USD 398 approves contracts for new teachers and staff years ago
By SUSAN MARSHALL
News editor
Members of Peabody-Burns USD 398 board of education met June 12. Among the topics before the board were contract offerings for several of the positions open in the district.
It was noted the science, librarian, and junior-senior high school bookkeeper positions have not yet been filled. Board members were told the interview process is still going on for these positions.
The school board approved contract offerings as follows: Spanish and Title I to Patrice M. Jones, vocational agriculture and science and FFA sponsor to Steven K. Thorburn, elementary counselor and PATHS coordinator to Vern Ploutz, junior and senior high vocal and instrumental music to Jack O. Coleman, and junior and senior high math to Kurt A. Herrel.
Salaries for this group and for district teachers whose contracts were renewed before the end of the school year have not yet been determined. As with districts across the state, USD 398 is waiting on information from state legislators regarding school funding for the coming year.
In other business the board:
— approved a trip for FFA officers to Barton County Community College in Great Bend July 10-12. Approval was given for a parent or FFA alumni member to co-sponsor the group.
— approved a trip for five students and sponsor Sonya Roberts to Envirothon International Competition in Winnipeg, Canada, July 23-29. The district will provide a district vehicle for transportation and $664 toward expenses. The local envirothon team won the state competition in May. Marion County Conservation District has contributed funds to help pay expenses for the students' trip to Canada.
— heard that Leann Spinden was elected to a state FFA office. She will serve as vice president during the coming school year.
— observed the presentation to superintendent Tom Alstrom of a University of Kansas certificate for 25 years of service to education. The presentation was made by board vice president Gary Jones.
— approved the use of Interquest Detection Canines of Oklahoma-Kansas for the 2006-07 school year.
— entered two executive sessions that included Peabody Police Chief Jeff Pohlman, the superintendent, and high school administrator for the purpose of discussing matters relating to the security of the board, the school, or facilities. No action was taken on return to open session.
— entered two executive sessions for the purpose of discussing acquisition of real property. The superintendent remained in the session. No action was taken on return to open meeting.
— entered three executive sessions totaling about 45 minutes for the purpose of discussing personnel. The superintendent and high school building administrator remained in the sessions. On return to open meeting the board instructed the superintendent to advertise and interview candidates for a full-time district technology position for the 2006-07 school year.
— approved supplemental contracts of Roger O'Neal, David Pickens, and Darren Schroeder for the 2006 summer weight program.
— approved summer school contracts for Shawna McCartney, Jane Weber, Pam Carter, and Beth Peter for the 2006-07 school year.
— approved changes to the 2006-07 elementary school handbook and the junior-senior high building handbook. A discipline code point system for junior and senior high students was presented, but the board requested further research and legal opinion before implementation or approval of the plan.
— agreed to participate in the National Food Service Program for the 2006-07 school year. Also the board approved a five-cent increase on all student breakfast and lunch prices, an increase on staff adult breakfast and lunch prices to meet federal guidelines, a $2 charge for guest breakfasts, and a $3 charge for guest lunches.
— heard from superintendent Alstrom a report on the savings from the EPM computerized Temperature Control System in both buildings.
— approved year end transfers as needed to close the 2005-06 fiscal year.
