By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Peabody-Burns USD 398 is exploring the option of offering an auto mechanics course beginning in the fall.

Scott Kimble, middle and high school principal, told school board members Wednesday that discussions with Butler Community College have begun.

“This would be a great opportunity for our students,” Kimble said.

If an agreement is reached to offer the program, it would be open to other high school students in the area as well, Kimble said. He’d like to have all necessary steps taken in time for fall enrollment.

School board members got a reminder that teacher salaries lag behind other area districts when teacher Brian Simmonds shared information on average teacher pay in rural districts. A report by Rural School and Community Trust shows that Kansas rural schools, on average, pay teachers $40,900 per year, ranking the state last among all 50 states. The national average teacher pay is $57,800.

Other districts in Marion County pay higher base salary and pay in full for single health insurance coverage while Peabody-Burns teachers pay $65 per month for single coverage.

Simmonds asked board members to consider whether prospective teachers have turned down offers, and to consider the number of teachers who have been with the district less than three years.

“Retention of teachers allows for greater continuity,” Simmonds said.

In other matters, board members:

• Heard a report from Becky Nickel on a healthy eating rural opportunity grant;
• Approved the annual audit report;
• Heard proposed athletic eligibility changes;
• Approved supplemental contracts; and
• Discussed supplemental positions.