377 DISTRICT VISION - To become a model rural community school district.

377 DISTRICT MISSION - A community school district founded on student achievement through academic excellence and educational opportunity to ensure personal success.

377 FIVE PILLARS/WE BELIEVE IN - Community - Excellence - Opportunity - Success - Integrity

BOARD HIGHLIGHTS - REGULAR SESSION MEETING

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 08, 2016 BOARD MEETING, 6:30 PM

PRESENTATIONS

Mifi Presentation, Amy Parton, Effingham City Librarian. Ms. Parton and Mr. Wiseman are collaborating to create a partnership where the City Library and the school share resources for the benefits of the students and patrons of our school community. One of the projects is to seek out a funding source to provide the library with two or three Mifis.  

What is a MiFi? They are portable WiFi Hotspot devices to library patrons wishing to expand the library's Internet access to those homes who do not have Internet because of not being able to afford it.  Each Mifi costs the library $479.88 per year to make available to the public who check out the device for one week at a time.  They work off of cell phone towers. Up to 10 devices may be connected at one time. The devices are provided by Verizon. The Mifi is suspended from activity anytime someone fails to return it in a timely manner. To comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) you must be 18 or older to check out a device.  

USD 377-Cargill Outdoor Learning Campus Proposal, Kayla Bodenhausen/Wanda Small. Mrs. Small and Mrs. Bodenhausen are leading a team of educators who are working on the creation of an Atchison County Community Schools Outdoor Learning Campus. The team’s Mission is to be an innovative school designed to prepare all students to be responsible lifelong learners in a changing society. Our goal is to provide hands on agricultural experiences that will allow our students to learn and process 21st century skills through the benefit of discovery.

Goals of the project are:

• To provide hands on learning experiences that will allow our students to experience the richness and excitement of knowing about and understanding the natural world.
• To provide an equal opportunity for all students to learn in a multidisciplinary approach that is developmentally appropriate.
• To build collaborative partnerships with other schools, businesses, senior citizens, and the community to develop a relationship that supports, encourages, and sustains the development of the Outdoor Learning Campus.

Outdoor Learning Campus Committee Members

• Kayla Bodenhausen USD #377 Agricultural Teacher
• Wanda Small USD #377 Elementary School Teacher
• Julie Dillon USD#377 Curriculum Director and Character Education Specialist
• Cy Wallisch USD #377 Elementary Principal
• Deanna Scherer USD #377 High School Principal
• FFA Student Leadership Team

The district is in the process of partnering with area agriculture businesses to fund the project, such as Cargill. We are also working on various grants to help fund the project, as well.  Anyone interested in partnering with the district on this project, should contact Julie Dillon (dillon.julie@usd377.org ) or Kayla Bodenhausen (bodenhausen.kayla@usd377.org ) at 913-833-2240 or Wanda Small (small.wanda@usd377.org) at 913-833-4420.  Click here for more details on the project.

ACCHS Junior - Senior Day presentation, Mrs. Scherer. Mrs. Scherer updated the board on the success of the Junior-Senior Day held last month at the JSH. The purpose of the day was to bring in area business and college representatives to present various career interest topics to the junior and senior class. Presenters were:

• How to be a Miser With Your Money. Laura Young & Carrie Miller, Highland CC
• Making the Most of Your Relationships. Willow Domestic Violence Center
• Calculating the Cost of Education. Benedictine College Financial Aid Department
• Stressed Out. Ms. Denise Selbee-Koch, Keystone Learning Services
• Two+Two In Kansas-Transitioning from a junior college to a 4 year college. What do you need to know?. Leah Brown, Washburn Admissions Representative
• Get that Job - The Interview - What does the employer want to see in an interview? Or not see?. Ginger Hunninghake & Becky Hawk, Exchange Bank
• The Do's and Don'ts of Long Term Employment - I have the job, now how do I keep the job?. David Miller, MGP
• Survival 101. Benedictine College Ambassadors Real life advice from real life students

ACCHS Spanish Proposal, Mrs. Scherer. With Mrs. Dillon, Curriculum Director out of town, Mrs. Scherer updated the Board on the recommendation of the Curriculum Council to adopt Realidades as the resource for Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish III, and Spanish IV.  Texts and resources currently being used for Spanish classes are from 1994 and need to be replaced with more current material. Realidades helps students to learn Spanish through topic based materials with a focus on the development of communicative competence as well as fostering the improvement of language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking). Each module offers a wide variety of subjects that also allow students to become familiar with the Spanish speaking culture and traditions. Total cost for a six year agreement is $6,371.50.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS APPROVED

• Minutes from January 11, 2016

• February Financials

• Bills and Claims $241,886.81
• Budget Summary Unencumbered

• LOB………………………..……...$1,022,497.61 (60.57%)
• General Fund……………….…..$3,062,740.86 (55.19%)
• Contingency Reserve…………$294,335.54 (94.65%)
• SPED…………………..$589,923.23
• Capital Outlay……….$284,150.64 (78.34%)
• Food Service…………$305,516.05 (53.81%)
• K-12 At-Risk………….$346,011.72 (66.83%)

• Building Activity Accounts

• Elementary Cash Balance…………….. $17,978.30
• JSH Cash Balance ……………………….Not provided

• Treasurer’s Report submitted by Steve Caplinger, Board Treasurer - In January, our interest income stood at $83.58. Toward the end of January, the district received a large disbursement from the county. Our pledged securities show an excess in the amount of $647,948.33 as of the report date January 31, 2016.

I have come to an agreement with Mr. Windsor of Exchange National Bank to let us purchase 3 month CD's as a method of optimizing our interest rate. My plan is to start building a ladder of 3 months CD's that will maturity just prior to our payroll payment date each month. This month a $200,000 CD was purchased. I will do the same next month in a larger amount. My goal is to create a ladder as described above and maintain as much of our idle money within that structure. I am leaning on Megan to provide me with guidance for future cash flow needs in this process.

• Gifts and Grants

• From the Elementary PTO: William Allen White books for librarian to purchase ($500) and State assessment snacks (approximately $500)
• Two gymnasium signs from Pat and Tesea Kearney (visitors and visitors student section)

• Correspondences and Reports

• Parents As Teachers Report - February 2016
• Non-resident applications
• Elementary Principal’s Report
• JSH Principal’s Report
• SQE Press Release on HB2504
• SQE Legislative Update 02/05/2016
• Keystone December BOD Minutes 01/20/2016

• Personnel Recommendations

• Cheri Hawk - JH Track Assistant (2016)
• Diane Paste, Custodian - Resignation effective 02/13
• Courtney Dold, JH Science - Resignation effective at the end of the school year
• Jen Clendineng, HS Math - Resignation effective at the end of the school year
• Brent Seager - Substitute Teacher

• Approval of the 2017 Copy Paper Order
• Approval of the disposal of vo-agriculture department scrap metal.

AGENDA ITEMS

QZAB PROJECT UPDATE - The QZAB project is in its final stages of completion and should be all wrapped up by the end of this month, if not sooner. Like any construction project, it was not without a few hurdles along the way. Even so, the renovations have already had a major impact on the environment of the two buildings.

The Board is to be commended for their unwavering commitment to our students’ success and for the courage to make this project a reality. These upgrades and renovations were a long time coming and it demonstrates to our parents and patrons how much the board values our students and staff. The old single unit air conditioners and 1930s steam heat/boiler system served us well for many years, but neither reflect the quality of air controls expected in today’s world of advanced HVAC systems.

We received a change order deduct (or credit) from 360 Energy for our part in installing a new heating system in the Fitness Center/Storage building - the building adjacent to the elementary school. In the original specifications, 360 Energy did not account for heating the Fitness Center/Storage building. When the elementary boiler was taken offline, it resulted in a loss of heat source for that building. Negotiations with 360 Energy resulted in a settlement of $18,132 to the district. This matches the cost to the district incurred bidding it out and having it done ourselves.

 Supporting Documents:

• 360 Energy Change Order Deduct for work completed at the Fitness Center.360
• Energy Application for Payment #8

1. ORIGINAL CONTRACT SUM…………………………..$ 3,419,389
2. NET CHANGE BY CHANGE ORDERS ………………..$ (11,892)
3. CONTRACT SUM TO DATE (Line 1 ± 2) …………………………….$ 3,407,497

1. TOTAL COMPLETED & STORED TO DATE ………………………....$ 3,314,455
2. RETAINAGE: ……………………………………………………………$    284,302
3. TOTAL COMPLETED LESS RETAINAGE ……………………………$ 3,030,153

1. LESS PREVIOUS CERTIFICATES FOR PAYMENT ………………...$ 2,870,319
2. CURRENT PAYMENT DUE ……………………………………………$    159,834
3. BALANCE TO FINISH, INCLUDING RETAINAGE …………………..$   377,344

Approved QZAB application for payment #8 in the amount of $159,834

TRIP REQUESTS APPROVED

• 02/26/2016 - FFA to Western Farm Show - The Western Farm show hosts a National FFA Day each year to allow students from all chapters to meet and mingle with one another while meeting agriculturally related business. Students have the opportunity to contribute to a National Canned Food drive and meet with potential employers. Sponsor - Mrs. Bodenhausen, FFA Sponsor

• 03/03/2016 - Museum Field trip to The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City and The Nelson-Atkins Museum. Attending this museum for our art students will stimulate dialogue, to foster understanding and appreciation of traditional, modern and contemporary art, learn to constructively critique art and to view significant works of art as educational resources.  It allows students to explore multiple art genres and mediums its exhibitions that strives to represent national and international aesthetic and cultural diversity. Within its museum educational programs (which include lectures, workshops with visiting artists, tours, family days, demonstrations, and performances in a variety of media), it provides opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Sponsor - Mrs. Cave, Art Teacher

KASB POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS APPROVED

The board approved all KASB mid-year policy recommendations as presented. Below are a few points of emphasis from those recommendations (click here to download the full KASB Policy Packet):

1. Student Searches (JCABB) - Principals are authorized to search students if there is reasonable suspicion that district policies, rules or directives are being violated. It is important to note that schools do not fall under the same statutory requirements as law enforcement who must have probable cause. There is a significant difference between “reasonable suspicion” and “probable cause.” The new recommended language does not require that documentation of searches be submitted to the superintendent, but only that the documentation “shall be maintained by the principal.”

2. Dress Code (JCDB) - KASB added more detailed restrictions on student dress that are “in line with current case law on First Amendment Free Speech protections.”  Language added:  Students must dress in a manner that is not obscene; offensive; or substantially or materially disruptive to the learning environment.  Apparel that is sexually suggestive; promotes violence, illegal activities, drugs, alcohol, and/or tobacco; or is determined to be gang related is prohibited. Student apparel and grooming must also meet requirements of any courses which are part of the approved curriculum in which they are enrolled.

3. Automated External Defibrillators AED (JGCBA) - removed language stipulating devices may only be used by qualified persons, thus providing immunity to “good Samaritans” who do not have prior training on the devices.

4. Supervision of Students (JGFB) - School personnel are responsible for proper supervision of students when under the jurisdiction of the school. Essentially, this is from the time the student gets on the bus until they get off. Added language that provides the principal with greater latitude as to how they “ensure appropriate staff members are available for supervising students at specific times and in designated areas.”

5. Student Accidents (JGFG) - When a staff member becomes aware that a student has been involved in an accident at school, on school property or at a school-sponsored event, the staff member shall follow the rules for the care of an injured student and report the accident to the building principal. If a student has an accident which appears to require medical treatment, an employee shall send for medical help and to make the student as comfortable as possible while waiting for medical assistance to arrive.  If an employee is qualified to administer first aid, that aid may be given.  Qualified employees, for the purpose of this policy, are those employees who have successfully completed an approved Red Cross first aid program or the school nurse.

6. Student Activities (JH) - Revised this policy to say that the building principals do not have to make monthly reports to the board on activity account funds, so long as the reports are provided as part of the budget or financial report. It is important to note the every month a financial report on all activity account funds from both buildings is to be included as part of the board financial packet.

7. Student Organizations (JHC) - There are two things to take away from this policy and they are: a) Every school sponsored club SHALL have a constitution which has been approved by the building principal and on file in the office, and b) once we allow  any non-curricular groups to use school facilities and have access to students, we have to pretty much allow all non-curricular that same use and access.

8. Employment of Students (JJ) - Policy revised to provide that students on work study are expected to abide by all school rules and board policies while away from school. One example that comes to mind would be possession or use of chewing tobacco.

CURRICULUM - HIGH SCHOOL SPANISH

No action was taken on the Spanish proposal. The administration is looking into other cost options that would not require a six year commitment. The concern being that a six year commitment in today’s fast paced and ever changing global environment might limit the district’s ability to serve students with curriculum agility and versatility.

This item will be advanced to the March agenda for further discussion or action.

Supporting documents

• Spanish Proposal submitted by Mrs. Dillon
• Spanish Cost proposal provided by Realidades and submitted by Mrs. Dillon

CHROMEBOOKS FOR THE ELEMENTARY

Approved the purchase of 106 Chromebooks for the elementary school. The total cost with a management plan will be $28,3337.26 which is funded using e-rate reimbursements from 2014-15. We still have about $25,000 remaining in e-rate reimbursements, plus about $80,000 in Category 2 funding. The $80,000 in Category 2 funding is a five year budget that extends through 2020 and it’s anybody’s guess if this funding source will still be available beyond the five year cycle. It is important to note that there are specific rules about what Category 2 technology funding can be spent on. 

SCHOOL NEWS

Elementary Construction Update. Lead abatement test results are back with no evidence of lead particles being found. We have been given the go ahead to tear down the protective barriers and resume regular breakfast and lunch schedules.

• The 1929 entryway is finished and opened up for service.
• Work has begun on the main entry vestibule wall. Once this has been completed, workers will begin replacing the four main entryway doors. All in all, everything the refurbishments being made are going quite well.

SafeDefend Intruder Alert Drills. In cooperation with SafeDefend staff and the Atchison County Sheriff’s Department, a 45-minute Active Shooter/Intruder training session was given to our staff on Monday. Following the training session, a “Live Event Drill” was conducted. This drill involved turning on the alarms and notifications systems. The only notifications that went out were to our staff and sheriff's deputies to check speed and accuracy of the messaging system.

Phase II of the Intruder Alert Training.  SafeDefend was back in the district on Tuesday to conduct “Live Event Drills” with our students in the building. Drills were successfully conducted at all three attendance centers. JSH Students were given a brief overview of the system and what to do if they ever face an intruder-like situation. Staff members spent time discussing with students what they should do in a situation where there was a “Live Shooter” situation. We did NOT hold any simulations where students or staff run or evacuate the building. The purpose of today’s and yesterday’s drills were to “educate” our students and staff on how to respond in a crisis situation.

HB 2504 - School district realignment update. There was a lot of attention on this bill last week, particularly the day of its hearing. The overwhelming response of opponent testimony and questioning about the bill’s lack of details ultimately sent it to it’s death. The question that remains is whether the bill gets resurrected. I feel fairly confident in saying that if not this year, this bill or some form of it will reappear in 2017.

 Rep. Ron Highland, R-Wamego, chairman of the Kansas House Education Committee, announced Saturday that he won’t hold a committee vote on House Bill 2504. Some think the proposal is dead for the 2016 legislative session. I hope so, but you never know. Stranger things have happened in the wee hours of the morning at the capitol.

H.B. 2504 was introduced by Rep. John Bradford, R-Lansing. Bradford and supporters said the legislation would have realigned school districts for greater efficiency, not consolidate them as he maintained media and bill opponents have contended. It would pare down the number of school districts to one per county in most counties. The Kansas Association of School Boards estimates the number of districts would drop from 286 statewide to 132.

HB 2486 School Bond Project Review Board. This bill creates the school district bond project review board, made up of chairs and ranking minority of Appropriations/Ways and Means; two members of State Board of Education.

2015 Block Grant SB 7 abolished state aid after July 1, 2017. This bill reinstates new formula for bond elections held after Jan. 1, 2016, subject to approval of oversight board.  The formula provides 75% state aid for district with LOWEST valuation per pupil; drops 1% for each $1,000 increase in AVPP.

Essentially, this bill gives the review board the authority to determine the percentage of a bond project that is dedicated to “direct instruction” and, if approved, state aid would only be provided for the portion of the project dedicated to “direct instruction.”

SB 368 prohibits municipalities, including school districts, from using “government funds to distribute, or cause to be distributed, any brochure, flier, political fact sheet or other document regarding any question submitted election, except as for notifications required by law”. Basically, this bill would prevent school boards from providing information explaining why a question is on the ballot. This is just another strike against local control. We have laws which prohibit campaign advocacy, so what would be the purpose for not allowing governmental entities to share factual information with the public? So much for being open and transparent.

Talking Tigers Forensics Judges Needed. Attached is an invitation to serve as a judge for the upcoming Talking Tigers Invitational Forensics tournament on March 5, 2016.  You may judge 1 round or all 4, may be an experienced or a novice judge (I'll train you!). It's a great experience to see the talented competitors in our region. If you know of someone who might be interested in judging, please share this information with them!  Let me know if you have questions or need further information. Link to Google Form:

http://goo.gl/forms/jPkTVomLOF

STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

• Mr. Swafford traveled to Salina on Monday to visit a high school that is offering classes on how to use drones in the agricultural setting. Our intent is to teach how to use drones as part of our outdoor learning campus.

• Mrs. Julie Dillon and Mr. Patrick Bramhall are spending three days in Manhattan, Kansas at the Career and Technical Education Conference. This Conference will provide the necessary training to help fortify and develop our current pathways classes and plan for future development.

• Counselors Hawk and Cordell will be attending a Social, Emotional, and Character Development standards conference on February 10 in Eudora, KS. The workshop is geared towards looking at the new vision of Kansans Can! and how the Social, Emotional, and Character Development (SECD) Standards can help make this vision a reality in our school. Both hope to come away with ideas on how to infuse SECD into our school curriculum as well develop formative assessments for use in any K-12 classroom.

• Mr. Sloop and Mrs. Liewer attended a Physical Education Teachers Summit in Topeka, KS on January 27. The summit featured Doctor Robert Pangrazi and Maria Courte who presented on the following topics: Classroom management strategies, team building, data collection and assessment, skill development, circuit and fitness bases training and change of pace challenges.

• Pam Liewer, Courtney Caplinger, Theresa Catrell and Courtney Dold attended the Impacting School Wellness Regional Workshop in Topeka on January 21st. This conference was sponsored by the State Department to help schools better understand how implement their district Wellness Plan. Topics included: Team Nutrition, HealthierUS School Challenge, Smarter Lunchroom movement, Farm to School, Let's Move Active Kansas Schools and K-FIT to use to improve the health and wellness of all students and staff. Each attending district received a $300 stipend to help pay for travel costs and substitutes.

• Charlotte Michel and Alison Ostertag will be attending the Close Reading Strategies for Struggling Readers in Independence, MO on March 1st. This conference is designed to help the learner(me) bring home a variety of practical strategies that can be implemented immediately.This method aligns with our district reading goals and I can use this new knowledge to help our teachers learn how to use the close reading strategy to help the struggling readers in their class.