001Good evening everyone. This is the regular meeting of USD453 July 14th 2025. One of the roll call. Miss Murphy >> here. >> Mrs. Wells >> here. >> Mrs. Price >> here. >> Mrs. Overby >> here. >> Mrs. Where? Oh, I thought she is out there. Ms. Reed. >> Oh, she's coming. >> There she comes. >> Mrs. Wilson >> here. >> And Mrs. Reed's on her way. We'll move on. Let's >> all stand up for the pledge of >> allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 13. The district mission statement. >> Thank you, President Carney. Just a reminder to speak clearly into the microphone for those listening at home. The mission of the Levorth
002public schools is to prepare every student for success in every classroom every day. >> I commit to facilitating the wonders and to ask more questions. I commit to not agreeing to push through ideas until they have gone through a discernment phase, earning a majority of support. >> I commit to sharing my wonder with more clarity and share my discernment to provide thoughtful feedback. >> I commit to working on my wonder without letting it overtake my focus. >> I will work on not discounting the importance of my enabling geniuses being nice. >> I commit to sharing ideas and achieving results for positive change. I commit to being open-minded and attentive to the ideas of others for the good of the whole and staying focused on the task at hand. Okay, let's have an adoption of the
003agenda. >> I'd like to make a motion that we add an additional executive session that only has the seven of us board members and Isaac, our attorney. [Music] >> Second. Okay, we got a motion by Mrs. Murphy to amend the agenda for an exe executive session at the end of the meeting and Mrs. Reed second it. All in favor? >> I we'll add it as item 10 after the executive session for non-elected personnel. >> Item 10. Okay, >> thank you. >> What was the vote again? I didn't see it. >> 670. Good. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Miss Murphy, how long do you want for the that executive session to start with? >> 15. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Go to item two, consideration of 2526, commercial property, general liabilities, school leaders, and insurance renewal.
004>> Thank you, Mr. Carney. Uh this is upfront intentionally because we do have a guest and want to let him uh get on his way. Uh first I will open I just want to say thank you to Riley and Sons. Uh it's been a great relationship with the board and certainly appreciate their customer service and how well that they have taken care of the district for I believe it's been a couple decades now. Uh with that unfortunately we were notified um that travelers our current carrier was going to decline to quote for services. that service that expires on July 19th here in uh just 5 days. So with that, Riley and Suns approached 12 different carriers. Unfortunately, 11 of them declined a quote and so we did have back one carrier renewal with Riley and
005Suns. Uh and then we also entertained kicks uh which is the Kansas Educational Risk Management Pool. And subsequently, our recommendation is that you move forward with kicks, which actually recommend which actually, excuse me, represents a premium decrease from last fiscal year, uh, as well as several limits that increase. And probably the biggest mark difference, uh, is a substantially lower deductible. >> I'm sorry. >> Uh, Tom Maguire from Kicks is here for questions. I did not ask for a presentation, but he's certainly here to stand for any questions if you have any. >> Anybody? >> Look like it went off easy. >> All right. For the motion, I move the board approve the kicks of proposal joiner agreement appointment of designated representative annual premium premium in the amount of $594,69755. Second step out of the room.
006>> Okay. Mr. Carney is going to depart for con uh conflict of interest. >> I'm sorry. >> I seconded it. >> All right. Motion on the table by Price, second by Murphy. All of those in favor? 6. Thank you. If you can let Mr. Carney know you can return. >> Okay. >> We're at item three. Where were we? Three item. >> Have a motion. >> Um, I'd like to remove item 3.7, staff handbooks. I'd like to make a motion to approve the consent agenda with that item removed. >> Second. >> We got a motion to approve the agenda with the uh amendment for the item three. What? 37. >> Yes. >> 37 41. >> All in favor? >> I 70. Okay. All right. So it's 4.1 now. >> Beth, you good? 4.1 become the staff
007handbooks for 25 26. >> Who's going to address this? >> Mrs. Overby ready. >> Yes. >> So it's it's now it's now item 41. So >> yes, 4.1. >> So your issue >> Oh, we're already there. Sorry. Um, yeah, I would like to here. Um, I'd like to suggest an edit to um the staff badges, which I think is um that would be page 14 on the certified, page 39 on the classified. Um, where it talks about staff identification badges. Um I would like to add um when it talks about the badges, the badges shall be worn where the employee is on when the employee is on duty and shall be displayed between the hip and shoulder on the outer garment or on a lanyard. I want to add personal lanyards are permissible. However, appropriate
008professional standards shall be exercised. political slogans or statements, letters, pictures or graphics which advertise or promote the use of tobacco, alcohol, sex violence or illegal substances is prohibited. The rest of the paragraph remains the same. So I would just propose that we add that. >> Is that your motion? >> That is my motion. Motion. Sorry. Okay, we I guess we got a motion to approve. What was the number again? >> Um 4.1. >> No, I mean in the in this handbook, >> the two pages. >> It'll be page 14 on the certified and page 39 on the classified >> to amend what you just discussed. >> Yes. And that brings it in line with the um the personal appearance of students. It's sort of it's more or less the same language. It just clarifies that
009a little bit because we had a complaint about staff lanyards last year. So, I just thought we could clear that up. >> It's the same one sentence edition, right? >> One sentence edition. >> And it essentially says, "Hey, if you're going to wear this on your outer person, it needs to be in alignment with uh what we believe is best for purposes of not promoting sex, drugs, violence, etc. Okay, we got a mot. >> So, I make a motion that we add that sentence. You >> second it, right? >> Yeah, you we did that. We just got a vote now. >> Okay. >> All in favor of the motion. 61. Okay. Moving on. Where we have five? Oh, we order again. >> Yep. I recall. Okay, it's my finding the page. We'll get started with
010the reorganization of the board of education. So, what we're going to do uh from the floor, there'll be nominations for the president first and a second and then we'll close the floor and then I mean leave the floor open for the the uh vice president second round. So, the the first vote will be for the president and go from there. I'd like to make a motion to nominate Karen Overby for president. >> Second. >> I'd like to nominate Judy Price for president. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Anybody got any discussion? Start discussion. >> Okay, we're going to vote on the first one for Mrs. Overby. All in favor? >> Karen, you get to vote, too. >> 4 Z. Okay. And now for the vice president. >> I'll make a motion for Judy Price's vice
011president. I'll second >> a motion to for Judy Price to be vice president. Second by Mrs. Overby. Is that correct? >> All in favor? Okay. 616. You didn't vote. >> I voted no. Correct. >> Okay. All right. Well, we move around here now, don't we? >> See you later. >> Do I get her seat? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, >> you get to switch seats. >> You're not getting my cookie. >> She's not the one you got to watch out for. You're coming next to me. I was going to have it done before she >> Oh, okay. >> Oh, thank you. >> One or two. >> I only got two hands. >> Oh, the cookie chip. [Music] What are you leaving your trash here? >> Pardon me. >> You're leaving your trash here. >> Oh
012my. >> You're the president. >> Okay. Well, >> trash can. >> There's one over here. >> Oh, there is. >> Madam President, you are ready for item six. >> Okay. >> All right. Yeah. You're going to have to talk me through this a little. So what we'll do is we'll read each item and then there's a motion at the end. So for item six, we'll go through the nominate recommendations and then for those positions and then at item 619, we'll entertain a motion to approve those appointments. Do you want me to read them? >> Um so basically it goes that the for recommendation from the district is that for board clerk recommendation is Beth Maddox. For item 6.3 for treasurer, the recommendation is Dean Montgomery. For item 6.4, truency, the recommendation are principles and assistant
013principles. For item 6.5, the hearing officer for free and reduced meals, the recommendation is mathematics. For item 6.6, child nutrition representative, the recommendation is mathematics. 6.7, the capers representatives, the recommendation is bathematics, Darlene Klouse, and Demor McGomery. For item 6.8, 8 the federal/state grant representatives recommendation is Ryan Boddensteiner mathematics and Amy Sloan for item 6.9 section 504 representative the recommendation is Kathy Riddleberger for item 6.10 10, Freedom of Information Officer. The recommendation is Jay Potter. For item 611, the name of depository for district funds um is a long list of banks to include [Applause] Bank Midwest, Commerce Bank, Exchange National Bank, Mutual Savings Association, Country Club Bank, Citizens Federal Savings Armed Forces Bank, the Citizensson's National Bank, and State of Kansas Municipal Investment Pool. Item 6.12, selection of the official district newspaper. The recommendation is
014Levvenworth Times. Item 613, impact aid representative. The recommendation is Bathe Maddox. Item 614, the coordinator of homeless children duties. His recommendation is Amy Sloan. For item 615, coordinator for federal anti-discrimination laws, the recommendation is Ryen Boddensteiner. Item 616, transportation supervisor, the recommendation is mathematics. For item 617 for health, dental and vision insurance broker is recommended that IMA corporation. For item 618, property liability errors and omissions insurance broker. The recommendation is not listed. >> Kicks. Sorry. >> Okay. Sorry. >> Kicks the Kansas Educational Risk Management Pool >> KICS. >> All right. As stated by the superintendent. So the last item is 619. The motion to approve all appointments. designations. So I move the board approve all appointments and designations as presented toward the transition and reorganization of the board for the 2025 2026 business year. >>
015Second. >> All in favor? >> I 61 61. >> Motion passes. All right. So, same concept if you want on seven, >> right? >> There's a separate item and then at the very end 7 sorry >> 711 >> 11 uh creates if you will that comprehensive action that brings all of them into one. >> Shall I read them? >> Sure. >> Okay. Once again we'll read through each of the recommendations or the listings and then we'll do a motion at the end. So item 7.2 is resolution 25/26-001 generally accepted accounting principles. Item, excuse me, 7 3 resolution 25/26-002 to resend previous policy and do board of education manual for the 20 for the 2025 2026 year. Resolution 2526003 and 2526-004 approval of petty cash funds. 7.5 is resolution 25/26-005 to approve the board of education
016meeting dates and times 2025 2026 item 7.6 resolutions 25/26-006 through 25/26-012 approval to maintain activity funds item 7.7 resolution 25/26-013 to establish home rule item 7.8 8, approval of early payment of claims. Item 7.9, authorization of certificates for manual signature. Item 710, approval to publish notifications. That leads us to item 7-eleven, the motion to approve all organizational procedures. And I move we adopt resolutions 25-26-001 through2526-013 and all other organizational procedures as presented. Second. All in favor? >> I 61. Motion passes. >> Okay. So, we are on to item eight. >> Okay. Madam President, I move we go into executive session for consultation with our attorney pursuant to the exception for matters which could be deemed privileged in the attorney client relationship under the Kansas Open Meetings Act or coma. and that we return to the
017open session in this room in 20 minutes or at 6:39. >> Second. >> Hold one. The board will invite Dr. Adams, Amy Joe Troyer, mathematics, and Greg Gohane into the meeting. All in favor? 70. Excuse [Applause] me. >> Okay. So, we're on >> Item nine. Madame President, I move we go into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel pursuant to the exception under the Kansas Open Meetings Act and ORMA in order to protect privacy interests of the individuals to be discussed. Then we return to open session in this room at 6:55. >> All in favor? >> Hold on. Board will invite Dr. Adams, Amy Sloan, Amy Joe Troyer, and Isaac Ka into the meeting. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I 70. All right. So, we will return at >> 6:55 actually. So, where
018we at? I don't know. We are item 92, executive session action items. Madam President, I move that we accept the staff report as presented. >> I'll second it. All in favor? >> I 61. >> All right. The new item 10. Madame President, we move and go to Excuse me. Madame President, move we go into executive session for consultation with the attorney pursuant to exception for matters which would be deemed privileged in the attorney client relationship under the Kansas Open Meetings Act or coma and that we return to open session this room. At 7:22, the board will invite um Isaac Ka into the meeting. >> Second. All in favor? Seven. Thank you for anything. >> No, no motion required. >> Okay. So we would like to call for a special meeting within the next two weeks.
019Um check your calendar pursuant to your calendar. >> More guidance to come. >> No, you can look at your calendar and >> you know unless you want >> once you know the guidance all the information we need and then look at your calendar. >> Okay. So we are on item 11. >> Yes. >> Okay. Review of revenue neutral tax rate. Item 11. Okay. Good evening. So we need to tonight review the revenue neutral tax rate information. And this is our annual requirement every year that we have to notify the Lmore County Clerk of estimated tax rate increase for the 2526 budget. Information for the revenue neutral rate shows increases in estimated tax revenue increase in property valuations and we're optimizing our resources for the 2526 budget. So, as you can see, the funds that have
020a tax levy are general fund, supplemental general fund, capital outlay, and the bond and interest fund. Our total taxes levied, including the general fund for the 2425 budget, was 14,269,570 and our proposed tax to be levied for is $16,92,680. So again we are trying to or not trying to plan to optimize resources for the 2526 budget. The bottom chart there is our estimated state aid and as we know property valuations are increasing student enrollment is decreasing. So the calculation for state aid is decreasing. So the supplemental general fund state aid in 2425 is 54%. For 2526 it's going to be 49.5%. Capital outlay state aid was 51% it's going to be 42%. And bond and interest state aid was 50% and it's going to be 41%. >> Miss Maddox, this is basically we're going to
021publish this in the paper just to give information that this is the max >> correct >> possible. This is the ceiling not the floor. >> Correct. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So this is the information that will go to the county. Any questions? Further discussion. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. And that is not that's just information. >> Yeah. I want to stress tonight isform informationational only. Um you will actually not take action until the regular September meeting, Beth. I'm looking for confirmation. Right. So, we're going to do an update in August, action in September. >> A budget review coming soon at the August board meeting. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Um, item 12. >> Item 12 is also information only. Uh if you will first read on all of the KASB semianual updates, I will
022just emphasize that these typically represent those changes after the immediate legislative session, bringing us into concert with any statutory changes or otherwise. Um and as always, um kindly request any of your feedback. Let's see. I show it's an 11 August regular. So, if we can have questions, thoughts, whatever that need to be addressed by Friday, April 1st, >> sorry, how about August? Yes. Um, that'll allow me to then communicate those with board leadership by Wednesday the 6th. Sound good? >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> All right. Item 13, Hartnet Education Center. Item 13 is also information only and it represents the first of many statutoily required steps anytime you wish to close a school building. And so what you'll see here is the official publication that would be ran um in 11 more times at
023least twice and I believe we should have enough time between now and the August board meeting. So it' be our intention to start the August regular meeting with that public hearing and then that would represent obviously step two. So step one is the public notice to go out at least twice in two consecutive weeks prior to the next meeting. >> That's a separate hearing. >> Yep. So what Beth and I have discussed is the hearing could take place at like six o'clock and then the regular could take place at 605. >> Any questions, discussion? >> Real quick question. Uh, how much of the contents have we been able to remove? Have we gotten all of it out? >> I would say we've not removed much of the contents. I'm looking for Dr. Rutleberger. Um, because
024one, we're waiting for the renovations at the IC to be completed and then we want obviously the final clean to be completed. So, Dr. Rleberger, you want to speak to the contents? >> Yeah, there's quite a bit of um stuff that we will keep there until the board makes a decision about what they want to do and whatever the timeline is. We have a lot of physical therapy equipment that needs a storage place. Um some curriculum items that need storage place. And so once the board makes the decision about what will happen, then we'll make arrangements for the move of that >> and some of the historical items. >> Um that's up to the board, but >> Okay. Y >> thank you. >> Okay. Um item 14, district goal setting. >> Item 14 is discussion,
025possibly action. Um, but the intent here tonight was to preview now that we're into the start of the fiscal year. Believe it or not, this is the start of my third year. Um, I will move to a once only required evaluation cycle. That evaluation cycle aligns with Kansas State statutes and is due by February 15th. The quandry, if you will, is whether or not that evaluation should extend past January 1 when potential new board members would take their seats or if you wish to complete that cycle prior to with the existing board that you see here at the table tonight. I think there's probably pros and cons to each, but regardless, I think we should have a collective um establishment of that process and that goal. That way, we can create that cycle and timeline
026for you. Um the first step, if you will, is the annual goal uh setting meeting, which we've done previously. If you recall, I think it was the day of convocation last year, if I'm not mistaken. We met at the high school in the library. Um I thought that was fairly productive and so um open to that conversation, but probably likely um is is representative of a special session. I think traditionally in years past we especially on election years we've always done the evaluation prior to the current board leaving so as not to put that on to a new potential board member that doesn't have any um prior information about the workings of you and your abilities. So I I would propose that we get all of this done in December before the new board comes
027on in January if there are new board members. Well, there will definitely be one new board member >> and I agree because I remember being a new board member and we had an eval that January um that was about six months before you came on being appointed. Um and that was like oh my gosh why are we doing this? I have no clue but what's happened? So, I agree it should be done earlier than later. >> So, do we second and vote on that or >> um welcome any action if you want. I would not say it's required. Um it sounds like what I'm hearing is consensus that we would want to have it wrapped up by December at the latest. Anybody I guess against that idea? >> Do we have consensus or do we
028need to make a motion? I so the dates that you've provided here these August I mean I'm fluctuating I can be flexible on the August 29th and so doing a special board meeting unless you would like to do that special board meeting here I mean that's perfectly fine. I I like this timeline. This makes sense to me. >> Other thoughts. So the 29th as is written here that would be a separate meeting or you looking to do it that's the not later than date. So if we're looking at setting goals like we did last year at convocation convocation is the sixth this year. >> So would you rather do it at convocation? >> I would welcome that but I don't know what availability is for those with >> do you not have other obligations later
029on in that day? I would make sure that you are my only obligation. >> Who's not available on the 6th of August? >> As long as it's in the morning, I I am available. I am not available that afternoon. >> I will have my county commission meeting that morning. >> Okay. >> What time do you typically end to com because convocation is that morning? I don't What time do we start and finish convocation? >> Yep. We I would say right now we are slated for a 10 o'clock finish. I want to say that's a soft uh deadline. We are going to start at 8:30. >> Okay. There are times it runs past noon, but most of the time I would be able to make like an 11 probably. >> Do you think that August day
030would be an 11:00 day >> or could you >> 11:00 or? >> I could let them know. I could leave if that works for Daniel. >> You haven't participated in one of his evaluations since you've been on the board, have you? So why is it important for you to be at his goal setting meeting? >> It's not >> I believe the first one that I didn't participate in was my election and I believe I discussed an executive session since there was interference in the election. Um that is an employee matter that we discussed in executive session. >> So you would wish to be there if you're able to. >> Yes. >> Anybody else not available? Is everyone else available? August. >> Six August. What if you did over the lunch hour? >> Vacationing then. Sorry.
031>> What if you did over the lunch hour? >> Sorry. >> That would not include you though. Is that right? >> I will not be available on >> Can you zoom in on the six? >> I will be available to you. >> Okay. >> Well, we have a quorum. So, >> so you all figure it out for yourself. I won't be around all >> I'm not asking you to work around my schedule. Whatever is good for Danielle. I think the majority of you >> I was just curious. >> Do we want to go with that 11:00 on the 6th and you would not be there? >> Yeah. Well, when when do when >> it'll be on Facebook probably by my son, but I'm I'm going in for major surgery on the 23rd of July, >>
032and I probably won't be out of the hospital. I mean, I won't be functional really till mid to late August. >> So, would it be better to stay with the August 20 he's got on there? >> I'll probably have my phone, but I don't know. >> I don't think we should require that after that kind of surgery. >> No. >> Pardon me. I said we should not require that at that kind of surgery. >> Well, not going to be a requirement. I'm just telling you the facts. I'm not going to be available. I mean, I might be on the phone possibly, but I don't know. That's too far down the road, but I just would just rather say right now I probably will not be available. >> So, do we want to keep it the
03329th then? >> 29th Friday. uh out of town. >> School is started. >> Dr. Adams, what about like a five o'clock start on the 11th? >> Oh, prior to the special or prior to the regular >> regular board meeting? >> Yeah. So, could you come in an hour earlier? >> Yes. >> On 11 August. >> Okay. >> Only gives you five more days. I recognize that, Mr. Carney. We do wish you well in your surgery, by the way. Do we know? >> Um, >> so 11 August at 5. >> Yep. So you would have three board meetings that night. >> You would have a five o'clock work session. You would have a 6 o'clock hearing and a 6:05 regular meeting. >> Sounds good. >> It works. >> Okay. >> What? >> That works. We've done
034that before. >> What? Oh, okay. Um, and then I'm I'm of the opinion the rest of timeline is flexible. Of course, probably the biggest one is just the end having it done before we head to Christmas break, which aligns with having this board complete the evaluation. Sound good? >> Thank you. Mhm. >> Okay. So, we are on item 15. >> Yep. 15 isformational as well. >> Also, I guess a request if you will. Um, so there are three organizations we are aware of that are supporting school boards. >> The first are two of which are here in Kansas. So the Kansas School Board Resource Center, they will hold their annual conference in Salina on October 16. KSB will hold their annual conference in Witchaw 14th through the 16th of November. And then NSBA Friday, April
03510th through Sunday, April 12th. Not saying these are the only three. These are just the only three that we are in regular communication with. Our request is if we can to be able to realize some of those early discounts on hotels and registration. Um, so if you can let Mrs. Maddox know if you're interested in attending one or any of those, it helps us get you registered, get your hotel rooms and so forth. >> Any discussion or just >> I mean, in light of the budget, is is there budget set aside for board members to be able to do these kinds of trainings or do we need to self-fund? >> I would say we did not make any adjustments to the board level. um travel andor the board level hotels, the board level registration. Um
036at the district level, that amount remained unchanged for this fiscal year. >> In other words, we never used it. >> So, we just need to let >> let you know. >> Yep. >> What we're interested in. >> Yep. You did have some board level expenses last year, but we did not change that amount. Okay. Any other discussion? Okay. So, item 16, closing of the meeting. Um, >> I'm happy to read the dates or there they are for you. >> I can't do that. I want to read. Okay. So, upcoming dates July 16th, we have admin return. Uh July 29th, 30th and 31st, new teacher academy. August 4th, 5th, uh building professional development and a half teacher work day. Um also on the 5th same six uh August 6th is convocation um with half teacher work
037day and uh followed by a benefits fair in the LHS gym from 11 to 3 and prek is back to school back to school night on the 6th. August 7th, um, district professional development, teacher half day, teacher work day, back to school night, um, for kindergarten, 4:30 to 5:30, 1st through 4th, 5:00 to 6:00, 5th through 8th, 6 to 7. August 8th, new student orientation in the morning, um, and building professional development in the afternoon. August 11th, board meeting at 5:00 pm. Um, August 19th, uh, open house at the high school from 6:00 to 7:00 and we go to adjournment. So, board member comments. >> Beth, did you need something? Are >> we just I have resolutions that you all need to sign. >> Oh, sorry. before you leave. >> Okay. Um remember to sign
038the resolutions before we leave. >> Are we ready for adjournment? >> You are ready for >> comment. >> Board member comments. >> Those are not a part of the approved agenda. >> Oh, okay. So, no board member comments. So, we're just adjourning. Is that correct? Okay. All right. So, meeting adjourned at 7:40. [Music] What's that?