School district buys new vehicle
Staff writer
Peabody-Burns USD 398 board of education met Oct. 13 in Burns. All board members were present. Administrators Tom Alstrom, Ken Parry, and Mary Brown also were in attendance.
After much discussion, the board approved the purchase of a new Chevrolet Suburban for $25,704.
The board is looking at other vehicle purchases in the near future, possibly another small bus, Suburban, or a new driver's education car.
In the only vote that wasn't unanimous, the board voted 6-1 to purchase a utility vehicle for the district. Jim Hoffman voted against the purchase stating he wasn't sure if this was the best use of funds when the district was trying to save money and cut costs.
A note from Glenda Taylor of Marion was read to the board by president DoeAnn Hague. Taylor praised the band for their Old Settlers' Day performance.
Gina Jantz spoke to the board during public forum. Jantz wanted the board to reconsider a decision to stop busing kids back to Burns after games. Superintendent Alstrom was directed to review more information, checking into a possible shuttle from Peabody to Burns on game nights.
Lorinda Duncan of Agler and Gaeddert presented a review of the annual district audit. The audit was accepted as presented.
The position of alternative action project coordinator was approved and a contract was offered to E.Gene Green.
A half-time Title One instructor position was approved and a contract offered to Meagan L. Baldwin.
The board accepted the resignation of bus driver Tammie Yoder. Two bus driver positions were approved and the jobs were offered to Cheryl Nelson and Larry Ruskopf.
Michelle Flaming and Carol Simoneau were approved by the board for the technical assistance team at Peabody Elementary.
Aaron Sheik was approved as a senior class sponsor.
Gary Jones and Peggy Phillips were selected by the board to attend the KASB convention Dec. 5-7 in Topeka.
Ken Parry and Mary Brown gave building reports.
Superintendent Alstrom gave his report, which included a report on novel reading, a technology seminar, parents and teachers newsletter, transportation, and the eighth grade dance.
The board ended the evening with two executive sessions, one with the stated purpose of discussing personnel, the other property.
No action was taken after the sessions.
