USD #273 Board of Education
May 9, 2016
By Terry Bailey
The Unified School District #273 Board of Education conducted their meeting for the month of May on Monday, May 9th. The Board was treated to a demonstration of the technology accomplishments of the Beloit Elementary School Robotics Team. Accompanied by their coach/sponsor Christie Fouts the team composed of Owen Eilert, Jackson Rexroat, Caleb Burkes, Cameron Sadler, and Kayden Chancellor gave a demonstration of the capabilities of the robots they have constructed. At a recent competition against contestants from mostly 8th grade students, the Beloit Elementary sixth graders took first place. The students thanked the Board for providing funding for their technology work with robotics.
At the conclusion of a thirty minute executive session that was extended several times, the Board voted to non-renew the contract of Steven K Meyer. No discussion of the reasons for their action was given.
In his report Superintendent Jeff Travis called the Board’s attention to the fact that the Kansas Supreme Court will begin deliberation on the constitutionality of the recently passed school finance law. Under the current law USD 273 will not see an increase in funding but it will not see a cut in funds.
The group spent considerable time discussing how to “fix” the student parking lot at the high school. The lot was resurfaced with a chip and seal covering last summer but problems continue to surface. Information provided by Travis indicated an asphalt overlay of the parking lot would have a price tag approaching a half million dollars. The possibility of resurfacing the lot in segments over several years was discussed. At some point it seemed wise to determine the nature of the base of the parking lot. Should the base be unstable, resurfacing the lot would be throwing good money after bad. A decision was made to explore having core samples drilled to determine the status of the base of the lot. Once that determination is made, a plan can be formulated.
The Board voted to hired Terri Engelbert and Brad Mason as summer Driver’s Ed instructors. There are well over 50 students enrolled in the program.
A unanimous vote was made to renew the Board’s membership in Kansas Association of School Boards in the amount of $8,887 dollars. Related to the membership in KASB, the Board voted to retain that association’s legal services for $1,650.
A new lawn mower was purchased for the Elementary School. A new 72” Country Clipper with a Power Lift was approved in the amount of $10,475. The old mower will be retained because it can be used for snow removal.
The contract with the OPA food service was renewed by a unanimous vote. Students at the high school have five choices of food and the elementary kids have 3 choices. The new contract provides for an increase of 2.6% for the upcoming year.
Technology purchases for the 2016-17 were approved. This included 132 Chromebooks for the Jr.-Sr. High School and 108 Chromebooks for the Elementary School. Android tablets instead of Apple Ipads will also be purchased. Four androids can be purchased for the cost of one Ipad.
Cassie Kopsa, Assistant Director of the Beloit Special Ed Coop, told the Board that the current emphasis in on transition skills for kids with an IEP to life after high school.
Beloit Jr S. High Principal Casey Seyfert informed the Board that at the KSHSAA Large Group competition the BHS orchestra, Band and Choir all received rating of I. On April 22th Providence K-9 group toured the school on an unannounced visit. Seyfert said all their visits are unannounced. The dog screens for alcohol, drugs, and gun powder. Random areas were screened such as classrooms, school lockers, and locker rooms. Seyfert also said that Beloit Jr. Sr High was awarded the Emerging School of Character Award.
The Board approved contracts for the 2016-17 school year for:
Nick Ledet, Para, Lincoln Elementary
Kelsey Louthan, Lead Teacher, MCELC
Kiley Stutzman, Lead Teacher, MCELC
Katelyn Hesting, Sixth Grade teacher, Beloit Elementary
The Board accepted the resignation of Skilar Winder, Social Worker
The Board also approved the addition of an Elementary Technology teacher to centralize the teaching of technology at the Elementary school.
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