Two new class offerings approved unanimously

By SUSAN MARSHALL

Staff writer

School board members and USD 398 Superintendent Rex Watson heard a presentation from Kyle Inskeep about current track conditions and needs at the Sept. 8 board of education meeting.

Inskeep, a representative from United Sports Systems in Wichita, had examined the track and presented his findings to the board during the public forum section of the meeting. He also reviewed the process and products used in refurbishing the surface.

Watson presented maintenance and repair bid information from the Wichita firm as well as from companies in Iowa and Union Town. After discussion, the board agreed that delaying repairs would allow the track surface to deteriorate further.

Members unanimously approved an expenditure of $52,550 from United Sports Systems of Wichita for track repair and maintenance.

Later in the evening, board members also approved a new vocational education class for building hot rods. Program costs, student interest and schedules, equipment and staffing needs all were presented by Watson and discussed by the board.

Another new educational opportunity was approved for students in grades seven through 12 on the recommendation of high school principal Tim Robertson.

Students will be offered the chance to acquire .25 credits per semester for participation in “Seminar.” The seminar is a brief period at the end of the day when students can meet with teachers for extra help, work on special projects, or visit with a counselor or administrator.

In other business, the board:

• approved emergency substitute certificates for Rowena Soumore, Sharon Suderman, Arlen Busenitz, and Philip Unruh; approved Carolee Foth as a substitute driver, Jon Gard as OASIS driver, and Stephen Frye as substitute custodian; approved supplemental assignments for Steven Glover as freshman class sponsor, Wendy O’Neal as junior class sponsor, and Katie Pankratz as senior class sponsor; and approved the revised job offering for Gail Myers as custodian. All appointments are for the 2008-09 school year.
• agreed to a special meeting at 7 a.m. Oct. 18 in the central office for the purpose of evaluating the superintendent.
• heard two FFA officers will be attending the national convention in Indianapolis, Ind. The board also approved a Nov. 21-23 trip to Dallas for three FCCLA members and their sponsor.
• accepted a bid from Don Schmidt Salvage for the district’s 1994 Suburban.
• approved a plan to provide Hepatitis B vaccination series to any interested district staff.
• was reminded of the KASB fall regional meeting Oct. 9 in Moundridge and the annual convention Dec. 5-7 in Wichita. Rhonda Loucks was named USD 398 delegate and all other board members were named alternates.
• agreed to tour in November the locations and services of special education programs in Marion County.
• approved the classified job offering for Martin Sadowsky as technology director for the 2008-09 school year.
• approved administrative leave for Gary Nesser after depletion of all remaining leaves, with pay until Social Security benefits begin.
• discussed CLASS remodeling and related monthly costs, the junior/senior high eligibility requirements, concession stand assignment procedures, and heard from Watson an update on the district’s new programs for preschool, day-care, and After School Adventures.