By BARBARA PROFFITT | June 15, 2022

The USD 346 School Board met on Monday, June 13, and began the meeting by approving the consent agenda including minutes of the last meeting and monthly bills.

Bob Beckham, principal of the junior high/high school, reported that his staff is currently shifting over to prepare for next year and are making a few changes in an effort to improve communications so that they can assure students are where they need to be academically.

Mark Proffitt, principal of the elementary school, reported that his staff is still working on wrapping up the current year with a few minor changes for next year in the works.

Genea Bruner, Student Iprovement Services, reported on the district accreditation process noting the key piece is the final report but the district is in good shape.

Bruner then noted that state assessments were favorable for the district showing USD 346 students above state average in all categories.

Superintendent Shawn Thomas reminded the board that July is the month for their organizational meeting.

He then reported that the security grant is looking to add several things, such as replacing a few interior doors, upgrading locks on some exterior doors and adding concrete pillars on one entrance at the elementary, and help the district upgrade classroom phones.

Thomas then reported to the board that he and the other superintendents had met with Sheriff Friend in an effort to update the memorandum of understanding as requested by the county commissioners and they hope to have it completed before classes resume in the fall.

Thomas told the board that a new law that goes into effect on July 1 requires the district to do needs assessments and to make information on that process public for district patrons.

Thomas then stated that only one bid had been received for the food service management and it was from OPAA, he also stated there were some points he needed clarification and they are currently in negotiations.

The board then approved the insurance renewal from Truly Insurance, written under EMC,  at a 10.5 percent increase in total once the cyber security policy is added.

The board then entered into a 15 minute executive session to discuss personnel matters.

Following the executive session, the board approved the resignation of Kaitlin Bruner as cook at JES; updated the extra duty list to include Dillon Roberts as high school assistant football coach; and approved Malcolm Cox as a full time maintenance assistant.