Published using Google Docs
377 Board Highlights - 05/12/2014
Updated automatically every 5 minutes

USD 377 SCHOOL NEWS AND BOARD HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MAY 12, 2014, FY 2014 REGULAR SESSION, REVISED EDITION

Unified School District #377 Board of Education

USD #377 Administrative Building

306 Main Street, Effingham, KS 66023  

Miscellaneous Announcements

ACCHS GRADUATION NOTES

===============================

Superintendent’s Notes

We learned Monday that the JSH air conditioning system is beyond its last leg.  Right now we have one working compressor out of the four, all of which generate cold air for the entire building.  Fortunately, the weather forecast for Saturday’s graduation is a slight chance of rain and a high of 63-65 degrees, which is a Godsend considering what it's normally like this time of year.  

Fixing the problem is going to have a significant impact on our capital outlay fund, which currently has a balance of $829,325  Because of the age and overall condition of the JSH air conditioning system, the right thing to do is replace it in its entirety.  The cost will be anywhere from $180,000 - $240,000.  Couple this expenditure with the estimated $240,000 it's going to cost us to replace a roof section at the elementary and we will have spent down over half of our capital outlay in one summer.  

The solution to addressing our aging facilities is not simple and will require community support in order for us to get ahead of this situation.  The first funding solution that I am proposing is a 4-mill capital outlay that would NOT raise taxes.  Thanks to the Kansas Supreme Court, the legislature passed a school finance bill that will fully fund LOB equalization, which in turn will provide us an opportunity to institute a capital outlay mill levy without increasing taxes.  Getting a capital outlay funding source in place is critical.  I hesitate to think how difficult it will be for us otherwise.

Thursday, May 15, 2014 Update

The following certified contract recommendations will be submitted to the Board for Approval at their next meeting:

Vacancy Notice

BOARD HIGHLIGHTS

6.01 Budget Recommendations Discussed with NO ACTION taken.  

Staff Reductions Under Consideration for 2015-2016

6.02 Facilities Planning Discussion

Mr. Wiseman submitted a proposal to the board designed to address the district’s major facilities needs.  The proposal incorporates a USDA Loan supported by the passage of a general obligation bond referendum; an energy efficiency contract; and QZAB money.  The USDA loan comes with a project seal of approval for rural development considered necessary and not excessive.  Link to supporting document.

6.03 Food Service Management

Approved Mr. Wiseman to negotiate a Food Service Management contract.

7.01 EOY Early Release

Approved to cut two student days from the current school year. The last day for students grades K-11 will be Tuesday, May 20, 2014.  We will serve lunch and run buses at 12:30 PM.

7.02 KASB

Approved KASB membership and legal assistance fees for 2014-2015

7.03 Student Insurance

Discussion only

7.04 Copier Lease

Discussion only

7.05 PAT Units 2014-15

Discussion only

PERSONNEL APPROVALS

Resignations/separations

Certified Contract recommendations –

Summer Seasonal Help Contracts

Administrative Appointments

Supplemental Recommendations

Extended Day Contracts Extended (considered supplemental which are not included in the negotiated agreement and as such the board may choose to renew, amend or eliminate as needed)

CONSENT ITEMS

Gifts and Grants Accepted

May Financial Report Approved - Link

Report Accepted

Correspondences Accepted