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March 8 2022

March 8, 2022
Posted on 03/09/2022
march 8 2022 headerBOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 305

SALINA, KANSAS

March 8, 2022

 
 
 
 
 

Recognitions/Presentations

 

You Make A Difference

The You Make A Difference Award is presented to staff members whose exemplary actions support students, colleagues and the mission of Salina Public Schools. Recipients of these awards receive a lapel pin and a handwritten note personally delivered by a board of education member.

 

Melanie Isaacson, Human Resources Specialist

District Office

Melanie’s drive and creativity were demonstrated when she took over the substitute hiring process. She created a weekly orientation-training program and a New Sub Spotlight that notifies buildings about new subs who are ready to start. Her efforts to increase efficiency and responsiveness in the HR department are making a difference. Thank you Melanie!

Jolene Peterson, District Math Coach

District Office

Jolene does a great job of making sure teachers have what they need to be successful. She always has a positive attitude with her work and enjoys finding new ways for students to become more successful in math. She has taken on different tasks throughout the year and always dives in with enthusiasm. Thank you, Jolene, for making a difference!

Delia Velasquez-Pham, Paraeducator

Lakewood Middle School

As a valuable part of the intensive reading team, Delia listens carefully to students, prompts their thinking and supports understanding. She attends PLCs and shares her notes and observations about student progress to assist the planning process. To be better prepared to support students, she reads lessons and books at home. Thank you, Delia, for making a difference!

Leanna White, Paraeducator

South High School

Leanna is always walking around the classroom and checking on students. She reads and prepares for class on her own time. Her reflections on the lessons and collaborative nature help improve curriculum to better serve students. Always prepared with notes, lesson copies, seating charts and more, she is ready to help instruct, coach or assist students. Thank you, Leanna, for making a difference!

Janelle Stelter, Special Education Teacher

Coronado Elementary School

Janelle joined Coronado this year as a part of the special education restructuring. She maintains a positive outlook and has tackled any challenges that came her way. Changed schedules and staffing challenges did not deter her from her goal of meeting her students’ needs. Her love for her students and solid relationships with each of them is a constant. Thank you, Janelle, for making a difference!

 

Teacher of the Year

The board of education recognized Tina Layton, Meadowlark Elementary 4th grade teacher, as the Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Melanie Hammond, South High science teacher, as the Secondary Teacher of the Year. The two teachers were presented with gift certificates from Martinelli’s, courtesy of Tony Dong, and engraved watches from Jostens, courtesy of Jeff Heline. The teachers were also presented with checks from former Chief Justice Lawton Nuss, as a part of the H.E. and Erma Lee Nuss awards, set up in honor of his parents for their historical significance and dedication to education.

 

Superintendent’s Excellence Awards

Boy’s Swimming and Diving/Central High: Cooper Cobb, Brock Dolton, Zack Tibbits, Fidel Torres. Dustin Burgardt is the coach and Jeremiah Thornton is the diving coach.

Boy’s Swimming and Diving/South High: Haden Smith, Trey Berland, Laken Webb.  Dustin Burgardt is the coach and Jeremiah Thornton is the diving coach.

Wrestling/South High: Kayson Dietz, Brandon Fletcher, Ninel Garcia, Breanna Stone. Kanean Wendell is their coach.  

Wrestling/Central High: Amelia Coykendall, Alison Coykendall, Haylie James, Lydia Dong, Bailey Morales, Jase Adam, Isaac Phimvonga, Hogan Dawson, Elix Hernandez, Julian Castro, Tyrus Young. John Corman is their coach.

 

School Resource Office Program

Shanna Rector, deputy superintendent, recognized the Salina Police Department’s history and collaborative relationship with district schools.

 

Personnel Report and Consent Agenda

 

Action Agenda

 

2022 – 2023 School Calendar

The board approved the 2022-2023 calendar as presented by Linn Exline, superintendent.

2023-2024 Tentative School Calendar

The board approved the 2023-2024 tentative calendar as presented by Linn Exline.

Right-of-Way Establishment at Coronado Elementary

The board approved the establishment of a utility easement on the east side of the Coronado Elementary School property as presented by Kris Upson, executive director of operations.

 

Discussion Items

 

Addition of Athletic Programs

Ken Stonebraker, South High School athletic director, recommended the establishment of a Unified Bowling program in the USD 305 high schools. Greg Maring, Central High School athletic director, recommended the establishment of an ESports program in the USD 305 high schools. These proposals will be on the action agenda at the April 12 meeting.

Proposed Textbook Adoptions

Curtis Stevens, director of secondary programs, presented 18 textbooks recommended for adoption which the board then approved.  

Enrollment and Financial Update

Lisa Peters, executive director of business, presented an enrollment and financial update.

Cybersecurity – Managed Detection and Response

Dwight Christie, director of MIS, presented a cybersecurity solution for the district provided by Artic Wolf. The board then approved this item.  

Capital Improvement Plan

Kris Upson presented preliminary capital improvement, technology, equipment and vehicle replacement lists for review. The CIP will be on the action agenda at the April 12 meeting.

Equity Council Bylaws

Tiffany Lowe, director of student support services, presented suggested revisions to the Equity Council bylaws. The board then approved this item.

Textbooks and Instructional Materials

Shanna Rector updated the board regarding materials and challenges.

 

School Board Reports

  • Bonnie Schamberger, board member, attended a budget meeting, the February 22 Board Worksession, delivered two You Make a Difference awards at South High School (SHS) with Jim Fletcher and attended an orchestra concert at South Middle School.
  • Dana Kossow, board member, attended Salina Education Foundation (SEF) meetings and a Central Kansas Cooperative in Education Board of Control meeting.
  • Ann Zimmerman, vice president, delivered a You Make a Difference award at Lakewood Middle School and attended the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, an Equity Council meeting, the Meet and Confer meeting and the Calendar Committee meeting.
  • Mark Bandré, board member, attended the SEF meeting and a Smoky Hill Education Service Center Executive Cabinet meeting.
  • Scott Gardner, board member, attended the Heartland Policy Council meeting, the Meet and Confer meeting and Central and South high schools girl’s wrestling.
  • Jim Fletcher, president, attended the February 22 Board Worksession, delivered two You Make a Difference awards and toured schools in Kansas.

 

Upcoming Dates of Importance

  • Tuesday, March 22, KASB Boardmanship Training, District Office, 5:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 26, KSDE Teacher of the Year Virtual Celebration, 1:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 6, Kansas Master Teacher Ceremony, Emporia, 6:30 p.m.
  • Friday, April 8, Chamber Annual Meeting, Tony’s Pizza Events Center
  • Tuesday, April 12, Salina Education Foundation Reception, 4:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 1, Retirement Recognition, Lakewood, 3:00 p.m.

 

Superintendent’s Report

Linn Exline reported that Melanie Hammond, science teacher at South High School who is the USD 305 Master Teacher, was named one of seven Kansas Master Teachers by Emporia State University. Superintendent Exline reported that she has been working with building leaders on their crisis plans and at a recent meeting they worked through a table top lesson with an active shooter scenario. She extended her thoughts to families and everyone affected by the recent incident at Olathe East. Superintendent Exline attended the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge where Salina business leaders and Chamber of Commerce judge the businesses students created and pitched. She will be attending the Kansas/Missouri Superintendent Forum and will be on a discussion panel focusing on belonging in schools. Superintendent Exline recognized Ben Hutton of Hutton Construction with a Spotlight letter. He gave his team members up to five days off to substitute in schools to help with the shortage of substitute teachers. She reported that Starlett Parham, senior at Central High School, was awarded a Rudd Scholarship valued at $80,000 for her to attend Fort Hays State University.