At Monday’s USD 489 work session, Vice President Darren Schumacher reported on discussions with TMP-Marian about O’Loughlin Elementary School’s use of Victory Road.
He said TMP-Marian was willing to work with USD 489 to find some solution. The biggest challenge, “since the road was closed due to deterioration, the Diocese would have some liability if it was reopened and nothing was done to improve it.” Schumacher said.
Board President Greg Schwartz said he was making every effort to set up another meeting Tuesday or Wednesday to reach a temporary solution by the start of the school year.
Superintendent Will Roth said that the district had a plan to begin the school year without the use of Victory Road. “O’Loughlin Fourth and fifth grade students will be unloaded on 14th and 15th streets and will have a crossing guard help them cross Hall Street. That’s our temporary solution to start the year,” he said.
In other highlights from Monday’s meeting, Hays Middle School (HMS) Principal Craig Pallister reported to the board on interviews to fill the Assistant Principal vacancy.
Pallister said that the HMS interview team had reached a consensus on the best candidate for the job. The job has not been offered to anyone. The discussion on the topic continued in executive session.
USD 489 administration recommended approval of a proposed 5-year contract with Pepsi for exclusive soft drink vendor rights at Hays High School.
The board discussed a week-to-week rental agreement with Glassman on a Chiller. It will need the Board President’s signature at the next meeting.
The Board has authorized the financing of the construction of the HMS FEMA 8 classroom addition with Clayton Holdings. The Board President will need to sign the financing documents to finalize the funding, however, the school district has not received the contract.
Board briefly discussed surplus Items, including two pianos from Roosevelt School
The board listened to a presentation from ESP on an energy conservation program the district may consider.
The board discussed the appointment of Cheryl Shubert, Director of Accounting, to approve purchase orders when Richard Cain retires.
The Board discussed modifications to the current meeting calendar and options for future work sessions and meetings and will take action on this at the next meeting.
Board President Greg Schwartz commented on this Friday’s interviews of 5 candidates for the Interim Superintendent position and the board will take further action at the next meeting.
Schwartz confirmed that Randy Gustafson would make a presentation on filling the Superintendent for Finance position at the Monday, August 19, board meeting. He also confirmed that Ken Beran & Howard Sloan would attend next Monday’s meeting to discuss business operations of the district.
The board heard a brief presentation by district transportation director Russ Henningsen on bids for the purchase of an Activity Bus and a Route Bus.
FY14 Budget Hearing is set for the August 19th meeting, where the Board is scheduled to approve the budget.
The board held an Executive Session to discuss non-elected personnel and not the Hays NEA negotiations. Those union negotiations are scheduled for Tuesday, August 20