001One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Number four [Music] is second. Second discussion [Music] switch. Thank you. I'm coming. Yes. Yes. Okay. Well, first of all, I think you guys have been following us. um that amazing things are happening at the high school and we're going to acknowledge the accomplishments from state back CCLA and state BLA today and they're going to be honoring nationals. So I'll call Alana Pro up first. Um Alana placed in repurposing redesign level two second place at state. Um and she will be traveling to Orlando, Florida here in July. So um she's our one and only. Congratulations. And then um FBA business leaders of America, we have multiple place. We have seven people going to nationals. Um Emma Bohan, she's not here. She's not here. Okay. She
002placed in parliamentary procedure. Mackenzie Krueger. Okay. Not here. Parliamentary procedure first place. They won first place in state. This is huge. First place in parliamentary procedure. Is there and parliamentary procedure. So these four girls um with Emma Bohan um first place at state. So it's taken them to Nashville. This is the second year in a row that the parliamentary procedure is heading to national. So this is big. And for our high school, it's it's critical that you know how much that we integrate our curriculum. So our FFA has done a really good job of preparing these girls and with their business skills. They're going to be maybe some business people in the long run because um we look for a great showing for them for a national day here. culture. She placed um second place
003in client services which gave her a spot for nationals as well. Brandon, yes, we do have males in our our clubs financial mass second place and so people are representing us in that this year. and Mackenzie Krueger fifth place and is a representative in Agra business and she placed third place at state. And then we do have one more male, Matthew Deck, come on down. Um, place third place in financial math. So, with these kiddos, they're going to head on out to Anaheim, um, California here at the end of June, and they'll be competing and doing a little sightseeing, but mostly competing and, um, uh, meeting with up with their fellow Kansas. So, be staying in the same hotel as everybody else. Um, so it's going to be a really good time. And, um, then,
004uh, we get back and then Alana steps, I don't even know if she has time to wash her clothes. she actually gets to ride on a plane and one day one day one day when they're finished she'll head off to Florida. So these are great opportunities and our community has been wonderful in supporting them um and helping us raise the money so that these guys can represent Burlington High School. So one more round of applause here. Thank you guys so much. And if we could get the students to come in here to take a picture, we would appreciate it. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Thank you. uh quite a crowd. We uh as a practice uh we ask for the same topic. Um it's the same groups. Say what? Groups. Groups. And groups with the same
005special interest may be as these are all individuals. They're not these are all individual patrons. Are you all part of the group? Are you all the public? This is who we are. They have appointed us. If they have a comment to speak to here to concern, I'm running on behalf of my coach Rice. She has been one of the best volleyball coaches I've had. This is not just because of the fact that she knows volleyball, which she does. She's taught me most everything I know about volleyball. It's because she's here. She's cared about each and every one of her players. If you were to go up to her one day and say, "Hey, coach, I've had a really tough day. Can we please talk?" She would do anything she could just to make you say
006better. I think with all my coaches I've had, I've had multiple different sports that I've had coaches for. The most important quality for me is being kind. And she's definitely been that. and my experience with her as my coach. I got diagnosed with tenonitis in both my feet. When we did exercises as a teams and my teammates were running, I was able to do that because of the doctor's note that told me I could not do that. She found different solutions to keep me exercise and keep me running and doing other stuff that I could do like core workouts out to the side so I was still a part of her team. Um, she also taught me the importance of teammates and how sports and creating family around you and finding your finding your friend
007or becoming stronger is such an important thing in your life. Some people might argue that her practices were hard, but I've been taught my whole life that if you don't have coach pushing you and you don't have hard practice, they're giving up on you and they don't leave it. That's something that she has never failed to do. She's never stopped working with me or any of my teammates around. She's always trying to push me into my arms. Um, in my opinion, it's amazing to have a coach that wants to push you and make you better. Coach R has helped me transition to high school and gave great advice when I needed it. I saw kids that wouldn't participate in class that really started to care about volleyball and want to participate in volleyball and then
008they started participating in class better. And I think that has to do a lot with her coaching. She was an outstanding role model for all of us girls and made all involved as a person like knowledge bro. Um I'll read a text that she sent me after after a game. Baby, great hustle tonight. You are everywhere giving your mom a heart attack. You are such a natural player. You can do the ball so well. We can only do so much but give it your all. So proud of you. You guys play better as a unit. Most of you guys have played together for me. Little pieces are weaker, but figure them out in a way to make them better as a team. Keep leading on the court and running that court. I believe in you.
009Thank you guys. My name is Eva. Coach Rice is my volleyball coach. I am here trying to my family. Not only a great volleyball coach, but an even better role model. As a coach, she pushed us. She taught us to overcome failure and work together as a team. She helped us learn from our mistakes and taught us how to become better teams. Not only did we become better athletes and teammates, but better younger. During volleyball last year, I had a season end ankle injury co. However, you don't have to take my word for it. I'm going to read you that she sent me. And I quote, "Hey, my girl, I saw your dad tonight and you told me about I know these things, but when you're ready for rehab, I'll be there if you need.
010We can go to the gym or shoot or play volleyball. You got this. Stay positive and such a long head surgery. Months after my volleyball training was over, I had surgery on the ankle. Before I was home to the hospital, there were flowers for me at my house. This showed me how much he cared about the wellbeing of my players. It was it would be truly a shame if the generation as a coach. Thank you. Hi, my name is I'm here to talk about that. as much as she taught me through so much. She was the main reason I kept doing volleyball. She always made sure I was okay on and off the court, making sure I was 100% while playing and while I wasn't playing. She had taught me a lot in this story
011and helped me break through my two years on how to be better and push myself to be the best volleyball player I can be. The first year I started out, I was not the best and she stayed reminding me that I can do it and she will always have faith with me and help me and everyone and anything that need. I'm going to read you a text that she sent. the first game. Wow, you played by itself. I'm so proud of you. I know you have and that's the hustle I am. I thank you for conditioning and you'll be able to provide for each game. It clearly was a leader on the team. Keep working hard. Stay positive like see you on Monday. Proud of you. She was a great coach and an amazing person
012at that and everyone coming to play volleyball these next years deserve to have an amazing coach like her and to help them improve on everything you can possible. Thank you. Hi, my name is M and I'm here to talk about the impact coach Rice had on me. Last year I was not the best I nor this coach made me think otherwise. She did everything she could to make me a better athlete and she did. She would always stay after practice with me and sitting, surfing, walking, or anything that I needed to work on to improve. She didn't only make me a better player on the court, but off the court. She would text me and tell me how to improve my volleyball skills after practice. Not only did she make me a better player, but
013also a better person in the world. She would always believe in me and help me believe in myself and not stay in my head. She would text me if I had a bad day or game. And I quote, "Hey, keep your head up. Everyone will have one day. You are vital to your team. I love you competitive spirit but together positive. You can do this rest and get ready for Monday. She made me love my ball and made it enjoyable. I wouldn't love this game, be a better player or have a better mindset and go for coach and I feel upset that the younger girl will not be able to experience the amazing that she is. Thank you. I'm sure Travis Moore I'll speak on behalf of one since she's J tonight. So, as a
014parent, you guys are hearing the girls's perspective, right? As a parent, I just I can't say enough about her. The confidence she puts in those girls and you can see it. Uh the way they play as a team, as they said. I mean, they pretty much said everything. So, um but she wasn't able to be here. So, and I wanted everybody to hear parents perspective, too. We see that as well. Uh behind speak on uh the impact that coaches can have on youth school level. Sport is a vehicle to create pathways for students by developing skill sets that will benefit them in their lifetime. Teachers in school classrooms teach important subjects such as reading and math. But sports develop soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication, and resilience, which every single one of these girls
015I mentioned, uh, which so many employers say are lacking in today's workforce. Take it a step further. According to UN Women, which is the United Nations Foundation, 80% of female Fortune 500 CEOs played sport in their formative years. And women who played sports are more likely to be in senior management roles than those who do not. that sadly by the age of 14, girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of young boys. Um, also I noticed in the agenda tonight that there's an attachment that talks about the high school uh the activities and athletics and the participation rates and it talks about their GPA and there's a wide gap between the GPA of those who participate in sports or activities and those who do not. Um, so to me that's why it's so
016critical to have great coaches for females at the junior high level, right? because that's where they drop out. Can we can we keep them in sports at that level? Coaches that can push girls to be their best have standards that make them not just better athletes, but also better people. Coaches that empower these young girls to advocate for themselves. Let them know it's okay to take up space, how to navigate sticky situations, and stand in your values. Coaches that let the young girls know that strong and confident is a good look for everyone. coaches that get girls excited about playing sports, what it means to work hard, and staying out for sports. And most importantly, at the end of the day, coaches that care about these girls' well-being, which they do by having strong relationships
017and making connections, which from the girls, the parents, that is happening. Um, not every coach has the ability to challenge athletes, uh, push them, be tough on them, and at the end of the day, those athletes would run through a brick wall for them because they know that coach will run through a brick wall for them. And that coach was Sarah Rice. The outpouring of support said it speaks for itself. So, um, Burlington School District needs more coaches like Sarah who can be a great female role model for young girls. She's been a champion in sports and has won her life. So, the Lady Cats, the current Lady Cats, future Lady Cats deserve to have coaches like that. I didn't know how they were all like many of you sitting in front of me and
018even in this room. We have called Burlington our home our whole lives. Many of you I've known since I was young. I raised up your kids, coached your kids, and even call you a friend. Two weeks ago, I was at a meeting in Madora and the speaker asked us all to think about what perspective means and what gives us perspective. Everyone went around the room. Many talked about young parents, the challenges of education today, and loss. But the point was perspective leads to understanding and solutions. What perspective does this board have right now? At the end of January, I was brought into a meeting organized by the middle school athletic director and was told I was being nominated. A misunderstanding that could have easily been squashed, but instead of adult conversations, a cover up began.
019I have never had one athlete, parent, or fellow coach complaint. I've never had a verbal or written warning because I am a good coach. This has nothing to do with my coaching. This is because I ask questions. I am not afraid to offer my opinion, and I am willing to advocate for something I believe in, even if I am a minority. A couple days later, I met with the middle school principal in hopes to gain understanding and guidance. I was told that this was not his decision and to go to the superintendent or school board. As far as an explanation for understanding, I was told the athletic director was just doing what he thought was right. Really right for who? To this day, I am still waiting for my side to be heard and for
020questions to be asked. All employees, including myself, should have had the opportunity of due process, and that did not happen. Shortly after that meeting, I then met with the board president and the superintendent. Again, I was there to gain understanding and guidance, but was met with intentions questioning my integrity and character rather than intentions to understand what actually happened. I was talked to about the importance of self-reflection and assured a thorough investigation would be done, which turned out to be a lie. How do you conduct any investigation, let alone a thorough one, when you don't even ask me? The person accusations are about one question or even asked my coaching staff. That is because one was never done. I last had any communication on this matter March 12th from the superintendent. I was told he
021would be presenting his findings to the board and I would not be able to review them prior. Well, here we are 2 months later and I have no idea what was said about me or my character or what was even presented about me. Where are the ethics in that? Any self-reflection would tell you they're awesome. Despite all of this happening, I continued to be involved with the administration. I was chosen to be on the steering committee for the elementary bond and also a founding member of our new school education foundation. I was one of the very few that publicly advocated and defended the bond issue, took verbal punches left and right, and was repaid by my coaching position being posted and sent out on a district-wide email. Totally blindsided. What an intentional, careless act. You
022cannot name a bigger slap in the face, professionally and personally, than to do that. At a time when we didn't need any added drama, the superintendent could not even wait two weeks for a formal board vote to post my coaching position. That act alone should tell this board everything about his character, morals, and leadership. He told me the buck stops with him. No, the buck stops with you all. Do not continue to give your information from a funneled bias source. You can ask questions. You control this district, not him. From my short time coaching and being involved with the steering committee, I have realized how toxic this culture is. The distrust from the community and the administration can hardly be measurable. Actually, it can. Yes, 305. No votes 793. That is a call for change.
023We have got to get back to a high standard of excellence where losing is okay but winning is expected where students and teachers come first not second and where there is not a gap between our community and the school. If allowing administrators to not seek truth, act on lies and perform mediocre, then yes, you all, the board of education are doing your job just fine. However, this community wants something vastly different. Poor leadership has continued for too long, and now is the time to create that change, mend the relationships he has broken, and earn our trust back. Thank you. Anybody [Music] else? Where would you like me to stand? I'll just I'll just do it from here. So, um, again, thank you for the opportunity to speak. Again, I'm Jeff Sudter representing the Likewise Steering
024Committee for Burlington and where we have over 150 community members who have signed a petition requesting that USD 244 allow a release time religious instruction program here at the school. This request is consistent with the 1952 Supreme Court ruling and supported by two Kansas attorney general's opinions allowing release time religious instruction for public school students during school hours provided the following are satisfied. Number one, it's all school property privately funded and then third parent approved. Currently, there are over fif over 500 thriving and religious instruction programs serving over 50,000 public students across the nation. As a result of the April 14th board of education meeting, the superintendent did communicate to me that we are taking your request under consideration. As a reminder for both the superintendent and the board, the request consisted of the following.
025Number one, board members engage by possibly creating an advisory committee, working with the Burlington Lifeway Steering Committee, other community members and staff as necessary to support the following. Objectively review the available information on released time religious instruction. Physically visit with and observe local school districts with active release time religious instruction programs. that includes Madison and Sebetha in the local area. And then also develop a costbenefit analysis for a released time religious instruction program within the school district. And finally follow that up with considering the draft released time religious instruction policy that was proposed at the April board me that you objectively review that considering the above proposed advisory committee. So, I would like to provide each of the board members a copy of a letter from First Liberty Legal addressing the constitutionality of release time
026religious instruction. The letter provides an independent analysis of the legality of Lifewise Academyy's release time religious instruction program. The letter addresses the following. It addresses the background of the constitutionality of released term religious instruction, specifically focusing on the 1952 Supreme Court ruling that I discussed above. It also has detailed legal analysis in the letter with a statement that includes the following. Finally, a school district may expose itself to liability if it chooses to decline a partnership with Lifewise Academy because of Lifewise Academyy's religious character. And then in conclusion, the analysis states, after reviewing the details of Lifewise Academyy's release time religious instruction program and analyzing it according to relevant law, we conclude that Lifewise Academy is both a beneficial and constitutional program for public school students. Now, I am aware that tonight's agenda has a
027board report item identifying that the superintendent contacted legal counsel and the council recommended that USD244 not adopt the proposed requested release time religious instruction policy that was discussed at the April 14th board of education meeting. However, we implore that the board not close the door to release time religious instruction program with this limited level of effort. Again, I remind you that this is a communitybacked initiative that where adopted in other school districts has observable positive social emotional impact as well as improved attendance and reduced inschool and out of school suspensions. Considering the significant positive student impact which comes at no cost to the school district and in light of the legal analysis provided to you tonight from First Liberty Institute, it is recommended that the board take the appropriate time and attention as requested at
028the April 14th board of education meeting and reiterated again tonight here to fully vet the benefits and yes potential challenges of a released time religious instruction program at Burlington USD244. We as a steering committee will be happy to work with you through the proposed assessment process. I leave you with a final thought. We believe so strongly in the importance of this program that if there is one single student that benefits from it at USD244, we are willing to put in the effort to make it happen. Thank you. Well, the school board I'm saying ought to be encouraged by this. How many meetings have we had where I've been the only person here that's not part of the school board, part of the school system? So for me this is this is American government. So so
029I appreciate the students and parents and everyone being I personally appreciate that and I did look around Mr. Springs not here, does he? No. I want to acknowledge him. Uh in his report, uh he um included Van on his actual prick report. You know how I feel about that. And there's a a band concert tonight. So, I trust where he is, where he ought to be. And so, I just want to acknowledge him. But the reason I want to speak to you tonight was last month at the at the meeting talking about 21st century learners. And we emphasized being ready to to contribute to the 21st century society. And we're trying to get learners to do that. And Robert Kaplan wrote a series of books several years ago about how the world is connected and
030no longer isolated here and isolated there. A person in Sierra Leone can be as connected to Burlington, Kansas as anyone else in the world. And so in in view of that, we ought to take a real high view of um language instruction. How can I speak? Language instruction. Um we reported last month that there were 13 students taking Spanish 13 in a class in a in a school of were not ready to to contribute to the international community and then during the during the uh senior interview day we had one student taking German and so I talked to him in German for a moment. It was very clear he had no idea what was going on. And he took German online and confessed that although he got an A in it, that there wasn't much
031learning there. And we want to do better than that. We want to produce students out of Brunsw High School that contribute to this 21st century, the world that's connected in. So I'd encourage them to see how we can do better than that. We ought to get more students doing foreign languages because that's the world we live in. So thank you. Thanks for thank you note that we received from Ronald McDonald House Charities. Oh, we have more questions on my submission. You stated 42 students were you expected there to be some more? usually I would say like five to six kind of surprises usually. Uh yes, if you have any questions just let me know and I'll get those to Matt. He is at the DMS pause concert tonight is jail. I thought there about anything
032else over high school as I put in the front the front of the I guess the first paragraph is I feel like our mantra right now is all we do is win. If you guys are not cool enough to know that song, you should know it. Um, right now we're first place with going into regionals. As of right now, I'm headed up to watch because tomorrow in softball for Rock Creek and cross your fingers, we have two wins. We know we're going to get two wins and uh get to first. Um, Thursday we play everybody second because of baseball games. We got bumped up in baseball second. We play Thursday night, first round of regionals. And so, um, some good things happening there. As a report, I do want to just mention, I mean, come
033on, forensics. We got second in state for forensics and we just have amazing kids. And then Matt De Matthew Doug was here um his honor. So, I have not had any sleep for the last month and it has been all worth it. Um we have amazing kids doing amazing things. Um and with that being said, I do want to talk about our wonderful teachers and teacher appreciation week. We had a lot of fun this last week and a lot of community support. Um and uh so we ended up with some chair massages on Friday. So that was very appreciated. Um and then one thing we're trying to tell our show our kids because you know we don't have to like our children every day just as a parent too but we love our kids and
034um Miss um Spangber if you saw on Facebook did an amazing project. It was 37 art um kids and um you know when that one kid that you like, oh my god, I didn't even know that you knew my name, you know, comes up and gives you a platter um that's when you know you're making a difference. So, it was an amazing project. This was the first year she did it. Um some teachers got um like four or five of them and they're just making a big impact. So, um appreciate that. We're again we have amazing kids and amazing teachers. So, it's it's been a a whirlwind and it's going to not stop. Um, so just keep following along because just wish for wins and uh finish strong. And and a little note to you
035guys, I do need to know if you're coming for graduation, so please let me know. Um, we have a spot saved for you and it's just an amazing senior class. So I hope you guys can be there. Um, and I just wanted to thank Jodyie and her group of students and staff that came out to um, the Wolf Creek Nature Trails. I talked about it at the April meeting. They came out. We had 152 students. Um we had a huge cleanup birthday morning out there. We've gotten lots of positive feedback from um community members and the staff members at Wolf Creek and it spurred more interest and more um interest and future involving out there. So, and it was a great day. You know, we ended the day with scratch. So, it was great. So,
036and uh the funny part is that if you were in Mo'Nique's group, Selena was more the the manager over at Eversoft thing. Um I'm going down and taking pictures cuz that's what I do. And uh Nick's like, "Where are you guys at? Come on, get the Clippers." You know, so she's struggling this like really about. So had a good time. They were they were tired. It was not sunny. It was kind of just they had all that rain and um uh after they were done being sore, they want to do it again. So, we'll we'll keep it going. Thank you. [Music] Don't really have anything in addition just to say that all of our certified positions are filled going into next year. So, that's exciting. And um I have not done final numbers for what
037it's going to look like for PAR educator openings, but I will say that the majority um the overwhelming majority of saying they are returning next year. So I'm actually somewhat encouraged before I put the paper that it's not going to hit 30. uh just uh - funding uh in my report uh our commitment from the federal government came through on that project. So uh that allows us to move ahead on ordering equipment and getting it installed and we are 3 weeks out from our conversion to Skyward Cumulative. So we are working busily. Just heard a big big gasp of air from Courtney back here. We have uh lot to do in in the conversion process, but uh we're ready for it. We're excited for it. Craig, when that happens, will we get all of our
038history for the for the board, too? Is that tied to Skyward? No, it's not. No, we need to get we need to get more uploaded as we moved over. We've got it in a folder. We just need some time to upload. Our USD244 service and retirement celebration that will occur on May 21 starting at 2 p.m. at the high school. Have an early release date on day the last day of school at 12:30. Uh we'll be honoring many employees for years of service and other honors. Uh again I attached our years of service report to shows the many many years our staff served USD244 and the education profession. So again the board is invited to attend that celebration. Uh we are looking to make a change to start times next year based on an issue
039that was raised there teacher linkage meeting in April as well as start times moving up for VHS activities next year. So, we're looking at uh summer activities being moved up to a 4:00 start time instead of a 4:30 start time next year for some high school activities. We're going to look to standard start times in buildings like we had done in the past. So, high school and middle school will have a 750 to 305 school day. That'll move their time up 5 minutes earlier. Keep them in school a little bit longer. The will have an 8:00 to 3:15 school day. This will change uh this change can't help brought to our attention at the April future linkage at ES as well as have kids involved in activities and those that are involved in activities at
040the high school. They'll be in class a little bit longer because they're starting 5 months earlier. Again, I want to thank our staff, students, families, and board members for another excellent year. Just too many positives to mentions for strong educational culture. What's what's the reason behind the 4:00 4:30 start activities? You might want to speak on that, Jody. He's not here. He's at baseball at the J baseball tonight. Go ahead. Um they uh the league passed it for for our league to pioneer league and so it was a vote of them to move it up. So the reason behind the decision, I think it was just because of ask these kids getting home at 11 or 12:00 at uh prayer view. I got home and and I was fueling up at midnight. Um the buses
041hadn't got back yet and it's it's long days. Um so even even that 30 minutes does help. So and that's really all it is is moving at 30 minutes. The counter being the center. Correct. It's a balance I guess. Yes. Yes. Okay. Anything else reports? I've got a couple things here. Um, concerning Lifewise Academy, I uh like to read on the advice of legal council board is declining the request from Lifeway Academy to adopt or suggested policy. We remain as committed as ever to our vision that each VHS graduate will be prepared for life and a passionate contributor to the career and community. Next, I have a letter I have uh statement to the board to all board members. As more members of this board, our foremost responsibility to serve the best interest of our
042district, our students, staff, and community. It is vital that we uphold the integrity and credibility of our decision-making process. We have a duty to make careful, informed choices based on thorough discussion, evidence, and shared values. Recently, there has been considerable pressure both from within our board and from the community to reconsider some of our previous decisions. While community input is essential and valuable, we must be cautious not to allow external influence or peer pressure to override the deliberation and consensus we have worked hard to build. Changing course solely because of external pressures or public opinion after decisions have been made can undermine the trust placed in us as elected officials. it risk creating an impression that our decisions are reactive rather than thoughtful and principle. This can erode our leadership confidence and diminish our patrons
043respect for us. Therefore, I believe is important that we stand firm in our commitments to demonstrate consistency and ensure that our actions align with the best interest of our district. We owe it to our community to be transparent, deliberate, and principled in our decisions. That is how we maintain trust, demonstrate integrity, and effectively serve those who elected us. And with that, I just wanted to uh reinforce and pass those uh current job description for board members. That's it. You guys Yeah. Anybody else have any? Yeah, I uh first off, I would like to thank um the members of the advisory committee um that helped with that with the bond. um to our left. Thank you for that. So, it took it was a lot of time and commitment. Um it was a process started in
044about 18 months ago. Um the board had discussed it in September and October. We reached out to I don't know around 100 or so people um to try to garner an advisory committee. We gathered them. Um we met three times. um we had lengthy meetings and discussions and you know that's when we kind of we're we're at a crossroads right is it new is it remodel what do we do um from that advisory committee we were we came to the conclusion with them and the board um to move forward with new construction at that point then we had a town hall meeting we asked the public to come get more information um we sent out a survey we wanted to get public feedback and input put on that also. Um it was a process where
045we you know were involved in the public right um and then from the survey results committee the town hall um is where we were guided by the public to move forward with the new and go on. Um it didn't happen. the public, you know, have voted and that was great because um we work for you, right? You have elected us to represent the people. Um and so if that is not the direction that the public wants to go, then we will regroup and we'll come up with a new plan. Um, I I hope that we'll get more input and feedback and involvement from the public in, you know, whatever we plan next because we do have to do something, right? There are some needs um that we've got to fix. And so, again, I just
046want to thank everybody that was involved with that. Um, and and then for my next thing, I just I want to thank all of you tonight for all of your comments for coming in. um especially our students like and I'm going to get teary like like Aaron said um when we can have students young women especially come and stand up don't um in front of a board of adults and and speak from their hearts. It's um it's a good thing. So, I want to thank the public um for coming and speaking on behalf of what they believe in because we are elected to represent you. Again, we work for the public, right? And the superintendent works for us. So, we don't know what we don't know, right? There might be lots of rumors or things
047on Facebook or posts of here or that or whatever. Um, but we don't know what we don't know. We are seven people who represent a district of thousands. We can't be everywhere all the time. We try to be out in public, but we can't be at every game, in every classroom, in every school building. We need the public talking to the board. It is not an an us against you. It is a collaboration and we need the public to communicate with the board and communicate with all of us. We need you talking to us. Um we can't do anything about something we don't know about. So again, we don't know what we don't know. Can I just make one request of the board, please? on regards of you don't know what you don't know. I
048would highly recommend that you consider having a survey or an independent body come in and talk with your staff about the culture that you have at the school because I believe there is a culture of fear and intimidation that is present that the board is not aware of that they need to take some action on. You've heard it one example from Sarah, but there is a problem in the school system that your staff is afraid to arena for fear of retaliation. You Wolf Creekers should recognize that because it is ingrained in us and we are not seeing it. You're not hearing it. You need to find out about that and take some action. We rely on all of you to talk to us, right? We But please listen to your staff and we need the
049staff to talk to us. What's that? Yeah. Again, we are we work on you. We represent you. We need to know what you want and we need to know a specific um incident or whatever good or bad. So I just encourage public. So I have two things. So Sarah Rice and I attended so for Sarah Rice and I attended a school foundation meeting. about um uh schools are now you know there are so many schools lots of schools have foundations and so they are trying to get a statewide many states so Oklahoma for example has a um foundation um program basically for the whole state. So Kansas is starting to do that. Um lots of schools were there. We went to Odora. Um, God gard may several schools were there. So, they want to make
050a statewide um program basically. So, like if one school is doing something then other schools can see what they're doing. Wonderful, wonderful day collaboration. We were there for 2 hours and it was nonstop. And basically at the end they were like what do you want to do to be part of this? it was very very valuable. So I'm going be sharing that um coming up next next Friday. So that's the update on the school foundation. And then the other thing I do want to say is about lifewise. So I have met with members of lifewise. Um that is no secret. Um it is no secret that I did express and have expressed um that I do encourage you and um I know that it's not the answer that you want from me as a board
051member, but I encourage you to think outside the box. I personally um do have concerns about the safety of students leaving schooling and um there are other I believe that there are other curriculums that could do similar. I understand like not all kids stay after school and not all kids do summer programs. Um I think that there are other ways um it's no secret also that I used to work at a school and so when there was no school for a day 100 kids would attend and go to a field trip. So maybe it's a program that could be on non-school days. I have said this before and I'm saying to kids tonight please consider thinking outside the box and looking for another curriculum. And I I do know about life and um all those
052things but I do think there are some other avenues that um were missing um because we're not thinking outside box you know consider other avenues um I have talked to school administration um and I am also concerned about school safety and you know I don't let my granddaughter go to school every day to wonder you know she may be across the street for for during the day and those kind of things and it is you know it is the administration's responsibility um to us and to all of you to keep your kids safe. Um and you know that leads to some things that may not and I know that's not but I do think that there are some ways it's just maybe not. So I really encourage you to look outside just make a quick
053comment. Thanks for everybody for coming. been my concern all the time is I wish more people would come to the meetings and provide input more than just one time. There's a lot of things that go on when they look at the agenda. So I appreciate the people that echo everything else. I motion in to recess into executive session for 45 minutes to discuss a performance evaluation of the superintendent pursuant to the personal matters of non-elected employees exception under ASA 75-41 191 with the board and superintendent to protect the privacy of the individual involvement. cuz I said zero. Heat. Heat. TV on the BMS. Yes. As an elected official, we're elected to guide the district. We represent the public. We're elected to do what's right, to be honest, and vote based on truth facts. I cannot
054in good faith support contracts of BMS or BHS based on the fact of volleyball coaching decisions for the 2025 2026 year. I do not support recommendations and we'll be voting no because the decisions made are not what is in the best interest of the student athletes or the program 7 through 12. So you be voting no on all that's correct. Further discussion notes. [Music] Okay. Yay. Card. Nay. Johnny Hernandez. Yay. Ron H. Yay. James Higgins. Yay. Selena [Music] King VHS supplemental conditions. Second motion second discussion. No discussion. It's like in a blue circle. It's spinning. Lucas Allen, yay. Cart, nay. John Hernandez, yay. Ron, yay. James Higgins, yay. Selena King, nay. Bob Palmer, A. Moving on to retirements. Motion to accept the retirement request of Deanna Sinclair with a red at the end of 2024
0552025 school year has been a food service worker with US 244 for 13 years. [Music] motion to accept the retirement request of Mara Passing with Green Bread at the end of the 2024 2025 studio. Carlo has been a food service worker with USC for 14 years. We will miss Mara and Dina at the high school. Second. Thank you. Sorry. screen spreadsheets and show what are the BMS shows. Yes. Christmas. No. No. This is just Can you scroll down? I'm not sure why. [Music] So, six This list is on results monitor result. So well actually we talked a little bit about the infection or what I know Taylor and Matt are is the spots where for example on forensics there's blanks and then um let down on FFA. Do we not have a program that year
056or just the information? We try to go back the information. Um so we're pulling it. So um we're still looking and like skills USA is this is first year is a CTSo. I just want to make sure we didn't have forensics with 16 people and not have it the next year. I thought I remember people going to nationals last year. Correct. Correct. Sorry. Move to accept the results to monitoring considering the technology education next results have original progress results. Second motion second discussion. No treasure. 70. motion to accept that. How long was this correction? Yes. And we put a posting on the website for that information for two weeks. You can see the focus areas, foundations, restaurant things that are focusing on these things. So, I'm going to show my uh new ones that we're
057accepting this. Is this until we replace with something else? Is this or is it for a set period of time? This is for this this upcoming year for a set period of time. We evaluate based on needs items between 5 to seven years. Okay. Good question. Family consumer sciences for FACS motion approve facts curriculum materials as presented. Did we just I just didn't know if we got input from the new teacher. say we just did hire so probably the answer is no that's the direction in terms of the program where we see it going right now there could be there could be go ahead with with the new materials too it offers the suray handler and suray manager certifications that follows along with what the Kansas board of education has us do with certifications and
058so the person is well aware like actually sent me an email like what trading night you go to and said well aware that taking this position that they wouldn't have they don't offer that in college you don't get certified in that and so what we purchase it goes along with that so our kids will get those certifications upon completion of the class so she communication has been there yes do I need to reotion I think that discussion so yeah second any further discussion [Music] A second discussion motion 7 construction manufacturing materials and again this focuses on drafting. This again this information was displayed for two weeks for public viewing. No comments were made. Nobody uh planning to look and see what we're doing with traffic. But again, I don't know if you have any other
059comments. This was looked at with through Mr. Buck. Mr. Buck is our teacher for this class and uh he's uh very much in favor of this being used for the construction manufacturing curriculum. Motion to adopt the construction manufacturing curriculum materials as presented. Second motion second discussion you want to talk about yes right yeah so this is looking to approve Kansas border solutions as our employee benefit program again over the last several months we've been researching anter alternative to American Fidelity employee benefit solutions. Uh in the process, we conducted a staff survey to gain insight to what our employees desire from an employee benefit company. Uh Kansas board solutions offers again the same benefits for employees including supplemental insurance options again customer service. So I'm just going to mention that Nicole Laplin and Christy Hess have
060been taking kind of the lead on this. I've been involved in it as well and they got to the final stages. We've just had a lack of of customer support system, customer support from American Fidelity here. It seems like they've had four different representatives in the last five years and they just really haven't been great for that customer support piece. Uh Kansas board solutions, those people are going to be the consistent people that will be able to serve our employees and I recommend the board for KPS 125 plan for employee benefits. So basically these employee benefits are for both VA and non VA personnel or all employees all eligible. Yes. Right. Good question. Thank you. Most approve board solution of our new 125 plan employee benefits provider. Second motion second discussion. and negotiation. Yes. I
061don't really We're working to set our first meeting in late May or early June. It's just been busy here at the end of the year. So, uh working on trying to narrow that down to a May 22nd meeting. I think I sent an email to you all on the board that are on the the negotiations team. I'm going to hope we get some feedback for that. Maybe we can make May 22nd work for that first meeting. Uh I would like to say something that's going to be the fifth Monday in June. But so that won't tie into that. We'll stay off of that day for negotiations. Thank you for that information. Uh debriefing. Thank you everybody for coming. It's I know that we see you out in public too and talk to the public but
062sit across the table say it doesn't fall on that. I take that personally. The only thing I have to say is I have gone to the board and it did fall on deaf ears and then it got to the superintendent. I'm speaking for myself. I'm just telling you we're trying. Thank you for talking and especially to the students um that talk. It is