001Good evening. I'm Casey Brutau, the chief communications officer, and I would like to welcome you to the November Board of Education meeting. Before we begin, I want to take a moment to recognize that tomorrow is Veterans Day. This is a special day dedicated to honoring the brave people who have served our country with courage, dedication, and selflessness. Across our district, schools take time to honor and celebrate veterans in various meaningful ways. From heartfelt assemblies and studentled tributes to moments of silence and special projects, our students and staff come together to show their gratitude for the sacrifices our veterans have made. Um, tonight I'd like to ask for any veterans who are with us this evening to please stand so we can thank you. [applause] Thank you for your service and let us all continue to
002keep our veterans and their families in our thoughts, not just today, but every day. Um, now I'd like to invite Finley Wilson, a fourth grade student from Wolf Springs Elementary to the front to lead us in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which I stand, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [applause] >> And I think we're going to get a picture of you. And while they're coming down, I know she has some fans in the audience tonight. >> And she has a soccer game next. >> She does. Soccer game. >> Perfect start. >> Thank you, Finley. and good luck. [applause] Tonight we have the privilege of recognizing several outstanding staff members whose dedication, talent, and
003impact are inspiring. Um, so with our first award, would Hannah Bosselman please come forward with your principal, Stacy Sperry? [applause] >> [clears throat] >> We are excited to recognize Hannah with the Excellence in Education Award. Hannah is a fourth grade teacher at Prairie Star Elementary and this is her fourth year in the district. Um Stacy, you want to tell us why Hannah is so deserving of this award? I would love to. [laughter] I actually wrote my comments down so I would stay on script. Hannah is the kind of teacher who changes her students lives through consistent kindness and genuine care. She deeply knows every student in her classroom, their strengths, their needs, their hearts. She creates a space where all children feel valued, supported, and capable. Hannah teaches with humility, grace, and warmth. We are
004so very grateful for the difference Hannah makes every single day. Thank you, sweet Hannah. [applause] Hannah, is there anything you'd like to share? Yes, I too wrote it down because I'm a type A person. So, um I am very thankful and honored to re receiving this award today. Um although it feels like a personal achievement, I'm only as good as those who lift me up. And today I'm honored to work with some of the most dedicated, hardworking individuals, um who inspire and push me to be the best version of me for my kids. Um it starts with our principal who leads by example. Um she protects and supports us as well as acknowledges our values so that we can rely and learn on each other. um my team which are my backbone that help support
005the 101 things that get placed on our plate with no questions asked. Um the support and resource staff as well as the other teams who have become dear friends um who help me fill in my gaps as well as my kids with love and patience. And I just want to say that I'm very happy that the school I went to as a kid has the same feeling of inclusive and uh inclusivity and community as I remember. And I'm thankful that I get to be a part of the tradition that continues that on. [applause] And will we come get a picture? I know she's got a fan club in the audience um back there. So, thank you and congratulations [applause] Okay. Would Melissa Bellante please come forward with your supervisor Kristen Aswith? [applause] So, we're excited
006to recognize Melissa with a distinguished service award. She is a special education administrative assistant at Hilltop Learning Center and this is her third year in the district. Kristen, we'll let you tell us what makes um Melissa so special. >> Okay. I made some notes as well just so I too would stay on script. You know how it can be. Um well, we're really excited to be able to um nominate Melissa for this award. She's our um administrative assistant for special education and her primary focus is on assistive technology. So she supports the purchase, management, distribution, troubleshooting of devices that students use in order to access their curriculum and their experiences in school. Melissa um kind of a nutshell view of what she does. We can give her any situation, problem, task and give her pretty
007sketchy information about it and she can create the the this situation, the room setup, whatever it is that we need for her to do and it ends up being excellent. And um in addition to that, she's just a great colleague to have. She has a quick wit and is um has a great sense of humor. So, she's a delight to work with. Um, we've found her skills to be so strong that, um, her time as our administrative assistant is actually over with now. She is taking on the new role of special education and Medicaid specialist for us. So, she will be helping with um some of our primary technology and special education and supporting our um work on Medicaid reimbursement for the district. So, we're really excited about having her in that role, too. Thanks
008for all you do. [applause] >> Melissa, do you want to say anything? >> She said, "I'm not going to say anything." >> Congratulations >> [applause] >> Okay, next we have um some Kansas teacher of the year nominees to recognize. Would Matt Madison Kundiff and Kimberly Thompson please come to the front? [applause] Madison is a kindergarten teacher at Lakewood Elementary and Kimberly a social studies teacher at Blue Valley High and they have been selected as the district's nominees for the 2027 Kansas teacher of the year award. This program recognizes exemplary teachers from with five or more years of experience who are leaders in improving schools student performance in the teaching profession. This is Madison's seventh year of teaching, but she began her teaching career with Blue Valley in 2024. As a kindergarten teacher, she finds purpose
009in building foundational reading skills and nurturing a lifelong love of learning in her students. Kimberly has been teaching for 20 years and began her [laughter] [gasps] she began with us in Blue Valley in 2013. She is passionate about helping students view learning as a continuous journey and not something justified by deadlines. There will be four regional selection committees will review the state's nominees and select three elementary and three secondary teachers as regional finalists. From the semi- finalists, one elementary and one secondary teacher will be selected as regional finalists for a total of eight Kansas teacher of the year honores. Madison and Kimberly, congratulations to both of you on this achievement and opportunity to represent Blue Valley. Congratulations. [applause] >> [laughter] >> Okay. Next, we'd like to have Abigail Boozer and Heather Hall please come forward.
010[applause] Abigail is a library media specialist at Harmony Elementary and Heather a science teacher at Blue Valley West and they have been selected as the district's nominees for the 2026 Kansas Master Teacher. This award program established by Emporia State University in 1954 recognizes excellence in Kansas educators. Abigail joined Blue Valley in 2024 and loves building trust and connection as the foundation for student growth and success, emphasizing that relationships are not soft skills, but the most intricate and complex form of educational leverage to support student centered instruction. Heather joined Blue Valley in 2010 and is going into her 16th year of teaching. She approaches teaching as a creative design process, shaping learning experiences that help students grow in confidence and curiosity. At the beginning of the year, a selection committee will review the nominees and select
011seven educators from across the state as Kansas Master Teacher Honores. Congratulations and best of luck, Abigail and Heather. [applause] >> [applause] >> Okay, we have a couple more. Would Maddie Carter and Bla1 Smith please come TO THE FRONT? >> [cheering] [laughter] >> I LOVE THAT. [laughter] Maddie and Bla1 were recently selected as the district's nominees for the 2026 Kansas Horizon Award. The the award, a Kansas State Department of Education program, recognizes the educators who excel in a matter that sets them apart as outstanding during their first year in the classroom. Maddie is an interrelated resource teacher at Indian Valley Elementary and began her teaching career with Blue Valley last year. Bla1 is a science teacher at Blue Valley Northwest and also started his teaching career last year. Four regional selection committees will review the state's
012nominees and select up to four elementary and four secondary ed four secondary educators per region for a possible 32 Kansas Horizon Award nom nominees. Congratulations Maddie and Blae. We are so proud of you and wish you luck with the remainder of the process. [applause] congratulations again. [applause] So, next week is special. Um, we celebrate American Education Week. It's a time to celebrate and recognize many of those people in the classroom who make our communities public schools a great place to learn. Um, I'd like to give a special thank you to our parent organizations who always make sure that our buildings feel extra special next week. Tonight, Jan Kessinger, our board president, has a proclamation to read for American Education Week. >> Thank you, Casey. Whereas public schools are the backbone of our democracy, providing young
013people with the tools they need to maintain our nation's precious va precious values of freedom, civility, and equality. And whereas by equipping young Americans with both practical skills and broader intellectual abilities, schools give them hope for and access to a productive future. And whereas education employees, be they substitute educators, custodians, teachers, bus drivers, or librarians, work tirelessly to serve our children and our communities with care and professionalism. And whereas schools are community lynchpins, bringing together adults and children, educators and volunteers, business leaders and elected officials in a common enterprise. Therefore, be it resolved that Blue Valley School District declares November 17 through 21 as the 104th annual observance of American Education Week. >> Thank you, Jan. >> So, I think you heard from Jan, but Blue Valley and for the people in the room tonight,
014um I think we have some of the best educators around and it was an honor, um especially as we head into American Education Week to recognize so many tonight. So, um, my final words would say would be, um, for those of you who are looking for a natural break, here it is. And good luck at your soccer game, Finley. [laughter] >> I love that >> so many co-workers come and show support. >> Isn't that cool? >> Oh, yeah. >> It shows how meaningful it is to them. And it's nice to be meeting people It's time for public comments. Open forum. Welcome to those of you who are here for the open forum. Our goal is to allow a time for individuals to address the board in an orderly, efficient, and dignified manner. The board will
015enforce a three-minute limit per speaker for up to 30 minutes. If you have handouts, they can be shared with our campus officer for distribution. At the conclusion, the board will close the forum and proceed with its agenda items for the evening. We appreciate your presence as we value the opinions and the concerns of our patrons. If you are unable to address the board during open forum, you may address the board by email. Have a few reminders about open forum that will help our speakers have a constructive and positive experience when discussing items with the board. So, when making remarks, please be civil and use respectful language. Please limit discussion to the relevant business of the board tonight. Discussion of matters related to a specific student or employee are not allowed. Instead, comments should be submitted
016to the superintendent in writing. Please remember to limit your comments to three minutes and avoid repeating the concerns of a previous speaker. Please remain in the designated visitor area and refrain from approaching the DAS where the board of education is seated. If you have questions that need a response, someone will follow up with you at a later time. On behalf of the board, I welcome you and appreciate your interest in Blue Valley as we provide the very best education to our students. When your name is called, introduce yourself before beginning your remarks. And as a reminder, we ask that all remarks are limited to three minutes. So, we'll get started. Our first speaker is Brett Lockermanman. Welcome, Brett and Hunter. >> Oh, sorry. Got it. Sorry. Um, I'm I'm a father to Theren and Hunter
017Lockermanman students at Overland Trail Middle and Valley Park elementary schools. Uh, I'm here this evening to discuss the lack of service that we have received from Durham Bus Service. The following is a selection of text messages I have received in October for bus 29 from both uh OTMS and Valley Park. On 10 3 uh bus 29 is 30 minutes late, 45 minutes late, and 20 minutes late. On 106, bus 2 will be running both routes. Expect delays. On 107, bus 29 is 10 minutes late. On 10:13, bus 29 does not have a driver, followed by bus 36 will be running both routes 40 to 45 minutes late. On 10:22, bus 29 has no driver, followed by bus 16 will cover 30 minutes behind schedule. Then bus 26 will cover 20 minutes behind schedule. On 10:28,
018bus 29 for Valley Park is 10 minutes late. On 10:29, bus 29 is 10 minutes late. On 10:31, bus 29 is 10 to 15 minutes late. Uh, our household has two working parents and one that often travels for work. This complete lack of service leaves our family deciding if we leave one child at home asleep to get the other to school on time. We are pay bus riders for Valley Park, but free bus riders for Overland Trail. Walking to either school takes over 45 minutes. Um, [sighs] let's see. As a consumer, I'm left powerless for any recourse against Durham or the Blue Valley School District, both of which are charged to deliver our children to school on time. My 9-year-old can't cross 119th Blue Valley Parkway and Metaf to walk to Valley Park. We've dealt
019with this for over the last two years on our bus route, and this gives me a complete lack of confidence in what Blue Valley School District has done to hold Durham accountable. I have contacted district representatives multiple times and have been told this is a people problem. There's nothing we can do. I've also been told that Durham pays financial penalty to the school district. Yet my charge to pay for buses has never been deferred. The schools are so used to this process. They have procedures in place for dealing with late bus riders. I don't understand how this is in any way acceptable to you as a school board. I'm not sure what the right solution here is for the district, but this level of service is frustrating, disheartening to me, and almost inexplicable. I would
020ask the board to review what type of penalties are enforceable with Durham, and if possible, pass back to us as parents and consumers some sort of return for the lack of service that we receive. Thank you. >> Thank you, Brett. Appreciate it. Luke Savage. >> Hello everybody. I'm Luke Savage. I'm the parent of five kids in the district and a Blue Valley Northwest graduate. Go Huskys. Thank you. Um so I'm here today to humbly talk about the Progress Pride flag and its open display in our schools. The first pride flag was commissioned by Harvey Mil in 1978. Milk was on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, one of the first openly gay elected politicians, and looking for a symbol to use at the gay freedom day parade. A self-described Andraile put it this way. The
021pride flag began as a social political symbol requested by a politician and intended for a specific event. Then in 2017, the colors black and brown were added by the Philadelphia Office of LGBT affairs in a politically motivated reaction to highlight racial issues within the LGBT community. The next year, Daniel Quaazar created the Progress Pride flag, keeping the original rainbow colors, a symbol for non-traditional sexual preferences, and moved the black and brown stripes honoring queer people of color to the left along with three new colors. The new pink, light blue, and white stripes are symbols for transgender and interex people finding their gender identity. This is the idea that gender, like man and woman, is separate from sex, like male and female. Based on the information I read, there's no physical or biological marker for a
022gender different than sex, nor claims that there will be. It's a feeling from inside. It's a belief. So, the transgender stripes on the Progress Pride flag represent a belief, a belief system that one's psychology can be mismatched from their physiology. Symbols can mean different things to different people. I've done my best not to misrepresent the intentions of these folks, nor the pride flag as a symbol, nor the belief system the symbols represent. But I'm not alone in understanding the progress pride flag and variance as political symbols and symbols for a belief system. However, teachers may not display political symbols nor symbols for Buddhism, for instance. Which is a peaceful belief system with no deity or higher power. Our educators display these things from a place of love. They want to ensure a welcoming atmosphere. But
023I think these symbols focus on sexual orientation exploration and they seed an idea in many that their body is mismatched from their brain. And I think it's at the expense of very important aspects of their humanity. The symbol can't teach you to be trustworthy, accepting, responsible, hardworking, kind, beautiful, or loyal. I think we can take down these symbols. Please remind our amazing teachers, and I mean that, that it's them, not these symbols that stand as the reason our students are loved at. Welcome. Thank you, Luke. Thank you very much. Appreciate it. That wraps up our open forum for tonight. On behalf of the board of education, I'd like to thank our participants. We appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts with us. Uh, please know that the board and the district administration took
024notes and we will follow up as needed. So, next up, we'll call the meeting to order. Welcome to the monthly business meeting of the Blue Valley Board of Education. The time when the board publicly conducts its business of governing the school district. While these meetings are open to all public interaction is limited to individuals who have signed up for open forum. We kindly ask that all attendees to contribute to a positive atmosphere by conducting themselves with decorum. Please engage in civil and polite behavior toward one another. It's crucial that everyone present extends courtesy to both the schoolboard members and those presenting by listening attentively. Please refrain from making comments or sounds and foster an environment of respect. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in making this a productive meeting for all. Is our closed
025caption is a closed caption ready to go. Work wife number two. Thank you. So, [clears throat] we need to approve the uh regular board of education meeting agenda. >> Do I have a motion? >> I move that the board of education adopt the November 10th, 2025 regular board of education meeting agenda as published. >> Second. >> Moved by Gina, second by Jody. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Passes. Now, do I have a motion to amend the adopted agenda? >> I'm a little confused. >> Where's Melissa? >> Right here. >> Okay. >> We have >> Okay. Okay. Uh, I move that the board of education amend the November 10th, 2025 regular board of education meeting agenda as adopted to include the terms of the VF agreement to the consent agenda as
026item C10. >> Seconded by >> second, >> it was discussed this morning in executive session. Okay. All in favor of amending the uh agenda as presented say I. executive session. >> All in favor of amending the agenda as presented say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Passes. So now we're at the consent agenda. I need a motion to approve the a rules of parliamentary procedure provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval by the board in a single motion. Documentation concerning these items have been provided to all board members and the public in advance to ensure an extensive review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. Do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> I move that the board of education approve
027the November 10, 2025 regular board of education meeting consent agenda as published >> with minor edits deemed necessary by legal counsel. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Moved by Jim, second by Sonia. All in favor say I. >> Any opposed? It passes. Consent agenda approved. Now ready for some reports and discussion items or board reports. >> You want to start off? >> Sure. Uh this is the uh meet meeting minutes for the community board advisory meeting. This took place September 22nd at 4:00 through 5:30 p.m. And we talked about how the meeting would connect to the strategic plan. And this satisfied the portion of fostering supportive and healthy school communities by promoting mental health safety and a sense of belonging. And another connection is empowering exemplary educators and staff by supporting a
028collaborative school culture while all staff can thrive. So the topic one was um introduction to community board advisory committee. The committees reviewed the de development of the strategic plan process. Prior to priorities within the strategic plan were reviewed. Bo board goals for 2526 were highlighted. Organ excuse me, put my glasses on for a second, please. [laughter] Organizational structures were presented which ensure buildings are aligned to and focus on strategic plan and priorities and goals. The second topic was suicide prevention. The committee was provided an overview of district partnerships and district actions that are aimed at providing education and prevention of deaths by suicide. The committee provided feedback on current practices and had the opportunity to ask questions to gain a broader understanding of district efforts relative to supporting the mental health needs of student and
029staff. The second topic was family resources. Committee members received an overview of potential additional resources that could be made available for student and families. Committee members will provide feedback to help inform how the district will utilize these additional mental health family resources along with how access to these resources can be communicated to families to ensure awareness and access. And this was for the September uh meeting regarding the uh community board advisory committee. So >> So you want that one right now too? Okay. >> Sure. Definitely. The meeting that was held October 22nd. The connection to the strategic plan was the same as it was in September. Fostering supportive and healthy school communities by promoting mental health, safety, and a sense of belonging. Empowering exemplary educators and staff by supporting a collaborative school culture where all
030staff can thrive. The first topic, reminder of family resources input. The district is seeking to make additional mental health resources available to students and families. Committee members were reminded of an input opportunity to be completed by November 1st for district consideration. Topic two, we discuss screen time. The committee heard from the district committee leading research and recommendation efforts to provide guidance to teachers and students regarding screen time on district issued devices beginning with the 2026 2027 school year. Research results were provided along with current student device use data for all school levels in Blue Valley. Finally, committee members were asked to share input and complete a brief survey. The committee will receive an update on this strategic plan project during the second semester. Content provided by Brian Daly, chief information officer, Kelly June, executive director
031of academic services, and Amy Farthing, executive director of school administration. The second topic was bullying. The committee heard an update on current state statutes, board policy, and the Blue Valley student code of conduct regarding studentto student bullying. The definition of student bullying was reviewed. Current district practices were also highlighted. The committee will be working towards the goal of potential recommendations to revisions or additions to prevention measures, prevention, education, reporting measures, upgrades, and response revisions. The committee had an a chance to provide input on three key questions on these goals. An update will be provided to the committee prior to the conclusion of the school year. content provided by a Amy Farthing, executive director of school administration. That ends and concludes the minutes for September and October. >> Thank you, Dr. Evans. Jody. >> All right.
032So, we'll see if my microphone works. There's some weird feedback. >> Can I use yours? Yeah. Okay. Oh, that's so much better. Thank you. Thanks, Jim. All right, so um I'm going to just uh briefly um give uh the board uh an overview of uh two um academics and activities uh board advisory committee meetings. The first one was held on September 18th. Um high level information about the strategic plan uh was presented uh focusing on key components of the plan and the process the community and the district went through to create it. Um, let's see here. Info was also presented uh regarding the district's new 5-year uh plan that built in the core values of student centeredness, excellence, and community with three strategic priorities. Advancing academic excellence and student experience, fostering supportive and healthy school
033communities, and empowering exe exemplary educators. Also outlined were recent and upcoming facility projects in athletics and activities as well as efforts to strengthen uh the supplemental pay for coaches. Um we were also given academic updates including structured literacy adoption, expanded career ready programs, new uh individual plans of study, MTSS which is multi-tiered student support uh implementation and a high school math symposium with a focus this year on the middle school experience, math interventions and stream and screen time guidelines which Um we discussed uh at the other committee also um committee members uh had dialogue and questions about uh career ready programs and suggested future topics such as student mental health, activity burnout, counselor roles, transition to high school, parent resources, course offerings, and support for transfer students. Uh so the next meeting uh for academics
034and activities uh was uh held on October 16th. Um we started off in a wonderful way. Uh a Blue Valley West student to Visha uh N um was uh presented information uh as she is the student district executive for Relay for Life uh for the uh American Cancer Society fundraiser that promotes leadership, unity, and service. Last year she said the event raised over $70,000 with participation from more than 500 students in Blue Valley. Uh she requested district support through sponsorships, teacher liaison, and an event location for an overnight event 5:00 pm to 5:00 a.m. I think we're all going to sign up for that one, aren't we? Uh uh so anyhow, we still need to discuss because um we would like to support I think uh especially board members there uh voiced support to um
035host uh that event. Uh it's incredibly important for our community and our our students. So, um, we discussed proposed new high school courses. Uh, new course AP business, uh, with personal finance was proposed to expand AP offerings within the, uh, career and tech education area while also meeting graduation requirements. Um [clears throat] there's a few courses that are suns setting um based on staff feedback including computer graphics due to low enrollment um and overlapping content with existing graphic design courses and emerging technologies which is no longer required by the state. Uh let's see here blah blah blah sorry I say blah blah blah. Uh the committee also reviewed a proposal for a new introduction to teaching course which sounds really exciting. Uh intended to give students exposure to the education profession particularly those unable to
036participate in the CAPS teaching and learning strand. Uh this course would introduce an in demand career field and foundational teaching concepts. So that seemed really exciting. Um, additional upa updates uh also included revisions to a business course descriptions to better align with standards uh and provide greater clarity for students and families. Um, another course culinary essentials was retitled to culinary foundations to better reflect course content and film making was updated to film making and animation to align with industry standards. Um, another proposed change included renaming relationship and personal development uh to better represent the full life curriculum. Um, applied psychology was retitled practical psychology to more accur accurately represent updated course goals and content. Finally, the committee discussed the pre-alggebra/alggebra double block course which has shown significant success in its pilot phase by allowing students
037to earn two credits um receive daily math instruction, ability to be on grade level, and be better prepared to access more rigorous courses in the future. So, I think that summarizes it pretty darn well. >> Is that in Jod? Uh I what was great it was was it sophomore year freshman freshman year. Yeah. So >> that's it. >> Thank you very much Jody. You summarized that in great detail. >> Oh I cut it down dramatically. >> Did [laughter] you hear the blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah. >> Don't say sorry to us. say sorry to whoever wrote. >> Uh [laughter] >> I'm gonna ask Jason Dylan to come up and uh talk a little bit about the busing that uh was brought up in open forum. >> Good evening. Uh,
038I'd like to um thank uh Brad for coming in and speaking this morning. He and I had the opportunity to visit on the phone. Uh, the other day about uh the busting concerns on bus 29. Uh, while Durham is doing well in many many ways for us, uh, as you heard in an update that we gave previously, they're they're not perfect. They're the staffing is not where they want it to be or we want it to be quite yet. Uh there are some pockets of um opportunity to improve. Um we are working on bus 29 in a couple different ways. U bus 29 is has a regular full-time excuse me a regular subd driver in the morning and in the afternoon. While it doesn't have a uh permanent driver as of yet, uh Durham is
039actively working on graduating out some additional drivers here in the near future that will hopefully see 29 as an opportunity for them. Uh but in the meantime uh we are covering it with Darham is covering it with with some subd drivers. Um they are held responsible to an SLA that measures on-time performance. Uh on-time performance is measured um um 10 within 10 minutes of a set time. So messages do go out at at the request of families. They want to be um alerted that if a bus is running 10 minutes late or longer. Um even though Durham communicates that there is a 10-minute window for u students to be either picked up or dropped off um they are consistently communicating on on that. So I do um appreciate that because it is something that we
040held them accountable to communicate on to make sure families are are informed if there are delays. Um the on-time performance uh for Durham is not quite to the mark that we want. They're within a couple percent of it. Um so still some work to be done and they are actively working to uh to make improvements on a every day. So um with that I'll stand for questions. >> Is there something in particular about that route that there continues to be an issue with it or what's it seems like parks had some issues with busing for quite some time? >> Yeah, they're just uh short of regular driver. That's probably the the biggest issue that they have is is if um um I think the route itself is designed efficiently. Uh we are uh I've asked
041the operations managers at Durham to look at starting that route a few minutes earlier to hopefully cut down on the number of 10-minute late uh communications that are that are going out. Um the couple occasions where there was a uh longer delay, 30 or 45 minutes, um we like to avoid those, but sometimes a bus driver may call in right before a route begins. So even if you have a subd driver sitting there to be able to get scramble them, get them on a bus, get them loaded with instructions, and send them on the way, there's going to be a a delay. So Durham is holding the bus drivers accountable to the attendance policy that they have and uh appropriate disciplinary action sometimes even dismissing of a bus driver is occurring uh be because of
042those late calloffs. >> Jason, I I think obviously this continues to be an issue of frustration >> not only for us, for you and several of our parents and community as a whole. um you know, we had to cut back service and and that's still not back. >> Um you know, I I do think that, you know, we need to remind Durham that um you know, one of our main tenants is beyond expectations. And I suspect that they're not meeting that if you ask the people they're serving. And we need to remind them that they're serving these kids in, you know, 40 minutes or an hour, hour and a half every day or every other day, not in school can add up over time and and be challenging depending on what grade the ch children
043are in. So, I think we need to remind them of that. And you know, if we need to change our contract and they need to reimburse the parents for the funds that they're paying, if they're paying um depending on which program they're in, maybe that continues to give them the incentive to solve the problem. And and I I recognize that it is a problem, but you know, we don't seem to be making great progress. We're not back where we were two to three years ago. >> Well, I I hear you. Um, but I will say the on-time performance is 96 97% u, which is better than we have been in two or three years. So to say they're not making progress, I I couldn't I can't support that. It may just may not be where
044we want it to be. The 98% um is is the goal that uh we we have for them and they're they're they're striving towards that. I'm just saying that we had a dip in in in performance the last couple years and yeah, we may be coming back from that dip, but we still aren't back where we were, >> I guess, is my point. And we expect them to get there and even do better. >> Um, and so, you know, I'd be interested to know what that plan is to get them there or at least to make sure that route 29 or bus 29 stops being 45 minutes late. >> Um, it it is not being 45 minutes late. uh current consistently. I think we've had one or two occasions where that's happened in the last
045couple months. So, I think we're getting kids to school. >> Would you mind sending out the report that you went over at workshop >> last month so that Patrick can read through that progress that we've made in busing since maybe >> be happy to share that see it? >> I already have. >> Are there [clears throat] other routes that have similar problems to 29 or is it an anomaly? Um I I will say that we've had some routes. We have about 15 to 17 routes today that do not have a regular bus driver. We shared that in the update that we gave that are being covered by subd drivers. Uh subd drivers are fully trained um reliable um but they don't they may not be familiar with that route. So when sometimes when they sub
046for that route they may not run it as efficiently as a regular driver. Um, so that's something we're trying to um um improve upon by hiring folks and getting folks in. Durham is offering the the highest salary in the metro area to be a bus driver. Uh we still have the challenge of 98% of our bus drivers don't reside here. We're having to pull them in from neighboring communities to work here. Um quite honestly, we need more folks in our community to see this as an opportunity for public service and want to help support our schools and be willing to be a bus driver. maybe that that call to service uh would help u instead of just the paycheck. Um but we we we're not seeing the retirees like we used to uh come back
047and be willing to be a bus driver. That's a segment of the population that we're we're not seeing as much today. We're also seeing a a an uptick in um drivers that apply to be bus drivers not making it through the screening process. I used to say one in 10 applicants would make it through. We're nowhere close close to that right now. And it's they have to be they have to pass uh criminal background checks, driving background checks, DOT physical. Um but the thing that's tripping more and more people up is the uh drug and alcohol screenings. Um I think [clears throat] as as cannabis is is uh becoming more commonly used, um people don't realize that even using oils can cause you to fail a drug test. Um, so it's uh the number of
048applicants it takes to get a bus driver into training that they the Durham pays them for. Um, it's it's quite quite a high number. >> I mean, if if you know, we we hire Durham to provide this service, >> they're responsible for coming up with a solution. >> Um, >> absolutely. And it's it's their the way our contract is structured different than some other school districts. We they're not just guaranteed to get paid. They have to provide a service to get paid. So they have the motivation to provide the service because otherwise they don't get paid. >> No. And and and that's positive, but you know, again, we've got even if we're if they're whatever those numbers were in the report, the 10% or the 10 minutes, >> you still got a lots of kids
049that are being late to school even if it's 10 minutes. >> And so again, that goes back to >> Yeah. you know, the on-time performance issue, you know, 98% of them may be within 10 minutes, but you still got kids that are being impacted, whether it's 10 minutes or an hour. >> Absolutely. >> Um, so we got to meet those expectations and and we need to make sure that our vendors uh understand that they have to exceed those expectations, too. >> So, remind me quick. So the 10 minutes um that still puts them ahead of the school bell. >> Correct. So we we measure to the what we refer to as the anchor time, not the bell time. So the bus is anchored to be at school ahead of the bell time. So there is
050a buffer there between the anchor time and the bell time. So 10 minutes late may have you walking in the building right at the bell time, but it's it so yeah, it's not not ideal, not what we want. Um, but 97% or so of the students are are getting to school on time every day. >> Any other questions? >> Um, I think you said you had um 15 to 17 open routes. How many total routes do we have >> right now? We're right about 105 107 right in that range. >> Thanks. >> All right, Jason, thank you very much. Appreciate it. >> Thank you. It takes us to the superintendent report. >> Thank you. Um, November Okay. Um, the Champions of Learning um, special publication has been delivered to the district mailboxes. Um, so if
051you haven't seen it yet, um, hopefully you'll have the opportunity to. um as it's full of some really fantastic information about our uh district's commitment to excellence. We also are celebrating that the Blue Valley Elementary and Middle Schools were recognized in the US News and World Reports 2026 best elementary and middle school rankings. And uh Blue Valley had the most elementary and middle schools ranked in Kansas's top 10 of any district statewide. and Oland Park um has now ranked in the top three of the livability 2025 education ranking and the top 10 in the livability top 100 best places to live and this marks six consecutive years of earning the top three and top 10 recognition in the nation. We have a number of events uh this month of November which reminds us that um
052with um Thanksgiving coming up, the opportunity to be grateful for our wonderful school psychologies, psychologists, um for our parents as teachers, for our veterans, American Education Week, National Educational Support Professionals Day, our substitutes, um culminating at the end of the month, and we do have Thanksgiving break. Last Thursday was an exciting day in the district with more than $400,000 being granted by the Blue Valley Educational Foundation um during its surprise squad. There were more than 165 grants. So, it was a lot of fun to hand out some big checks. Justin Love from Blue Valley West was selected for the East Central Kansas Music Educator Association for the 2526 Outstanding High School band teacher. So, it's exciting to honor Justin. And our communications department earned 15 awards in the Kansas School Public Relations Association contest. Congratulations
053to the communications department. and Blue Valley High band won the Kansas Band Masters Association 2025 Open Class Marching Band Grand Championship and this is the band's fifth title in the last seven years. We also are celebrating Blue Valley West volleyball team won the 6A state championship. They've had an exceptional year. And Blue Valley uh Southwest boys soccer won the 5A state championship in a lastm minute thriller. Um so this is the team's second straight title. In 6A girls tennis state championship, Blue Valley Northwest Marian Wombi and Ella Wang won the doubles state title. And in the 6A uh cross country state championship, Blue Valley Northwest Jacob Duza won the individual boys state title. And Blue Valley West girls soccer was named uh one of the of the only 63 high school recipients of the United
054Soccer Coaches 2425 Team Pinnacle Award. The honor recognizes teams that have achieved at a high level of fair play, educational excellence, and success on the pitch. And that concludes the superintendent's report this evening. >> Thank you, Dr. Chapman. It's a great day to be part of Blue Valley. >> Yes, it is. >> Now, we're ready for secondary course proposals. >> Good mo good morning, Lordy. Good evening. Uh my name is Kelly June. I'm the executive director of academic services and I'm here this evening to share with you some draft course proposals and changes for secondary programming for 2627 school year. Want to thank Jodie for wetting your whistle with some I with some items. Um these proposals represent our educators dedication to continuously improve the experience in Blue Valley. She's got the controller. So, I'm
055gonna go grab that. >> We will start with high school. Just as a reminder, that high school process begins in the spring. Um, high school educators and teams of educators uh propose uh changes or additions to our programmings or um deletions. uh that those proposals are due in September and they are reviewed by the board of education's academic and activities advisory committee uh high school administrators, high school counselors and other stakeholders. Um this evening's um informationational isformational only and there'll be no requests for action and you'll see this again in December at which point we'll ask for action. Also, as a reminder, there are two booklets that are produced. Um these all of the changes I'll speak of for the high school are in included in the booklets that were um provided to you for
056this meeting. Uh there is the courses book that contains a list of all available courses, policies, procedures, prerequisites, and all other pertinent details for students as they enroll. All high schoolers receive a physical copy of this book. In addition, rising freshmen uh receive the individual plan of study guide. This booklet contains a long range long range planning information, tools for developing a four-year plan, details about all the different programmings, and they are um provided a physical copy um in the spring when they were talking about high school enrollment. Both books are available online digitally also. >> We don't have books. >> No, we don't have them yet. Oh, you said >> they should be included, do we? >> They're attached. They're they're digital. I don't have physical copies yet. >> Yep. You have access is
057probably a better way of saying it. So, let me jump in. I'm going to go um rather quickly because the information is on the screen. First course is in the area career and technical education. Uh teachers are proposing this course. This is the first year that this is available in the AP lineup. They're very thrilled that this will be the first AP class in the business department. Um it will satisfy the new KSD financial literacy graduation requirement and administrators and teachers would expect or are expecting um strong enrollment. As a complement um we would sunset computer graphics. Uh we would the teachers proposed sunsetting this course because of redundancy. We have a class called graphic design. Um this core the graphic design course better um suits the needs of probably modern needs and the teachers
058remarked that even the term computer graphics is rather dated. So we would and enrollment's been low. So it would kind of be a swap out AP personal uh AP business and personal finance and we would reduce one class computer graphics. This one super exciting. um is introduction to teaching. It would be an addition at our five comprehensive high schools and one we're truly excited to begin to offer. Um it would expand our career pathway in education and provide an education career focused course at all five high schools. Um, as you know, there is currently programming in in the teaching strand at CAPS. And the teachers feel having an introductory course at all five high schools can get students excited about a career in education sooner and boost interest even in the CAPS program. The next
059few are rather minor changes, but I'll go through them here real quick. Um, journalism classes. There are three journalism journalism classes that we're proposing name changes only. Uh to help clear up any confusion around the different courses for reasons related to KSD CTE funding, we cannot include the words newspaper and yearbook in the course titles, which would solve the problem really well. So they're proposing this solution. Uh they feel that they uh they better reflect and would be are easier to um understand. Also, um KSDE cyclically updates courses. These uh six business courses were recently um updated and Blue Valley needs to update our course descriptions and content to match what the state is is um requiring um so that we can go ahead and receive funding for those classes. You can see the six
060classes up there. that they are included in the digital version of your uh book that you have access to. Keep going. All right. Culinary foundations. The next proposed change is a title change only. Also, uh teachers are proposing that this class that the class currently called culinary essentials be renamed culinary foundations. They're proposing this change because they feel it more clearly describes the purpose and progression of the course and brings the terminology in line with culinary industry standards. Film making at CAPS the film making class has evolved and the film making class now um includes significant coursework in animation. Again, this is a name change only uh to add animation to the title. Human development. Next is a fax course. Uh the course is currently named relationships and personal development. Now includes a more comprehensive
061study of human development from childhood to later adulthood. Uh teachers would like the course to reflect the full life continuum. So they propose renaming the course to human development. and it's somewhat parallel to the other course in that um uh department called child development psychology and action. This is one that got a lot of feedback. So um a couple years ago we had a class uh called applied psychology approved and instituted in our schools and the teachers um report that they don't feel that the title um adequately reflected the content of the courses. um they proposed a few things and it went through several rounds of feedback and in the end uh we landed on psychology and action and I'm happy to report that both the board advisory committee and another stakeholder group had a
062a pretty good hand in that um in helping rename it pre-alggebra and algebra if you can have a favorite this is my favorite uh in the area of mathematics um we are proposing that we um go districtwide with the pre-alggebra algean block course. Students in this model have math every day and we have seen um we've done a pilot and we've seen exceptional growth in these students. So much so that they outpace students who actually take pre-alggebra than algebra over two years. The exciting thing about this is it accelerates their learning, gets them back on track sooner, and gives them the ability to access more rigorous highle courses in preparation for their next step. whether it's college, career, or trade. So, I also want to say here that we're super um grateful for the teachers
063that worked on this. Uh they worked with the academic services team. Um they had a vision. They put in a lot of hard work. Um and they were completely focused on improving our students math experience. So, this is this is an exciting one in my mind. Finally, at high school, I have music technology. Uh this is a course being proposed for Blue Valley Academy only for the next school year. It allows students to learn about music creation and production and connects them with industry professionals around the entrepreneurial and marketing aspects of content creation. Um they've worked the teachers have worked closely with the performing arts staff and have aligned this course content to state standards and it will be a new way for Blue Valley Academy students to meet the fine arts, STEM or technology
064graduation credit, whichever one they meet. Middle school. Um, no new proposals, but I wanted to point out that uh last year the board of education approved changes a three-year phase in of new math courses at the at the uh middle school level. Um, phase one is happening this year. So, that math has changed for sixth graders. Next year, we're adding the seventh grade um um fa uh step. So as you can see at the chart in the bottom, we've moved to a compacting model. In that compacting model, we essentially teach a year and a ha year year and a half of mathematics content in a single year for accelerated students covering all three years of standards in two years preparing them for eighth grade alge algebra 1. Um, so the one change for middle school
065next year is that the seventh grade integrated math class becomes math 7 and the advanced integrated math 7 class becomes accelerated math. Um, and I'll be back next year with the crown jewel, the last one of that trio. So those are the uh course proposals for tonight. I welcome any questions. Again, no action tonight. Um, and if you think of thing after tonight and you want to let me know, be happy to take any comments. >> I have a question regarding the pre-alggebraalgebra 1. >> Yeah. >> So, is that replacing math strategies? >> No, it is not replacing math strategies. Math strategies is would be a compliment probably to a student I would say after uh pre-alggebra algebra 1. So maybe they're going into algebra 2 and may have some struggles. They may take that
066together as a support >> as opposed to taking it alongside algebra 1. >> Correct. Correct. We would we would say students who are not on level, meaning they're coming into their high school as a freshman, not ready for algebra 1, we would ask we would have them go into this pre-alggebra algebra 1 block class >> instead of math strategies algebra 1. Correct. >> Which is what they did previously. >> Correct. So then are they getting elective credit like they do with math strategies or are they getting math credit? >> So currently our pre-alggebra class, the standalone class, which we would sunset with this, gets a math credit. So students in the new double block class would get two credits, two math credits for this class, which is exactly what they were getting now, except for
067it's in one year instead of over two years. >> Isn't math strategies an elective? It is an elective. Yes, math strategy is an elective because it doesn't cover um it's more of a support class. It's not a core math class based on state standards. These classes are >> so are we going to offer a class as opposed to a support class for sophomores and juniors or is it just something that we're offering for >> I think >> freshman compliment >> for right now it's the freshman and then the math strategies class can act as that support until they decide to do something different. We're we we're seeing really great progress with the double block and kids are getting back on track. So, I'm hoping that mass strategies may be something we sunset. >> Hope I
068hope so, too. >> I do, too. Yep. >> Any other questions for Kelly? >> Good questions. >> Thank you. [clears throat] >> Y >> Dr. Punwick now will give us a policy update. >> Evening board members. Eric Punwick, Chief Human Resources Officer, and before you today is a first read of policy 6335. Um, that policy outlines the age required for the driving of district-owned vehicles. The next policy of 6336 clearly outlines that if you are transporting students, um, you have to be 21 years old. However, this policy at 6335 is specific just to our vehicles that are used primarily in uh support of our operations. So, reducing that to age 18 is allowable by state law and our uh insurance carrier. And it provides us some greater flexibility in hiring individuals who are going to
069be operating those uh machinery um primarily to uh keep our grounds and buildings in order. uh we would be bringing this to you for final approval at the uh December meeting and any questions or comments that you have I can take those now or later before the next meeting. >> Just to um [clears throat] review a little bit, we talked about those pretty extensively earlier today, right? And um the um intent is not to have um this modification apply to anyone who's transporting [clears throat] students. This would only be for supplementary things such as grounds crews and all of that. So, >> absolutely. Yes, we would. This would not impede 6336 for transportation of students. That's still at 21 years old. >> Great. >> Eric, was there any impact on our insurance premiums? >> No,
070no impact to our insurance premium. It'd be the same whether it was 18 or 21 for this. All right. And Any other questions? >> Right. >> Thank you very much. Appreciate it. It takes us to action items and our first would be to probably our only I think approve the uh 2026 legislative positions. Dr. Chapman, >> thank you. We've received quite a bit of feedback this morning during the workshop on our draft legislative priorities and we took that feedback and incorporated it. There was um only a few um edits on the first page. Um but to summarize um we basically have four um priorities. Establish fair and equitable school finance formula. The second one is fund special education as statutoily required. And then on the back side, increase safety and well-being in schools and support
071recruitment and retention of highly qualified staff. So if you're looking at the um the other edit that we made, we've got the uh glossery of key terms that was not changed. But at the bottom, um, following our discussion this morning, a summary of our standing positions, which are local decisionmaking and local funds for local public schools. Then on the back side, you'll notice quite a bit of red font. And the red font are addit ed, sorry, ads um, or deletions to these sections. And I believe these edits do strengthen u what we were trying to accomplish with this uh legislative priority. As a supplement, we also um brought forward a second handout, Blue Valley School's longstanding priorities. And again, these are the longstanding priorities that the board has considered in the past that we thought
072was helpful for you to review. With that, I will be happy to answer any other questions or um discuss further the edits that were made. And if it's your pleasure, we can approve these tonight or if you'd like another month to um review both these documents, we certainly can do that and put it back on um December as an action item. >> If you're looking for discussion, I'm ready to approve tonight unless there's some discussion on that. >> I I agree. I think we discussed this at length this morning and >> all right then I move the board a bit. >> Okay, we just good. Sorry, just really quick. >> So I'm good with what we discussed this morning. I haven't had a chance to really dig into our long-term priorities yet, you know, and
073so I'd like I don't know if we're approving that or not or if we can hold that off. >> Hold that off. >> Yeah. So that's my only ask. I move the board of education approve the 2026 legislative priorities. >> Second. >> Moved by Clay, second by Gina. All in favor say I. >> With some enthusiasm. on the longstanding priorities. Uh we can certainly take the next month and review those. These are ones that the board, previous boards had um approved at some point and they were mentioned this morning. So, we just put them in the same format um to have them available if we wanted the long-standing priorities also to be available for um legislators. >> Did um Dr. Chapman, did we make any revisions to those? I don't I'm not remembering us discussing.
074>> We didn't discuss. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. This one is new. It was just mentioned this morning and I hadn't seen them either, but we thought, well, okay, we're gonna bring them forward so you have an opportunity to review them. We can put this one on in December. >> That'll give you an opportunity to review prior to December. >> Any further discussion on the legislative priorities? Now we can vote. We'll raise our hands this time. All in favor raise their hand. I can hear the arms go up louder than you guys do. It's unanimous. It passes and then we'll hold off on a longterm priority. Okay. Uh takes us to our closing items which would be board comments. Jody, why don't we start with you? >> Fantastic. Uh there's a lot going on in
075the district and I've been able to uh enjoy with my board cohorts many of these events. Big shout out to um North and their uh extravaganza uh from the band choir um departments. It was like something I have never been to before and it was um incredible. Uh absolutely loved it. All packed into the gym and loved uh every minute of it. So it was really wonderful. um went to a middle school play last week. You know, the talent these kids have is amazing. So, I as I do, I would encourage everyone to make for sure you hit the arts. We've got a lot of great plays going on in our community >> Jim Clay. I think it's um first I want to thank um Mr. Lockman and Mr. Savage for coming forward today at
076open forum and um speaking to us. We appreciate that. Um I think uh Dr. Chapman mentioned Blue Valley Ed Foundation. Um my gosh, surprise squad last Thursday. Excellent time. $42,495 given away. um four buses full of Blue Illiad Foundation folks going out to all the different schools with the big checks and making big awards and getting the kids really riled up and excited and it was fun. Always a good time. Um, other than that, echoing um, Jody getting out into the schools, we've had some great football, some great sports, great performing arts at Blue Valley North, other uh, musicals and plays coming up, and I've enjoyed um, just about weekly visiting schools with Dr. Chapman. So, we've gone into I've been in a couple three dozen or so schools already this semester, and it's always
077a good time. So looking forward to seeing more. >> Well, I guess not three dozen, huh? Maybe two dozen then. >> You know, we don't [laughter] have we don't have that many schools, right? >> Well, there's, you know, there's the logistics center and there's caps, >> Gina. >> So, since our last meeting, we had uh parent the district held parent teacher conferences. Um, I just want to say thank you to all the administrators and the teachers for holding those. That's a lot of work, a lot of time, and um, it was fun for me to be in the building. Uh, get to talk to some of my kids' teachers and see everything that's going on. So, I definitely know how much hard work goes into those. So, I really appreciate that to all of our
078educators. Um, and then secondly, I just want to thank the Blue Valley community for um, reelecting me last week. Um, really excited to um, get to serve for another four years. So, thank you, >> Dr. Evans. Well, on Monday, November 3rd, I went to Ary Ben Middle School and attended their 7th grade science fair. And the topic was brain injury. And I was amazed by the students because majority of the students, they took on the character of the physician or the surgeon that dealt with the particular brain in injury. and they talked about different parts of the brain and I was floored. There was so much information. There were followups. They talked about the recovery process. They talked about uh those that would not fully recover and what they needed to do and what type
079of uh PT they needed. I mean, these kids were amazing and I was really proud that they they they're getting this experience prior to college, prior to high school as far as presentation. Um, and this is also giving them opportunity to investigate and research different type of medical fields if they're so-called are interested in it. And also on November the 5th, I attended also at Aubry Band Middle School, a musical, get this, Legally Blonde. It was awesome. Those kids, I mean, I was amazed. And Jan was there with me. >> Surprised? >> No. No. And the lead, she seemed like she was ready for Broadway. She was, her voice was trained. She really had a trained voice for a middle school kid. And I was shocked. I mean, these kids were amazing. So, um, I
080just want to say kudos to the music department, the teachers, and to the students. I mean, the teachers really care about these students that they made sure that every student was involved in every aspect of the pre production. There was no one on the sidelines not doing anything. They either did the set or makeup. And I'm like, you're letting a little middle schooler put makeup on someone else? And it was just awesome. And uh so I'm just excited to be on the board. And also I'd like to thank the community, my constituents, and the patrons for electing me uh for another four terms uh to sit on the the board of education. >> Patrick, >> I'm good. Thanks. >> I just want to echo what Dr. Evans said about the Aubrey Ben musical because certainly
081the lead talent was unbelievable. But what really made an impact on me was that the producer, the teacher before the play started came out and explained to the students who were watching sixth, seventh graders how to how to watch a musical. After every song, applaud after every scene, applaud. And you know, it was an educational process for it. It wasn't just, hey, we we don't have to go to class. Hey, this is fun. And um the other thing that really struck me was there was a special needs child in the play and he was had a motorized wheelchair. Um but in a choreography it was very intentional where a space was made for him because he couldn't get along around as fast as you know the kids were running but they made a space for
082him. He came up, he non-verbal, but was able to hold up a sign telling it. And then what really touched me was at the curtain call where uh his group came up and again he was a little late getting out there. Uh but they were all lined up and they waited for him to be able to acknowledge the applause. And I said, "You know what? We're teaching not only test scores, we're we're teaching not only knowledge, but we're teaching good citizens in love. I really appreciate that. >> Over to you, Bosch. It has definitely been a busy month and um so many wonderful activities going on and celebrations and um since it is November, I just want to reiterate how grateful I am for this school district and the services that it provides to our
083children um in this community and the tremendous support that we have in this community. It's really remarkable and something that we should not take for granted. So thanks to our incredible team for making it and for you all and your board leadership and support that you provide to our kids every day. So thank you. Appreciate you. And we stand adjourned.