Staff writer
USD 398 Superintendent Rex Watson was offered a one-year extension to his contract after the Jan. 12 meeting of Peabody-Burns board of education.
The extension will cover the 2010-11school year. The vote in favor of extending Watson’s contract came after five brief executive sessions and was unanimous.
No salary was determined. The board will make that offering after the state legislature makes its final decisions on school finance.
Board members also were reminded of the deadline to file for district board of education positions, which was Jan. 27.
Four positions will be up for election in Peabody-Burns district. Because of the brevity of Brian McDowell’s service in position two, it will be up for election again this spring. Terry Eberhard was appointed to fill the position between McDowell’s move to McPherson in June and the 2009 election.
Other positions to be filled are position four currently held by Duke Eldridge, position five held by Julia Ensminger, and position six held by Rhonda Loucks.
Barry Peter filed for position four. Incumbent Ensminger filed for position five. Incumbent Loucksa and William J. Spangler are running for position six.
The board also discussed school finance, the governor’s “State of the State” address, and cost cutting measures. With no firm budget proposals in front of them, no action was taken.
In other business:
- Job offerings were approved for the remainder of the 2008-09 school year to Sheri Lewis, assistant junior high girls’ basketball coach; Christie McBride, bowling coach; and Layne Burnett, assistant track coach.
- The board was photographed for the 2008-09 yearbook.
- Following a presentation about Parents As Teachers, the board agreed to continue the program for the 2009-10 school year and provide the requested funding increase.
- Second grade teacher Annette Weems, and eight students presented the class web page and reading projects. Later in the meeting, Watson presented the district website and the development of classroom web sited.
- A thank you note was read from Peabody Senior Center for the use of the buses for the Christmas Light Tour.
- Updates on high school activities were presented. FCCLA members reviewed their trip to Dallas and Steve Glover presented information about a trip for band students to Kansas State University. Watson told board members there would be no additional updates on the BPA national trip until after the state convention.
- Board members reviewed bids for the annual district audit and selected a three-year audit schedule from Agler and Gaeddert, Chartered.
- Molly Schauf, student teacher for Cathy Silvers, was introduced to the board.
- Board members discussed the PLATO program being considered for residents in the Burns area. Costs, staffing, startup date, hours, and diploma requirements were reviewed and Watson was instructed to create a list of programs and interested staff members.
- Dual participation in cheerleading and fall and winter sports was discussed and the board approved it for fall sports.
- Following a presentation on “Educational Excellence Through Technology” grants, the board agreed to pursue the application process.