It was another long board meeting for the USD 489 Board of Education on Monday night. They approved the Management Consultant Contract with Randy
Gustafson. He had submitted a proposal to establish criteria that a new superintendent could use in establishing processes that would improve and enhance the efficiency and innovation.
Gustafson, who retired as Hays City Manager in 2007 told the board on Monday night he would review aspects of the districts operation on management issues. He said would not get involved in any personnel matters or negotiations, collective bargaining or any educations issues. “My expertise is in public management,” Gustafson explained. “This process will take from 3 to 6 months.”
Prior to the vote on the consultant contract, Board vice president Darren Schumacher asked that the issue be tabled until Marty Patterson was in attendance. Patterson was out of town.
Board president Greg Schwartz said he’d spoken with Patterson on Monday and hoped he might be able to attend the meeting on a conference call. That was not possible. Schwartz said Patterson also wanted the consultant contract tabled until he was able to attend the next board meeting. With a motion by Josh Waddell and a second by Lance Bickle already on the table, Schwartz called the question and the motion was approved 5-1. Darren Schmacher voted against the measure.
The board meeting also included two hours worth of executive session to discuss non-elected personnel and attorney-client privilege.
The board decided to table the approval of Multi-peril Insurance for the 2013-14 school year from Insurance Planning until the next scheduled meeting, depending on the policy grace period, a July 31 meeting or call a special meeting for consideration.
Voted to reject all wireless bids for updating the district’s wireless infrastructure network.
During the Superintendent’s report, Dr. Roth explained that Victory Road adjacent to Oloughlin Scholl will be closed for pick up and drop off of students. The disctrict is working on an alternative and if nothing is completed by the start of the school year, they are considering an option to temporarily shuttle students.
Board President Greg Schwartz nominated the following individuals to committees and boards.
Board member Danielle Robben to the ESEA Title 1 program committee.
Board member James Leiker to the Early Childhood Connections Council committee
Tammy Wellbrock and Curtis Braun to the USD 489 Foundation Board
Jeff Briggs to the Hays Recreation Commission Board
Darren Schumaher to replace Dr. Roth to the Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development Board Committee.
Announced a standing District Technology Committee to include three teachers; one from elementary, middle and high school. Those nominated include teachers Jeanie Michaelis, Ted Foster, and Shannon Damel. Principals Marty Straub and Tom Meagher. District Technology Coordinator Todd Bryant and two community technology representatives including board member Lance Bickel and Brian Drennan of Nex-Tech.
Schwartz asked to wait to make appointments to the KSB convention and the Hiring Committee representatives.
-The board also approved the Superintendent’s retirement of October 1. 2013
-Approved the Authorization for Board President to the Sign Nutrition Documents: The 2013-14 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Agreement Addendum and the Attestation of Compliance with Meal Pattern Requirements
-Approved the student handbooks from Hays High, Hays Middle, and elementary schools; as well as the approval of the District Classified Handbook and Administrative Handbook
-Approved the soda proposal from Pepsi and low bid for copy paper.
Board President Greg Schwartz nominated the following individuals to committee and boards.
Danielle Robben to the ESEA Title 1 program
James Leiker to the Early Childhood Connections Council committee
Tammy Wellbrock and Curtis Braun to the USD 489 Foundation Board
Jeff Briggs to the Hays Recreation Commission Board
Darren Schumaher to replace Dr. Roth to the Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development Board
Lance Bickle.
Announced a standing District Technology Committee to include three teachers; one from elementary, middle and high school. Those nominated include teachers Jeanie Michaelis, Ted Foster, and Shannon Damel. Principals Marty Straub and Tom Meagher. District Technology Coordinator Todd Bryant and two community technology representatives including board member Lance Bickel and Brian Drennan of Nex-Tech.
Schwartz asked to wait to make appointments to the KSB convention and the Hiring Committee representatives.