July 29, 2003

Board members Daren Reese, Gary Wilson, Glenn Clarkson, Sue Saia, Dr. Patrick Simmons and Joelyn Squires were present at last night's Board meeting at Arkansas City High School.

Consent Agenda

New Personnel - Certified staff

Marla Lambert was approved for the elementary library media specialist position that has become available through the Literary First grant. Lambert has taught in Winfield for the last 13 years and is currently completing her master's degree in library science at Emporia State University.

Action Items

I. Social Studies Curriculum - Second Reading. The Board voted 6-0 to adopt the newly aligned social studies curriculum.

II. Budget Resolution for Publishing. The Board voted 6-0 to approve the 2003-2004 Notice of Hearing for publication. The budget has been closely scrutinized on every level possible, including a summary review by the Board's appointed auditor and the Kansas State Department of Education school finance staff. This review has brought two changes: 1) the levies for both Local Option Budget (LOB) and Capital Outlay have a much smaller increase than originally authorized and 2) the district has received and factored in the projected motor vehicle tax revenues. These were sufficient to help offset LOB to a new, lower level.

The budget reflects a total mill levy increase of 2.269 mills. For an owner of $100,000 in property, this equates to a $26 per year, or $2.17 per month increase in property taxes.

Board President Daren Reese said that he thinks the administration has been good stewards of the taxpayers' money. He said he would like to see the state solve the problem of funding education. "It's time for the state to step up to the plate and do its job," he said.

Vice President Gary Wilson also agreed that the district has been good stewards of public trust. He added that the main goal of the budget, the thing to keep first and foremost is the education of our children. The purpose of the budget is to increase student achievement.

III. Bids - Paper. The Board voted 6-0 to accept the low bid from Savin Paper of $17.82 per case, for a total of $15,681.60 for 880 cases of white paper for general copying and printing purposes.

IV. Professional Development Contract. The Board voted 6-0 to approve the Professional Development contract in the amount of $41,000 for Adams and Jefferson Elementary Schools. The contract is from Professional Development Institute (Mill Creek, Washington) for the two schools' staff for 03-04. The source of funding is the Reading First Grant.

The contract will provide training and coaching for 17 days of professional development. It also provides for substitutes during training. Anyone at Adams and Jefferson who has connection with learner support will receive training.

V. After School Program Fees. The board voted 6-0 to increase after-school fees from $20 to $25 and from $10 to $15 (for reduced) per month. This increase in funds will be used to support additional staff in student achievement efforts. These fees are part of the components of establishing sustainability for extended school intervention.

VI. Nova Net Contract. The Board voted 6-0 to approve the Nova Net contract for 20 licenses for the 2003-2004 school year; licenses to be placed at ACES and Phoenix programs. The evaluation of the Nova Net summer pilot has been positive, according to Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jan Voss. Data from students and teachers have indicated not only is curriculum deep but also student-specific. All staff involved has received professional development. The sources for funding are Title IIA, Title IID and Title V. The number of students served by the licenses is not limited; there is the potential to reach 90 students.

Dr. Voss said the Nova Net program will allow the district to reach the needs of students who are at risk for dropping out of high school. Of the 26 students who signed up for the summer pilot, 22 completed the program.

VII. Schedule a Special BOE Goal-Setting Workshop with KASB. The Board voted 6-0 to schedule a goal-setting workshop with KASB on Sept. 6. The time and location are to be determined at a later date.

Executive Session

The Board went into executive session for the purpose of discussing matters relating to employer-employee negotiations in order to protect the district's right to the confidentiality of its negotiating position and the public interest, and matter concerning non-elected personnel.

Following the executive session, the Board voted 6-0 to approve the 2003-2004 negotiated agreement with the Arkansas City Teachers' Association. The Board also voted 6-0 to approve 2003-2004 salaries for all classified and administrative employees as presented and adjusted.

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