • $250 from Janice Wiley Wagner to the Wiley Elementary School library to purchase books and materials.



 

Next Meeting

The next Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 27.

 

Jan. 23, 2005
Board approves capital outlay levy

The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education Monday (Jan. 23, 2005) approved the extension of the district's capital outlay levy.

The motion, passed on a 7-0 vote, renewed the 4-mill levy for five years, beginning with the 2006-07 school term. The levy does not represent any additional taxing authority for the district.

Capital outlay levies are used by school districts to maintain facilities and refresh technology. When a building, for example, needs a new roof, money for the roof typically comes from the capital outlay levy.

Additionally, USD 308 will use a portion of the capital outlay funds to pay its portion of Phase II improvements at Gowans Stadium.

The Board also approved a pair of motions related to the district's master plan. The Board voted to spend up to $14,260 on a scientific survey of district patrons about their desires for the master plan. Additionally, the scientific survey will provide the district with information about patron satisfaction with the school district. The contract was awarded to DeSieghardt Strategic Communications, LLC, of Stillwell.

In a related move, the Board approved a special meeting at 6 p.m. Feb. 6 in the Curriculum Lab of the Administration Center to review the master facility plan. During the special meeting, the Board will meet with architects from DLR Group to break the plan down into various scopes and determine an estimated cost for each scope.

Information from that meeting, in turn, will be shared with the speakers bureau of the district's Facility Steering Committee. During March and early April, the speakers bureau will meet with district patrons in a series of meetings to gain input on the master plan.

In other action, the Board:

  • Declared video cassette recorders as surplus equipment at Morgan Elementary School, allowing the school's PTO to sell the 27 VCRs and, in turn, use proceeds from that sale to purchase new VCR/DVD players. The PTO had originally purchased the VCRs several years ago.

  • Approved a three-year hardware maintenance agreement with IBM for the district's financial server for $11,455.59.

  • Held executive sessions, totaling 40 minutes, to discuss non-elected personnel and negotiations.

  • Approved a renewal application for the Hutchinson Cyber Charter School.

Personnel Report

The Board approved the following personnel changes.

Certified

Hired

  • Phillip Anstine, Substitute Teacher, District

  • Aaron Cox, Substitute Teacher, District

  • Tiffany Curry, Substitute Teacher, District

  • Dustin Delaney, Substitute Teacher, District

  • Napoleon Irving, Substitute Teacher, District

  • Katie McMurray, Substitute Teacher, District

  • Mary Norris, Substitute Teacher, District

  • Molly Smith, Substitute Teacher, District

  • Thomas Stewart, Substitute Teacher, District

Resignations

  • Patti Axtell, Substitute Teacher, District

  • Linda Mason, Substitute Teacher, District

  • Todd Ray, Head Student Council Sponsor, Hutchinson High School, effective end of 2005-06 school year

Position Change, From, To

  • Sandra Graves, Contracted Special Education Substitute/Faris, Special Education Resources/Wiley, effective Jan. 25, 2006

Classified

Hired

  • Sara (Apps) Geurian, Head Start Child/Teacher Support Aide, Hutcherson Center/Union Valley

  • Chelsea Dickey, LD Para, Lincoln

  • Melissa Hoskinson, LD Para, Wiley

  • Aspen Rank, Title I Educational Aide, McCandless

  • Roger Sherman, Assistant Baker, HMS-8

  • Carrie Sutton, MR Speech Para, Lincoln

  • Lee Daines, Substitute Custodian, District

  • Rod Henry, Custodian, McCnadless

  • Scharlotte Minnis, Educational Aide, Faris

  • Aimee Riddle, Day Care Teacher, HHS Day Care

  • Robert Scheminske, Cafeteria Aide, HMS-8

  • Brad Smith, Custodian, HMS-8

Resignations

  • Alejandra Marroquin, Head Start Bilingual Family Support Worker, Hutcherson Center, effective 1/20/06

  • Christina Adkins, Base Kitchen Cook/Server, HHS, effective Jan. 17, 2006

  • Cindy Dick, ESCE Para, ESC, effective Jan. 31, 2006

  • Bekah Ezell, Early Head Start Home Visitor, Early Head Start, effective Feb. 10, 2006

  • Shelly Hoefer, Family Support Worker, Head Start, effective Jan. 30, 2006



 

Gifts to Schools

The Board accepted the following gifts to schools.

  • $300 from the Davis Foundation for the Faris Reading is Fundamental Program

  • $4,000 from the Wiley PTO for books and materials in the school’s library

  • $1,000 from Wal-Mart Corp. to the Broadcast Journalism Program

  • $700 from the Kerr Charitable Foundation for the USD 308 Baldrige Program

  • $412.92 from the Prairie Independent Living Resource Center to Reno County Head Start for use in the classroom



 

Future Meetings

  • January 25, 2006, Board of Education/Head Start Policy Council Meeting, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Dillon Nature Center

  • February 6, 2006, Special Board of Education Meeting with DLR Group, 6 p.m., Curriculum Lab

  • February 13, 2006, Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m., Board Room

 

 

January 9th, 2006
Board ponders surveys

Later this winter, district patrons may be contacted by a formal survey group for attitudes about Hutchinson Public Schools, its programs and its facilities.

Board of Education members Monday (Jan. 9, 2006) discussed the possibility of the district using a professional firm to conduct a survey of district patrons. Over the past 18 months, the district has surveyed patrons, students, parents and staff using software at its disposal.

The difference in the new surveys will be better statistical reliability that will give the the district more confidence in its results.

The district may do professional surveys in two broad areas. First, the district will be applying for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award during the next year. A professional survey will give the district additional data on the community perceptions of USD 308.

Second, as the district moves forward with its 50-year master plan, a professional survey will better measure public interest in portions or all of the plan.

The calendar year's first Board meeting had a light agenda. The only other item of new business was approval of 14 advisory boards for the Hutchinson High School Vocational Center.

The advisory boards, composed of professionals and trades from various businesses and industries in Hutchinson, meet periodically to review the different vocational programs at HHS. The boards provide valuable feedback to keep vocational programs connected with the real world of work.

The Board also met 15 minutes in executive session to discus