August 21, 2023 at 5:30 PM - Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Doug Molczyk shared the Mission Statement.

Discussion:  Troy Loeffelholz, Superintendent, reminded the Board of Education that this policy was discussed in July. It was sent to the school attorney to get feedback. One addition is that we will be collecting more information from the sponsor or coach. The attorney added some verbiage "travel out of state must be approved by the principal, superintendent and board of education". This policy allows more flexibility because some events are not scheduled a year in advance. 

For non-school sponsored travel is clearly spelled out. There is to be no fundraising on campus etc, no meetings regarding the trip. The regulation will spell out the rules. Foreign travel was removed.  Dr. Loeffelholz said the request form will be revised and will ask for more information regarding itinerary, travel plan, lodging, costs, and chaperone information.

Discussion: 

Dr. Loeffelholz said there are a few changes. The policy is consistent with the information in the student handbook. The policy also breaks down what dangerous objects may look like.

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz said there is some new legislation on this subject. It gives access to students for the listed organizations. The bill was amended to allow them to talk to students or get information from superintendents and principals, etc.

Discussion:  New legislation requires CPS to lower the amount of time a student has to be in school to be involved in activities.  School policy says a student must pass 20 hours. This will make it very easy for home-school kids to be involved. They will only be required to take 1 class.

Discussion:  Dave Hiebner, CHS Principal, shared some information regarding the graduation requirements for CHS. He said the most significant change is the requirement of 225 credit hours, 200 in core areas. Alternative education outside of our building must meet the Rule 10 graduation requirement, which is 200 credit hours.

Discussion:  Mr. Hiebner gave information on the CHS Vocal Music field trips; One is potentially overnight, the other is a day trip.

Discussion:  There were no items removed from the Consent Agenda.

Discussion:  Chip Kay, Director of Business and Human Resources said the M2 Financial Report does not reflect August activities. He also added that the activity account is in pretty good shape, with a lot of expenditures at the beginning of the year.
Dr. Kay commented on the Nutrition Fund. He said money was put in depreciation for kitchen changes and equipment  needs. Dr. Kay said looking at the Bond Fund, tax asking will be decreased slightly. The Special Building Fund is close to the end of those funds.  There will be a September tax draw. 

The M3 Financial Report was briefly discussed. The last payment of property tax will come in September. Dr. Kay revenue is very close to what was expected. 

The expenditures on the M4a Financial Report were shared, the  Kansas State Bank payment is for the lease for buses. Payment to Tyler technologies was for the new Absence and Substitute training.

Discussion: 

The M5 Financial Report shows a payment  for restroom facilities at Kramer Education Center. 

Discussion: 

Dr. Kay explained how the contracted subs were hired to split duties.

Discussion: 

A lot of hiring in the last month because there are many resignations in July before school starts. Dr. Kay said everyone has been busy filling positions. There are only 25 positions open now. CPS has 700 employees. 

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz said it’s a short list mostly for Administrator Days in Kearney.

Discussion: 

The Foundation Report shows $482,945.95 for the month of July; Year to date is $724,488.59. There is funding for the Kramer Childcare Center listed in the report.

Discussion: 

Teresa Hausmann, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment talked about the 6th grade novel. She reminded the Board that when other novels were approved for 6-9 grade, teachers were still reviewing to choose a 4th novel, they did that over the summer.  The novel will be set out for 30 days, next month she will ask for the Board to approve the novel selected. 

Discussion: 

Dr. Kay shared information on how recent legislation has impacted CPS. He spoke on valuation, taxable funds, cash reserves, state aid, and setting the levy. He also touched on the postcard bill and shared the Joint Hearing date range for the county and that CPS will need to be represented. 

Discussion: 

Dr. Kay said the Fundraising Application were all pretty standard requests and meet all the policy requirements.

Discussion: 

Dr. Loeffelholz spoke on this contract with Rutt’s, he said it is not much of an increase and they have been very good to work with.

Discussion: 

In Leonard Kwapnioski’s absence, Dr. Loeffelholz updated some building and sites information. There is an Open House at Kramer Tuesday night from 6-7pm. He said the preschool start date had to be changed because teachers and the building were not quite ready. There will be a ribbon cutting on August 24 at 8:15 am, east entrance. Dr. Loeffelholz said the childcare center is waiting for DHHS to do their inspections. Staff is keeping in close communication with parents on when the center will open. 

Discussion: 

Jason Harris, Director of Student Services and Special Education shared some answers to questions that were discussed at the last meeting regarding non-public dollars that CPS receives and is by statute given to the parochial schools. He said this is a rough estimate over the last 5 years. This funding is through IDEA, Title 1, Title 2a, and Title 4; $936,000.00. Mr. Harris said there may be a few more allocations, but these are the funds he oversees. 

 

Discussion: 

Dr. Loeffelholz said he appreciated the  feedback and honesty shared at the Board Retreat. He talked about the research he has done on who could lead the strategic plan process. 
He shared with the Board the plan regarding the heat advisory for the next few days. Athletic practices will be early in the morning, most contests have been postponed. 
There was some discussion on walking at graduation if a student has been placed in an alternative education program. 

Discussion: 

The board members welcomed back all staff for the 2023-2024 school year. They have heard great things about the new teacher meetings. All very excited about Kramer Education Center opening. 

Discussion:  The board did not go into executive session.

Discussion:  The meeting adjourned at 8:17pm.