May 12, 2008

School board to move forward in the bond sale process

At its regular meeting Monday night, the USD 470 Board of Education adopted an authorization resolution that will allow the district to move forward in the bond sale process.

Greg Vahrenberg, bond consultant from Piper-Jaffray, was at the meeting to report on matters associated with the sale of bonds including the status of the bond market and interest rate trends.

Vahrenberg said an authorization by resolution is non-binding and while the bond market is currently favorable, if at anytime it did not meet expectations, the district would not be obligated to proceed with a sale. He recommended the board adopt the resolution in the interest of advanced preparation and readiness. He said in case the recent bond market improvements continue, it may be in the interest of the school district to be prepared for legal details that would allow them to proceed with the sale.

School board discusses the possible addition of a sports equipment policy

At Monday’s regular school board meeting the board discussed the possible addition of Policy KGA-F, which regards students borrowing district sports equipment for use in summer camps and other competitions outside the district’s regular season.

The Kansas State High School Activities Association has recently authorized school districts to temporarily loan football equipment, such as helmets and shoulder pads, to student athletes who will be participating in events such as a football summer camp or the Shrine Bowl held for senior athletes.

In previous years such use of equipment was not allowed. Students either had to purchase their own or, in some cases, the group sponsoring the event would provide the equipment. The change was made to assure that an equal opportunity exists for all student athletes. Such equipment is expensive and, in many cases, students could not afford it. There are also some potential safety concerns with using helmets that have not been professionally fitted for a particular athlete. Allowing the student to use their own, district helmet would help assure they had a proper fit.

This item will be brought back to the board for action at a later date.

In other news, the BOE:

· Called the meeting to order.

· Recognized visitors.

· Approved the agenda and consent agenda.

· Recognized the following staff resignations:

Brad Kelly – Social Studies at high school

Ada Dow – Bus Aide (retirement)

Velma Hamm – Bus Driver (retirement)

· Recognized the following new staff:

Carolyn Apt – Elementary (bldg/grade TBD)

Dina Cooper – Elementary Counselor at Adams

Kelli Crain – Elementary (bldg/grade TBD)

Adam McGee – Agriculture Education at high school

Valerie McNerny – Elementary (bldg/grade TBD)

Ryann Myers – Elementary Art

Meghan Stafford - .5 FTE Kindergarten/.5 FTE Certified Title 1 at Adams

Crystal Garay-Morando – ESOL Support at Frances Willard

· Heard a special report from Arkansas City Middle School.

· Heard a report on 2008-2009 budget projections.

· Heard a summary regarding legislative issues.

· Moved into executive session.

· Called the regular meeting back to order.

· Adjourned.

Due to Memorial Day being on the fourth Monday of the month, the next regular board of education meeting will be Tuesday, May 27 at 7p.m. at the district office.