USD 383 Board of Education

Feb. 15, 2012
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Mark Bachamp and Jason Hilgers, representatives of the MHS Booster Club, discussed with the board the possibility of the Booster Club's doing fundraising for artificial turf for Bishop Stadium. The Booster Club estimated turf installation would cost in the range of $750,000 - $1 million, with a field lasting about 10-12 years before needing to be replaced. Replacement costs are less than installation because some of the infrastructure, like for drainage, wouldn't need to be replaced. The Booster Club wanted direction from the board as to whether it could proceed with fundraising and whether naming rights would be a possibility for a significant donor. The board decided to work with administration regarding naming rights and to refine cost estimates.

Dave Colburn and Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, reported on state education funding and the second count date for military-connected students. The governor's proposed K-12 funding plan would increase the base per pupil funding but would eliminate weightings for low income students, English language learners, etc. This would mean that districts with high numbers of low income students would receive the same state funding as districts with few low income students. Regarding the second military count date (which is Feb. 20th), the Kansas Legislature is considering an amendment to a bill that would count the net increase in students and not the gross increase, which is the current method. Colburn thought the proposed change could be seen as anti-military by the Pentagon, and Shannon said the district would lose money if the change were to go into effect. The school district plans to advocate to keep the second count as a count of the gross increase.

The board previously approved a redistricting plan, and in light of the changes to school boundaries, the board discussed the district's transfer policy. Only a handful of 7th graders will be switching middle schools for 8th grade as a result of redistricting, and administration recommended that those 7th graders be allowed to stay at their same middle schools for 8th grade. A larger number of 5th graders would be affected by the redistricting plan (44 students), and administration recommended that those students not be allowed to stay at their current elementary schools for 6th grade due to potential problems with class sizes. Board members Darell Edie, Leah Fliter, Walt Pesaresi, Dave Colburn, and Curt Herrman were in support of the transfer plan developed by administration. Pete Paukstelis and Doug Messer didn't think it was appropriate to deny transfers to the 44 redistricted 5th graders while permitting transfers for other students, including accepting out-of-district students. Paukstelis and Messer thought the 44 redistricted 5th graders should have the option to take their chances and apply for a transfer the same as any other USD 383 student could. The board approved the transfer plan 5-2, with Paukstelis and Messer dissenting.