BY ANGELA K. HOLT | July 13, 2022

Members of Pleasanton School Board met on Monday, July 11, for their regular monthly meeting. Superintendent Travis Laver informed the board of a route bus needing to be towed to Chanute for repairs. The board voted and approved the $800 tow fees.

Laver, as well as board member Jay Allen, discussed updates on the STARS building with the other board members. Laver noted the plumbing has been taken care of, and A2Z Plumbing donated labor for the work. Front portion of the building is now completed and crews will begin on the shop areas of the building. Instructors are set up, and the students will follow the schedule of Fort Scott Community College. Allen noted that there will be 65-70 students from the three county schools taking classes at STARS for the 2022-2023 school year.

It was noted that class credits and requirements for students enrolled in the STARS program was also discussed. Students in the program will be receiving high school and college credits. The previous student handbooks were not aligned for students seeking honors to achieve their goal. Laver provided an amended STARS handbook and credit guide for the board to review. After discussion, the board voted and approved the updated handbook.

Board members heard from the high school STUCO sponsor, who provided constitution updates for STUCO members. After reviewing the changes, the board voted and approved the new constitution.

The board heard from FFA officers requesting the use of a transit van and fuel cost coverage for travel to the National Convention in Indianapolis in October of this year. There will be six officers and a sponsor attending the convention. The board voted and approved their use of the van, and agreed to cover gasoline costs, which will be reimbursed after the convention.

Laver informed the board that the district will exceed the revenue neutral rate for the 2022-2023 school year. The board voted and approved the exceeding of the revenue neutral rate. A revenue neutral rate hearing and budget hearing will be held prior to the regular monthly meeting on August 14, 2022.

Board members approved the following hires for the 2022-2023 school year: Richard Nuzum as transportation director; Shawn Conley as junior high boys track coach; Sydney Dent as junior high girls track coach; Bill Roudybush as sub volleyball assistant coach; Chip More as high school assistant football coach; and Tanner Edwards as junior high head football coach.

The board accepted the resignation of James Beltz as high school drama coach and music teacher.

The board approved the following appointments for the 2022-2023 school year: Jennifer Low, BOE clerk; Ginger Mattingley, Treasurer; Jesse Randall, Board Attorney; Sarah Conley, school truant officer; Nathan Meik, school truant officer; Travis Laver as hearing officer for free and reduced price meals and as Section 504 Coordinator; Labette Bank as official depository bank; Jennifer Lowe as KPERS and health insurance representative; and Larry Streeter as Asbestos Coordinator.

Board members adopted the following for the 2022-2023 school year: resolution 22-23-03 exempting district from GAAP audit and fixed asset accounting principles; the 1,116 hours calendar; early payment claims; resolution 22-23-12 to allow the elementary and high school principals to oversee activity funds and gate receipts as well as make appropriate disbursements from activity funds; resolution 22-23-16 calling for patrons to renew requests for notice of special board meetings; adopt USD-344 Board Policies; resolution to Levy Tax for Capital Outlay fund; and an LOB resolution not to exceed 33 percent.

The board designated the following for the 2022-2023 school year: meeting dates on the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Annex Board Room; American Fidelity to be principal provider for the Section 125 Cafeteria Plan; the superintendent of schools as the official representative to solicit federal and state grand program funds; and the Linn County News as the official newspaper.

The following was established for the 2022-2023 school year by the school board: mileage rate for reimbursement same as state rate; a petty cash fund of $1,500 for Central Office only; and payroll dates as follows: non-certified and certified-day after regularly scheduled board meetings.

In other business, the board approved the following: the evening’s agenda; minutes of the previous meeting; and monthly bills.