001All right, we are going to start. It's a little bit different night. So, we are going to call to order the revenue rate neutral hearing. This is its own hearing. So, anyone um that was here for public comment for that will speak during this. When we're done, we will adjourn this meeting and then have the regular school board meeting afterwards. So just so everybody kind of knows the flow. So we are in the revenue neutral rate hearing. Um Scott is going to give a little bit of context uh to this hearing and then we will get started with public comment. >> Yeah. So over the years of having revenue neutral rate. Uh we've realized it's created sometimes a little confusion. So we just wanted to put up kind of the trend data of how the
002mill levy rate has been set in the Auburn Washurn School District going back for about 11 years now. Um I joined the team back in 2015 16 here in Auburn Washurn. So that's just the a year that we start with going forward. And so a couple of things um after I joined the team uh we had realized as a school community that it looked as if we were going to have an opportunity to have a bond election at some point in the near future. Didn't know the exact date, but some point in the near future based on feedback we heard in the community as a board of education at that time. Strategically, they started trying to draw down the mill levy rate as much as they could because in the event that the bond election
003passed, we then would have to increase the bond and interest to be able to pay for the bond debt. So from 2015 down to when the bond election was held in 2022, uh we were able to reduce the mill levy rate about 4 and a.5 mills. After the first bond sale, which was one half of $145 million, um we had to increase the mill levy rate. And then last year, uh we had the second bond sale. And so we are finished now. uh in regards to increasing the mill levy rate based on early projections that went all the way back to 201617 or so when we were doing all of the calculations uh we had predicted that the mil levy rate if a bond election passed would increase about 7 1/2 mills. So the net
004value there is the board reduced at four and a half it now has gone up over time the seven and a half. So the net gain is about plus three mills. The revenue neutral rate. The reason that's confusing for those of you and I am living in the community as well, you get that form and it looks like it has 437 marked a few different times. The reality is when we submit the revenue neutral rate way back in June to the county treasurer's office, we choose to inflate that a little bit because it's too early to know what the budget's going to look like. Uh we have been working on the budget for the 2526 school year now for a couple of months and through board leadership uh it has been made clear to us
005that we are to build the budget by maintaining a flat mill levy rate. The mill levy based on everything that we know at this time is going to be the same number moving into the 2526 school year as it was the school year that just ended the 2425 school year. So what you saw posted in the paper for the revenue neutral rate was inflated. Uh the chart that you see up there, you see 25 26 the row second from the bottom. If you go all the way across um as far as the general fund and the capital outlay columns, there's not much influence on those. That's by statute 20 mills and 8 mills. Uh so there's not much strategy there. We do have some strategy with local option budget and bond and interest and some
006school districts in the state of Kansas qualify for a cost of living adjustment. We're one of those and that's where we chose to put the cushion in for the revenue neutral rate. The reality is we're not going to tap the cost of living adjustment. So you see there that we've crossed that out. We put that in red. That's going to be more like the actual. If somebody asked the question, you said you're talking about leaving it flat, but on that bottom right corner, I see two ten of an increase. And for tonight, that's accurate, but by the time we actually have the budget complete, we're going to do everything we can to remove that 210 as well. So, the mill levy rate will actually stay flat as comparison to the previous year. So, thank you
007so much for coming in tonight. I just wanted to share the history of where we've been with the mill levy. As a board of education, I give you all a great deal um of u public recognition because you know how important it is to those that reside in our school district as it relates to taxes. Uh so the direction that you have given us has been important. So I state that upfront. I think we might have a speaker or two that would like to speak. So I'll turn it over to you Jeremy. >> Yeah. So we're going to enter the public comment um section of this and so I'm going to read a statement real quick and then we'll go through public comment in the order they were turned into me. So any district employee,
008patron residing in the district or student attending Auburn Washurn School may speak in open forum. You will have three minutes to speak and the board will have two additional minutes to ask clarifying questions. We ask that those speaking to model the behavior and rules we expect of our students and your children when speaking. Please be respectful and courteous during your comments. The board will show you the same level of respect. If your comments are about personnel problems concerning students, parents, or school employees, please note that board policy KN requires that you visit with the teacher, principal, or superintendent before bringing the issues to the board of education. All matters pertaining to negotiations between any group and the board are only discussed by the board in executive session. So, um, for those that are speaking, come
009up. You'll have three minutes at 3 minutes. I'll kind of give you a warning. I'm not going to cut anyone off just to kind of wrap up at 3 minutes and then the board will have a couple of minutes to address any questions. So, um, Scott Beglin, if you would like to come up first. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah, please do. Yeah, the podium is yours, sir. >> I'm going to read from my notes because um I'm not much of a speaker. Uh, good evening. My name is Scott Beglin. My wife and I moved to this district about two years ago, coinciding with uh our retirement after working for 45 years in agriculture. Um couple of facts about us. We are on a fixed income. Um and in a real specific number here, our school district
010tax is nearly 4% of our income. Um which happens to be the same amount that our medical insurance is. Uh therefore, um I think I think medical costs are out of control. Um I am glad to hear that you're working hard to keep the mill levy down, but in the past three years, it has gone up by 4%. And I I'm using properties of of acquaintances I know that live in the district. Uh our valuations have gone up 13 a.5 to 15%. But our taxes have gone up 15 to 16 and a half%. And uh so based on that, the taxes are outpacing our our valuation our property valuations by one and a half%. Um some suggestions I would have for those that are putting to budget together is that we we've got to cut
011our wants. Um, my wife and I have had to do this. Uh, we we've had to cut the travel that we dreamed of for our vacation. We've had to cut our gym memberships. We cannot upgrade our vehicles because of the uh added costs there. Uh, and and some of our needs as well. We we've cut our food budget down. Um, we have uh we have to choose sometimes every month what medications we might cut from our budget. And we keep our heat and air set at levels that make our our costs reasonable. Um, one thing that uh I hope we don't have to face and uh but if we continue on this trajectory of increased taxes, then we will have to ask ourselves if we need to leave this district for a cheaper district. Thank
012you. Thanks, >> Scott. Before you sit down, any any comments or question or any questions from the board? Any clarifying questions? >> Thank you, Scott, for coming to speak. And then next is Janet Reinhardt. Thank you for letting me speak. I didn't know I would be doing this tonight. I didn't really know what this was. I got the letter in the mail, but I um the same as you. I am um retired. I'm also a widow. I've lived in this district for 20 years. And I feel like when I go to vote, I vote for school board as well as my county, city, and state as well as national to represent me and to help me. I have grandchildren who are in this district and I am all for the children. I'm asking you to
013keep these costs. I pay over 9,000 in property taxes. Onethird of that comes to worship rule and it is a burden to say the least. It is a burden and I ask you to look at ways to represent your constituency. I don't know who all here. I know when I talk in my neighborhood, everyone is concerned, very concerned. And people can say, "Well, you should live within your means." I feel I do, but this is out of control. It's uh paying what I pay to the county, to the city, um to Worshurn University. It needs to be under control. And I ask for you to please consider this and please keep focusing on the students. I'm not against administration. Um but I also know uh children who graduated here in the '9s did not have
014all these things and they're very very successful and I know that's important and I ask you to please please keep these costs under control instead of putting the burden. There's a lot of retired people that are in your district and please consider that. I also want to ask how disappointed I am because when I got my tax statement, I immediately sent email to my city council, my county commissioner, to my uh representative, Brenda Dietrich, and I sent to each one of you how disappointed I am in that amount. I received response from my county commissioner, my city commissioner, my uh state uh state representative, my state senator, uh Governor Kelly, everyone is concerned about this and I'm just telling you even though there's only two of us speaking, it is a concern and it is
015a topic of conversation over coffee and in the neighborhood and I appreciate your consideration and your kindness for letting me speak. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> All right, that concludes the public comment piece of of this. Um the the vote for this is a roll call vote, so we will go um one person at a time and it'll be a yay or a nay vote. So, uh Shanoa Emery. >> Uh yay. >> Okay. Yeah. So, I need to read this first. Okay. Sorry. I'm going to read Sorry, I messed that up. Um I'm going to read this part first. Um and then we'll do we'll do the vote. Um, >> can I interrupt you for a moment? >> Yeah. >> What are you guys voting on just for like >> Yeah, I
016I can answer that question. Yeah. Um, so the reality is the revenue neutral rate that was published in the paper um after this hearing requires a roll call vote for the board. The board is simply um commenting on the fact uh that the higher rate that was published in the paper at 58.804 804 um is the revenue neutral rate that was submitted. They're going to do a roll call vote. That has not uh that's not the same as what the board eventually will take action on to set the mill levy. This is step one in the process. We heard your comments. We also heard the gentleman's comments. As I have already shared earlier tonight, uh the board direction is to reduce that number down to the same number that it was a year ago. And
017so we're going to bring back that mill rate mill levy rate at the next meeting. So it seems like it's a little bit of an extra or added step. Um but don't leave here disappointed to say that the board just approved my taxes to be at 58.804 because that is inaccurate at this time. We're not setting the budget final until the next meeting. >> It's a great question. >> Register. >> This is right here. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um, so the resolution says KSA79-2988 provides a levy of property taxes to finance the 2025 2026 budget of USD 437 exceeds the revenue neutral rate tax rate to finance the 2025 2026 budget of the USD 437 be authorized by a resolution. Do I keep going? Okay. The board of education of USD 437 held a hearing
018on September 2nd, 2025, allowing all interest taxpayers desiring to be heard an opportunity to give oral testimony, the board of education of USD437 have heard testimony still finds it necessary to exceed the revenue neutral rate. Now therefore, be it resolved by the board of education of USD 437 that the 2025 2026 budget with a levy of property taxes exceeding the revenue neutral tax rates calculated for the 2025 2026 as adjusted pursuant to KSA79-2988 is hereby adopted. So we will take a roll call vote. Um Shanoa Emery, >> yay. >> Uh Brian Smith, >> yay. Brad Nuller, >> yay. >> Jackie Ligh Cap, >> yay. >> Uh, Joe Fall, >> yay. >> And I'm a yay as well. And that concludes the revenue neutral rate hearing. So, we will adjourn the revenue neutral rate hearing. And
019we will adjourn the normal um USD 437 board meeting. If anyone was here just for the revenue neutral rate, we you are welcome to stay, but if you would like to leave, don't feel like you have to stay. Um, but we are going to go ahead and get started with our normal um 437 board meeting and we will start with school highlights. >> That's right. Exciting time. So, it's the first board meeting of the month and we have the principal at the Pauline at South, Mr. Holman is here and I think we have some friendly faces in the audience to help recognize and celebrate. So, thank you so much for being here, sir. And the podium is yours. >> You bet. Thank you guys very much for doing this every year. It gives us a
020chance to recognize some wonderful uh people in our in our school community. And so I want to thank the board of education for having the shining star shining star recognition. Um for those of you who don't know, my name is Chris Hullman. I'm the proud principal Pauline South. And uh the people who I'd like to recognize, we have two two uh staff members, two team members, and then one student. Is there any particular order? That's up to you, Mr. Hman. >> Okay, if I could please have uh Mr. Wilder come on up. >> All right, let's give Mr. Wild a round of applause. >> I'd like to go ahead and and uh bring some light and introduce Mr. Joel Wilder. Joel Wilder is a daytime custodian for Pauline South. He's been there for 30 years.
021And the reason that I'm wanting to recognize him as a Pauline South Shining Star is yes, of course, for the longevity uh of what he's done and he has treated our our facilities very well. And through the years, it's so much more than that. He he does a he puts a lot of himself into the work. And most recently, where I've been most appreciative of his leadership is in helping to train other people um in their job roles. And that's been really really critical for us to keep the uh the not only the clean cleanliness, but just the the maintenance of the building on a dayto-day. And I'm always so proud to have guests in our building who will come in and they will comment uh on the cleanliness of the building, the appearance, the
022upkeep. And I just couldn't be more proud of of Joel when those things happen because he does put a lot into it. And u what I was going to say is when you have this longevity, he has an opportunity to build a lot of relationships and he will take the time to do that. And I couldn't be more appreciative of the way that he will uh on the spot. I if something needs to be done, he's happy to take care of it right there, right there and then. He has a really good sense of of not only anticipating what needs to be done, but if those those when those curve balls come up, he's someone who I can be count, do it with a great attitude, and then um help others along the way. So,
023uh, absolutely a pillar at Pauline South and most deserving of this shining star award. So, Joel, thank you so much for all that you've done for us. >> That's all right. It'll be your favorite part of the day. We get to take some pictures. >> And he he's joined by his lovely wife, Sarah. This >> more than welcome to come up if you'd like to join us. They're right up here. >> Yeah. Come on up. Join the either one. You can shoot Perfect. Thank you. [Applause] >> If I could ask uh Mr. Jerry Kat to please come to the podium. [Music] [Applause] I'm very excited again to uh not only introduce I don't know that I need to introduce Mr. Cavitt. I think about everyone in the community knows him. Uh but for those of
024you who don't, this is Mr. Jerry Cavitt. He's a physical education teacher Pauline South. And he takes a great amount of pride in in letting people know that and where he's from and and what he does during the day. Uh the reason I'm chosing choosing to share light not only on uh on Mr. Cavit is not only for his longevity at Pauline South which is now at 20 >> 19 plus. >> I was going to say yes total he he started out as a pair educator at Pauline South working really hard and doing that at the same time finishing up his studies at KU and uh I was um wise enough back then when our physical education teacher uh position open to to snatch him up because he has been absolutely wonderful in our community.
025He's one of those uh people who the students love him, the teachers love him, the parents love him, I love him. He does such a great job and he's so true to Pauline South. He's one that I can send out an email. I need help with this and no matter what it is, he'll be one to respond. Count me in. um if there's something more specific, whether it be for uh his program or his discipline specifically or maybe something with the specialist teachers and it's like, "Hey, we need to tweak this in our schedule." No problem. We've got it. He has his eye on the big picture, which is making sure that our students reach their full potential as respectful and responsible citizens, and he's all about that. I would like to recognize or uh
026bring light to not only does he influence the students that are Pauling at Pauline South at the time, but he's also a coach at the at Washurn Royal High School and he coaches the at on the high school football team and then is also a varsity co varsity football coach on the football team, but then also on the baseball team and I've spoken with and he enjoys that and the students enjoy him. Um, but one thing I know that through the years I've had students tell me, I've had families tell me that their child might not otherwise go out for the sport, but then they see, oh, Mr. Cavat is one of the coaches. Yeah, I'll give it a try. And so, that right there uh speaks to who he is. And so, I'm so
027happy that he's a Pauline South and so happy uh to bring this uh recognition to him this evening. I just want I just want to comment uh just within the last week uh my daughters are at the middle school now and we were talking about school and the day and uh PE came up and yeah it's fine but we sure miss Mr. Kavat and uh yeah >> and he's here tonight with his wife Christy and son Miles and daughter Macy. Oh, sorry. >> This was great. Your team shows exactly how to get >> congratulations. [Applause] Okay, last but not least, our student recognition uh for our shining star. If I could ask Eastston Lucero to Eastston Lucero to please come on up. [Applause] Uh Eastston is a fine young man at at Pauline South. He's
028a fifth grader and I mean every word of that. He is absolutely a fine young man. I had the chance to talk with his grandfather a little bit earlier today. Eastston is the type of student who represents Pauline South well where we talk about being respectful, how we treat each other, being responsible, doing what we're supposed to do, and then of course being safe. He embodies all of those characteristic traits, but there's just something so unique about Eastston because although he's someone who can be counted on any time, any day, any place of the building, I could say, "Oh, look how Easton's doing this." That that's how I'd like you to to represent yourself. It could it could be in the classroom, the hallway, the cafeteria, playground, uh whatever the situation is. Uh but at
029the same time, Eastston has a very unique quality in that um he's a very very real uh real kid. And I was telling his grandfather, it's hard for me to describe it because um whether it's something that just happens impromptu in the hallway and he has to make a quick decision or maybe it's something that is is uh a little bit prolonged in his decision making. Time and time again, you'll always see Eastston make the right decision. He leads with his heart. Um, I'm going to be really excited to see the things that he does at at our middle school and high school and beyond. And, um, it's a real easy thing to say like when my children were 10 years old, uh, daughters and sons, I would absolutely love for them to to be
030friends with Eastston. Um, but even one step further, I go back, I look at myself. If I were 10 years old right now, I would absolutely want to hang out and be friends with East Lucero. He's just that type of a kid. And so, Eastston, congratulations and thank you for representing Pauline South so well. [Applause] He has parents and grandparents and sisters and and everyone here this evening. Take a picture. [Music] Fantastic. Congratulations there. [Applause] Thank you, Mr. Hullman, for that. Um, we do not have anyone signed up for public comment for our regular session. For anyone that was here for school highlights, if you would love to sit through the rest of board meeting, we would love to have you, but this is a great time if you would like to get up and
031go, um, please feel free to do so. Um, we will move on to 3.01, 01 which is roll call. All members except for Michael White are present. Um 3.02 approval of the agenda. Uh looking for a motion. >> Move to Move to approve the agenda. >> Second. >> There's been a motion and a second. All in favor. Motion passes six to zero. Um move on to section four, disposition of business by consent. Oops, sorry. I move that board of education approve business by consent including the payment of the bills in the amount of 13,677,777. >> Been a motion and a second. All in favor? >> Motion passes six to zero. That was a lot of sevens. >> I need to go to slot machine after >> section five is administrator reports. It doesn't look like
032we have any administrator reports tonight. So we will move on to section six which is items for discussion 6.01 uh English language arts novel request for street. >> Hello everyone. >> Get myself hooked up here. I just have one request for you tonight. All right. So um as you know every year we do a little bit of reflection and revision with regards to our curriculum implementation. And so tonight um I am here before you uh to talk about something for 8th grade English language arts. So last year the board approved us splitting our 46 minute English class into two 42minute courses literacy and composition. So with that we now have twice the time to work on our reading and writing skills. And so with that, we have a request for an extended fiction that aligns
033with our current curriculum resource. So we also did an upgrade to our curriculum resource last year, my perspectives. This ties in directly with that textbook. So this particular book aligns with our standards. So we can align it with our uh Kansas state standards. It connects with our current curriculum like I mentioned. So that Savis my perspectives actually mentions this as a great extended fiction text to go along with that. Um it will enhance literacy skills as well as has cross-curricular connections. Um specifically speaking, it offers diverse perspectives on global issues like war. Um it is very age appropriate. Um it also has talks about other things with regards to access to clean water in other countries. So we really feel that it would increase engagement with our students to help build empathy, resilience, and critical
034thinking. So for your review, I have two things for you. So I have an extended length text proposal that my group of teachers put together. We created this years ago as a district tool to look at uh requests for novels. So in that in that text proposal it talks through meaning structure language as well as knowledge demands and teachers also have to consider whether students have the skills, the background as well as the motivation to engage with a text. Um this ensures what we select is both appropriate as well as challenging um to support our student growth as readers and thinkers. Second, I also have for your review um a quote for instructional materials in the amount of $2,594.75. So with that, we have reached the question portion of this evening. So does anyone have
035any questions about the text or the process we use to select the text? That's good. >> Okay. >> So, this is just more because I have an eighth grader and I've heard about this book and and kind of what they're doing. Um, so this will be used across both classes, right? Both the writing and the read like >> correct. So, they'll it'll have connections within both. So, while we have a class that's solely focused on the the reading portion, the literacy portion, we'll also cross over into that composition portion as well. >> I think that's really cool. I think that my daughter really enjoys like having that cross-pollination or whatever you want to call it across both classes. So, I think it's a really cool way to way to do that. So, >> perfect. Any
036other questions? >> Great. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> All right, we'll move on to 6.02, which is the 2526 budget hearing publication. Yeah, as a part of the required U budgeting process, we need to publish in the paper uh what we think the mill levby rate is going to be for the upcoming school year. And as we mentioned during the revenue neutral rate hearing, uh we're working on making that flat as comparison to last school year. >> All right, any questions? All right, we'll move on to 6.03, which is the KASB delegate. Yeah. So, as you're aware, um, KASB hosts a convention uh, every year. It's usually in the month of November. This year, that Saturday falls on November 15th. One function of that convention is to have a KASB delegate assembly.
037That gives the association the opportunity to talk about legislative positions. And every school district across Kansas needs to have one representative there. In the old days, so to speak, you actually had to physically be in a room. uh currently uh you can do that online from home and so Jackie I think you've done that over the years before I think Brad you did it last year um so this is to bring that back uh to the forefront since November 15th isn't too far down the road if there's a board member that is able to do that either choosing to go to Witchah or just doing it from the comforts of home we'll need to select uh an individual if anybody surfaces to that occasion we can approve that at the next board meeting So throwing
038it out there. >> Jackie, you need a farewell tour of the >> I am not going to be in town that weekend anyway. I'm sorry. I will be gone. >> But all right, perfect. >> We move on to section seven, which is um action items. The 7.01 is a 2526 budget hearing publication. So just heard that we need to vote to publish it in the paper. Um if there's not any questions, would entertain a motion. Move the board of education approve uh publication of the notice of public hearing for the fiscal year 2025 2026 budget. >> Second. >> There's been a motion and a second. All in favor? >> Motion passes 6 to zero. We'll move on to 7.02 which is needs assessment um and case of plans. >> Over the last few board meetings,
039Dr. Dota has been providing updates in regards to needs assessment as well as schisa plans. He's not able to join us this evening, but uh he would seek your rec or your approval today. >> I'll move the board of education approve the comprehensive needs plan and K kesa plans as presented. >> Second. >> It's been a motion and a second. All in favor. Motion passes 6 to zero. We'll move on to 7.03 which is board policy updates final read. I'll move the board of education approve board policies JBC, JBC, D, K, and KM is presented. >> I'll second that. >> It's been a motion and a second. All in favor? >> Whatever it means. >> Motion passes six to zero. >> Um, we'll move on to communications. Um 8.01 upcoming dates. >> Yeah, just a
040couple of things to highlight. So if you have your calendars available, one thing is Indian Hills, um the principal, the team there, as well as the PTO, they are going to host an open house on Friday, September 26th. I think it's 6:00 until about 8:00. It's a family um friendly event. Um they're going to have music. They're going to have um either ice cream or popsicles for kids. They'll have some games to be played, but just as importantly, they also want to showcase all the upgrades and the improvements to the building as well as the additions. And so, there is not a home varsity football game that particular night. So, Chelsea and her team eventually will have some social media posts going out. As soon as I get that, I'll make sure that I forward
041it to you as well. This is not a have to do, but if you're available and you want to have a fun time at Indian Hills and check out the bond construction projects that have been completed, you're certainly more than welcome to attend. They also were recognized um just about a month ago as being one of the top schools in Shauny County. So I think they're also going to add that to the reason. Yeah, exactly. Best in Topeka for things to celebrate. So it'll be a fun night. So looking forward to it. Second thing that I wanted to mention, um now that the school year is up and running, uh we have had the opportunity to to hold a board meet a board meeting at Washurn Ral North, but we have not yet had the
042opportunity to showcase Washurn Real Middle School. They have had a tremendous amount of upgrades and the building looks brand new. We would like to hold a board meeting um at Washurn Ral Middle School as well. Maybe Mr. Her could give you a tour before the meeting and then we could uh meet in the newly um um updated library media center. So, I'm kind of thinking maybe the second board meeting in the month of October. If you all don't care when we do it, I'll coordinate with the school and then we'll meet there to be able to showcase that facility. >> Sounds great. That works. >> Awesome. Looking forward to it. >> That looks good. >> Great. >> I did go over to Indian Hills last week. It's looking looking a lot better now. >> Absolutely.
043>> Lots of natural light in the back and just looks great. >> Yeah, that south edition is is fantastic. Yeah, absolutely. >> You said that open house is the 26th. >> Is that Friday? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Friday. Friday the 26th from from around 6:00 to 8. >> Yep. And as soon as I get the digital image, I'll send it out to you. >> Yep. >> All right. We are going to the chair would move that we go into executive session at 7:07 uh to discuss pursuance students pursuant to the exception relating to the actions adversely or favorably accepting affecting a student under coma. Personnel matters pursuant to the exception of non-elected personnel under coma. Uh discuss budget pursuant to the exception of for employer employee negotiations under coma for 35 minutes. The open
044meeting will resume in the boardroom at 7:42 p.m. >> second. >> All right, there's been a motion and a second. All in favor? Motion passes six to zero. We're in executive session. We are back in open session after being in executive session. >> All right. >> Yeah. I move the board of education approves the adjustment to the administrator's contract as discussed in executive session. >> Second. >> Motion to second. All in favor? >> Motion passes six to zero. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. Motion and second favor 6. We are