Barbara Proffitt | December 16, 2022

The USD 346 School Board met on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022 and began their meeting with the approval of the consent agenda; including the agenda for the meeting; minutes of the last meeting; financial reports; and payment of monthly bills and payroll.

The board then heard from Kayla McGrew, Board Secretary, who gave a presentation on the new software recently installed, noting all the things she and staff across the district can now do that, before, took several steps and tons of paperwork.

Junior High and High School principal Bob Beckham reported that he is almost done with evaluations.

Beckham said with finals done, the issue this week seems to be getting them to show up, as most students are ready for the upcoming Christmas break.

Genea Bruner stated that STARS results show students attending classes there are working hard toward their goals.

Superintendent Shawn Thomas noted some legislative concerns, in particular a move in the State Board of Education that will change the required credits for graduation starting with the Class of 2028, or those currently 7th grade. (see related article in this edition.)

Thomas then noted the lawsuit they had joined had settled but he has not yet heard on the award amount decided upon yet.

Discussion turned to the sale of a district bus and Thomas noted that Dougherty Steel had expressed an interest in it, after a brief conversation a motion was made to accept the $8,500 offer from Dougherty Steel and it carried on a unanimous vote.

The board then adopted several policy changes as recommended by KASB.

The board entered executive session to discuss personnel matters. Following the executive session the board approved hiring Nicki Traul as assistant high school wrestling coach and extended Superintendent Thomas’ superintendent contract an additional year, through June 2025.