Sophia Linenberger with her family before the TMP game Thursday night. Photos by Cristina Janney / Hays Post
Hays Post
Sophia Linenberger, a sophomore at Thomas More Prep-Marian, was honored by the Thomas More Prep-Marian football team prior to their game against Ellsworth on Thursday night.
Linenberger was diagnosed in January of this year, with Ewings Sarcoma Cancer.
The football players gave Linenbeger yellow roses as they ran on the field. She also participated in the coin toss.
Sophia’s family wrote the following statement that was read by the announcer during the opening ceremony at the game:
“Sophia Linenberger, a sophomore at TMP-Marian was diagnosed in January of this year, with Ewings Sarcoma Cancer. She has undergone six weeks, five days a week of radiation.
“Along with this, she has undergone three surgeries. She has had chemotherapy in Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Hospital each week since her diagnosis in January. Sophia has two more rounds of chemotherapy.
“Along with her and her family, tonight we want to announce to our Monarch Family, that Sophia is now in remission.
“After she finishes her remaining two weeks of chemotherapy, she will have a PET scan and a CT scan. If all goes well, she will then have the removal of her port surgery. She will be continuously and cautiously monitored with check-ups.
“She will also begin physical therapy to strengthen her legs to bring back her mobility to walk again.
“We would like to thank you for the cards, care packages, gift cards, donations, and above all, the continuous prayers. A special thank you to the Hays community and our TMP family. We ask that you continue to keep her in your prayers, as she still has a long way to go, before she will be fully recovered. God Bless and Go Monarchs! Sophia Strong.
“A special thank you of gratitude to Head TMP Football Coach, Jay Harris and the Thomas More Prep-Marian football team for the surprise of presenting Sophia with a yellow rose from each football player and every coach, to help her get through her last chemotherapy treatments.
“A special thank you to TMP’s Mr. James Harris, we are humbled for all that he has done for Sophia and our family.
“It was also a great honor for Sophia to be a part of the coin flipping for tonight’s game.”
Taylor McClung applies zombie makeup to her sister Chloe McClung, 13, during the Makey Makey Monday at the Ellis Public Library. Chloe plans to dress as 11 from “Stranger Things” for Halloween this year.
By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Chloe McClung, 13, in her Zombie makeup.
ELLIS — Makeup Artist Taylor McClung visited the Ellis Public Library on Monday to give kids tips on creating monster makeup during its regular Makey Makey Monday event.
McClung, a cosmologist at Body and Soul, said she taught herself to create realistic-looking wounds and scary zombie makeup by watching YouTube videos and practicing on her younger sisters.
McClung and the kids laid down a base using tissue paper and latex makeup. Flesh-tone base was added to the latex and tissue layer to mimic skin.
They made tears in the latex/tissue layer and added dark red makeup to make the areas appear like wounds. Some of the participants also added oatmeal for more texture.
Makey Makey Monday is a new program at the Ellis Public Library. The sessions, which are aimed at children, have been focused on art or science. Some other events have included a Model Make ‘N’ Take and robot art.
The next Makey Makey Monday will be in November and be Lego themed. A date has not yet been set.
Elijah Wagoner, 7, paints zombie makeup on his arm on Monday. He said he plans to be a skeleton Grim Reaper for Halloween.Amethyst Moses, 8, Ogallah, dabs latex on her mother Brenda’s hand during Makey Makey Monday at the EPL on Monday.Steve Arthur, EPL librarian, paints zombie makeup on his hand on Monday.
Education: BA in Communication; MS in Communication at FHSU
Do you have a student currently attending USD 489 schools? – Yes: one son who is a sophomore at Hays High School
Qualifications? Working with a variety of boards, personalities, and the public has given me experience and skill sets to handle matters unique to a BOE member.
Do you support USD 489 trying for another bond issue? What do you think that bond should include? If you don’t support a bond issue, how do you think the school district should address its infrastructure needs?
I believe we need to make major improvements to our facilities so we provide the best education possible. The quality of our facilities goes beyond the classroom: the recruitment of quality educators as well as key community leaders is interdependent on how competitive our chemistry labs or auditorium or wrestling rooms are compared to other schools. We are blessed to have stellar teachers and students who continuously reach educational milestones. It is important we do not rest on these laurels and continue to invest wisely and strategically.
From my previous advantage point as the president/CEO of the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce, I know how important the school district is on the impact of our community’s economy. I served on its Facility Needs Committee, which was charged to determine the district’s needs. We toured every building; I observed every boiler room, “cafegymatorium,” storm shelter area, and front entry as well as many other aspects.
Much of what I saw alarmed me, and I believe it is crucial we pass a bond to address these needs. I have visited with key individuals (principals, top administration and other department heads), to better understand the needs most pressing today and upgrading facilities was the number one priority. What the actual bond should address is not unanimous among those I visited with, so I believe there is still more work needed in this area. To paraphrase one educator I spoke with, we need to be better at addressing our “Why” during the next bond process.
What would you do to secure the financial health of the school district?
The heart of our school district is the children and their educational environment; thus, any decision I make will ultimately be founded in this philosophy. The school district is a system made up of many moving parts and pieces, so it is irresponsible to enter this role with a mindset of preconceived notions, ideas and agendas. As for its financial health, I intend to research best practices for school districts and train with the State Board of Education so that I can make the best financial decisions as possible.
The Hays school board is at impasse with its teachers for the second year in a row. What would you do to improve relations with teachers?
USD 489 is fortunate to have high test scores and teams of dedicated professionals who truly care for our children. Rather than making major modifications, I would like to influence a healthier culture created at the BOE level, which is not something easily done overnight.The theme emerging from all my visits with district representatives is the need for greater levels of trust. One way to achieve this is to empower those doing the daily work, so that micromanagement by BOE members is eliminated, efficiencies are increased, and trust is strengthened.
Do you support the district’s current one-to-one technology policy? If not, what would you propose?
I believe 1-to-1 technology is the best situation for our students. I marvel at how positively integrated the technology and curriculum has been for my son, now a sophomore at Hays High. His teachers have been incredible in applying useful technical skills with traditional learning methods. As an employer, I observe a strong advantage for those employees who can successfully use technology to complement their abilities.I’m always a proponent for “working smarter, not harder” and technology helps us achieve this.
How would you support the district in its work to improve student performance?
My first step is become more informed of the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA) model and how the USD 489 School District is evolving to meet the five different goals outlined. Secondly, the Kansas State Board of Education defines a successful high school graduate as having the preparation, skills and engagement to launch them successfully into the next phase. I believe my professional connections can create quality student-business partnerships to help achieve greater educational opportunities.
Is there anything else you would like to add about you or your campaign?
Besides serving on the district’s Facility Needs Committee, I was a board-appointed representative on the USD Foundation Board from 2011-2015, a member of the O’Loughlin Elementary Site Council for six years, held a three-year term for the Hays Area Children’s Center Board and am now a Hays High Athletic Booster Club Board member. Along with launching my new professional consulting business, I am an adjunct instructor at FHSU for the Robbins College of Business Entrepreneurship (both on campus and virtual) and will add a new class to my teaching schedule this spring for the Leadership Studies Department.
DISCLOSURE: Tammy Wellbrock is married to Gerard Wellbrock, Eagle Radio sports director. He is employed by Eagle Radio, which owns and operates Hays Post.
A fundraiser for the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center is being conducted by a group of Fort Hays State University Leadership 310 students, and flocks of pink flamingos will roost around the city of Hays.
Community members are able to make a donation, and a flock of birds will travel to their friend’s house. But should you find a flamingo flock in your yard, you can “share the joy” by contacting us and making a small donation to send those birds packing, to anyone else in town.
In case you don’t know, pink flamingos are very territorial, and unless they are placed in someone else’s possession, they will roost on properties for a long time. Removal of these flocks should be attempted only by trained professionals.
Fortunately, these FHSU students are well-trained Flamingo Removal Technicians.
In addition, you can enroll in Flamingo Insurance for $10, to prevent these flamingos from roosting in your yard.
To enroll in Flamingo Insurance or send a flock of flamingos to your friend’s yard for only $25, contact Tabitha Keith at the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center by phone at 620-214-0706 or email at [email protected].
Second from left, Lisa Kisner, founder of Lisa’s Custom Interiors; Bonnie Pfannenstiel, owner of PoPt! Gourmet Popcorn; Kiley Rupp, founder of Body and Soul Day Spa; Deanna Doerfler, owner of Doerfler’s Harley Davidson; and Tammy Wellbrock, founder of Girl Twin Solutions, answered questions on the FHSU campus Tuesday in honor of Women Entrepreneurship Week. Sarah Wasinger, far left, director of the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce, moderated the panel.
By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post
Although several of the women on FHSU’s “Women in Business” panel on Tuesday said they did not set out to be entrepreneurs, all of them now own their own business.
Deanna Doerfler, owner of Doerfler’s Harley Davidson; Lisa Kisner, founder of Lisa’s Custom Interiors; Bonnie Pfannenstiel, owner of PoPt! Gourmet Popcorn; Kiley Rupp, founder of Body and Soul Day Spa; and Tammy Wellbrock, founder of Girl Twin Solutions, answered questions on the campus in honor of Women Entrepreneurship Week.
Being your own boss
Kisner’s business celebrated its five-year anniversary in June. Although Kisner has long had a passion for interior design, she worked for other people for 10 years before taking the leap to being her own boss.
“I was kind of at a crossroads as what to do next,” she said. “There are not a lot of design businesses here in town, so I had to make a decision. I am so passionate about interior design and I knew I couldn’t give that up. I didn’t want to move, so I decided to take the leap to go out on my own.”
Pfannenstiel was a licensed physical therapist before she started PoPt!. She also ran her own real estate business in Phoenix before moving back to Hays. Pfannenstiel started PoPt! in 2014. It was supposed to be a part-time job, but has grown into a business in its own 1,600-square-foot brick-and-mortar store and processing area. She hopes to double the business’ building footprint within the next two years.
Kiley Rupp answers a question as Bonnie Pfannenstiel, left, and Deanna Doerfler look on.
Rupp has been in the cosmetology industry for about 13 years and was the manager of Body and Soul Day Spa before taking ownership in May.
Doerfler and her husband, Brian, purchased the Harley Davidson dealership from Brian’s father and uncle in 1993.
“It was difficult at first,” she said, “because we had an older generation that was leaving. Harley was on a huge growth pattern at that time, and we had lots of changes.”
At that time, an owner had to be in the building 70 percent of the time.
Doerfler is not college educated. She had ridden dirt bikes as a kid but was not a street rider at the time she started with Brian in the business.
“There was a Harley University, and I probably went to every class and I absorbed everything that I possibly could,” she said.
Wellbrock founded her company, Girl Twin Solutions three months ago after working as the director of the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce for eight years.
“The entrepreneurial spirit was certainly part of me because I grew up the daughter of a farmer,” she said, “and I saw my dad have all the good and the bad that comes with being self-employed. I knew that was in my heart.”
Wellbrock came to Hays to study at FHSU.
“I would like to echo the fact that I’m probably more of a student today and learning more and doing more research than I ever did when I was a student,” she said. “Your learning doesn’t stop when you leave these walls.”
‘I was a job gypsy’
From left Sarah Wasinger Lisa Kisner and Bonnie Pfannenstiel.
The panelists were asked what inspired and motivated them to start their businesses.
Kisner said she was passionate about interior design, but she knew she needed to do her research before setting out on her own. She spent six months doing research. She also told the audience, which was comprised of many students, she wished she had taken more business classes in college.
Pfannenstiel was helping her husband, Russ, find speciality products to be featured in the remodeled 27th and Vine Cerv’s. He brought back some popcorn samples from market, but Bonnie was not impressed. Pfannenstiel said she considered herself a “job gypsy” and was looking for something to do.
“I thought, ‘I will pop popcorn for a couple of days and put it in your stores,’ ” she said.
She found someone from Texas to train her in the popcorn business, but he was using a retail model. Pfannenstiel wanted to be able to wholesale the popcorn.
“I was going to do this part-time and not have any employees and you don’t realize what is about to happen with your life five years later,” she said.
Rupp comes from a long line of entrepreneurs. Her grandparents owned hotels, and her parents owned an ag and lawn business in Nebraska.
“Growing up, I was sure that was something that I was sure I didn’t want to do,” she said. “But looking back, each new job was preparing me for this journey I am on now.”
She said when the opportunity came to purchase the spa, she realized she had the opportunity to make changes in her industry.
Doerfler said she saw an opportunity to grow and modernize the business. When she and her husband took over the Harley shop, they were still using paper tickets.
“The marketing side had me really excited,” she said. “I was in a man’s world, and not every man in the motorcycle world accepts women.”
Doerfler said she wanted to open up the biking world to women, beyond just riding on the back of a bike.
“After I started riding and got to know some of these other women who were coming in the shop who were just kind of along with their husband or friends, I thought it would be so cool if all these women I knew just through my retail experience from them walking in the doors and talking to me knew each other.
“I knew I could sell the sport, the brand and everything if they could get to know one another, because relationships in the motorcycle industry are the key to keep people riding.”
She started an annual four-day women’s ride. The ride has continued for 16 years and today mother/daughter pairs are joining the group.
Wellbrock said she had a desire to start a new project.
“I need the whole scene to change,” she said, “and the people around me. I desire a lot of variety in my professional career.”
She said she loved the Chamber industry and loved Hays.
“To reinvent yourself, some people then will take that same position and just choose another community,” Wellbrock said. “The community wasn’t going to be able to change for me, so I needed to change the scope of the job.”
What’s in a name?
FHSU students and community members will the panel audience.
The panelists were then asked about what lessons they have learned that would have been beneficial to them when they first opened their businesses.
Pfannenstiel said she wished she would had done a little more research on the community before she started her business. PoPt! had a lot of naysayers in the beginning, but she ended up having a lot more community support than she imagined, she said.
Rupp said recruiting and retaining a quality team who sees your vision as you do has been important to her business. She urged new business owners to not be afraid to ask questions and ask for help.
Doerfler urged entrepreneurs to have a doable succession plan. Harley requires the Doerflers to have an updated plan on file.
Building strong managers is important in succession planning, and Doerfler admitted she could have been much better at that in her business.
Wellbrock said some of the best advice she received was in developing her business’ name. She considered naming her business Tammy Wellbrock Consulting, but she was told no one will buy Tammy Wellbrock. She thought about what made her stand out, and that was that she had a twin brother. She is the girl twin.
Wellbrock did not have to have a business plan, because she wasn’t approaching a bank for a loan, but she did one anyway. She said the best thing she ever did was develop her own business plan with the help of the Small Business Development Center.
Kisner said the best advice she could give was not let you emotions make your decisions.
“When you are getting started, it is really important to take the time to do your research,” she said. “Contact people that know more than you. … It is really easy to get really excited and jump on a decision, and it can affect everything.”
Electric bikes to a unicorn
Rupp said she has focused on learning more about the community and staying involved with current events.
Doerfler said Harley is having challenging with an aging demographic. They also have a desire to keep manufacturing in the United States.
The average age of a Harley owner is 40 to 50 years old.
Harley is trying to realign themselves to be more appealing to younger riders. One of the tools it is using to do this is a Jumpstart platform. You can put a bike on it and a non-rider can learn how to run through the gears.
Appealing to new riders has also included making lighter, more affordable bikes and introducing electric bicycles for children and adults.
“Given those challenging times, it’s still exciting times,” she said. “I think we are engaging another world. Obviously, technology is affecting every industry. It is challenging for any car or motorcycling manufacturer right now. We can’t change fast enough, is what I always say.”
Wellbrock said she is asking businesses, “What is your pain? What is keeping you up at night.”
She is using those answers to develop content.
Kisner said, “If I don’t stay up with the trends, my business would not exist. What I have to do in interior design must always be up with the current trends.”
She spends a lot of time going to design expos and talking to her wholesalers about what kind of trends they are seeing in their sales.
Kisner said she also tries to keep up-to-date with technology. She is using virtual reality to show her clients what their spaces are going to look like when they are finished.
Pfannenstiel said, “PoPt! is a niche retail brick-and-mortar store in a decade where brick and mortar is going away. When I tell people we are looking to expand our business to a bigger building, they look at me like ‘Are you sure?’
“The great thing about PoPt! is that my business is not a franchise. I can do what I want. It is like spin the wheel everyday and where is the dart going to end?”
The older generation likes the popcorn and nostalgic candy. The kids like the candy. The 20- and 30-year-olds bring their kids in to get candy, and they buy too, she said.
“Basically this business is your imagination is your limitation and Pinterest,” Pfannenstiel said.
PoPt! just introduced its new mascot — Poppy the Unicorn. Pfannenstiel hopes to use the mascot to expand the business into special events and birthday parties.
Faith Lochmann, human resources coordinator, presented data from that wage study.
Entry-level wages for USD 489 clerical staff ranged from $9.81 to $11.42 per hour.
Comparable school districts pay an average of $11.08, and comparable cities pay an average starting wage of $13.45. FHSU’s starting wages ranged from $12.71 to $13.98.
HaysMed indicated its lowest starting wage for clerical staff is $10.39, but it hires off a schedule that takes into account years of experience and often hires new staff at higher than the minimum based on that schedule. The average of all the comparable positions was $11.14 to $12.31 per hour for starting wages for clerical staff.
“The district is not ready to implement a full-blown wage schedule,” she said, “but we recognize a strong need to level-set our current employees based on their years of experience with us and where they are being compensated.”
To level the wages will cost the district an average of 84 cents an hour for clerical staff. However, Keith Hall, interim director of finance, said not all employees will receive the same raise. No employee’s pay will decrease. Some employees’ pay could stay the same. Others will increase based on their current pay and years of experience.
Annual cost for clerical staff raises will be $23,642.
The district also approved raises for nutrition staff, which Lochmann said was experiencing high turnover.
Documents describing the raises for the nutrition staff were presented to the board. They were not discussed, and they were not made available to the media as of time of publication. Hall and Lochmann also had not returned calls as of time of publication.
Pay for technology employees was also shown to be lower than their peers, but those wages have already been adjusted.
The total cost for the raises will be $101,000 annually.
Although the agenda item was set for discussion only Monday night, board member Greg Schwartz suggested the board vote on the plan so the raises could go into effect starting in November.
“It seems to be if this is where we think we need to go, I don’t know why we need to wait, just implement it and move forward,” he said.
Board member Paul Adams said he was not opposed to the raises, but he would like to see more time to implement the plan. He ultimately was the sole dissenting vote on the motion.
“Because we have some pending negotiations out of the same pool of money,” he said, “I would like to be able to look at the total impact on what we have available, so I think it is premature without looking at it. I support coming back to it in two weeks, but not until we run some numbers on it.”
Hall said eventually the district would like to create a pay schedule for classified staff; however, he said the finance staff is not ready to roll out a salary schedule at this time.
Oak Park Complex
The former Oak Park Medical Complex was renamed the USD 489 Early Childhood Complex at the meeting Monday.
The four-building center was recently renovated with federal grant funds. It houses Early Child Connections and other district early childhood programs. A ribbon cutting for the complex will be at 10 a.m. Thursday with an open house from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Munjor building
The early childhood program that was in Munjor has been moved to the renovated Early Childhood Complex. The district owns only a portion of the property. The Catholic Church owns the rest of the property. The board discussed turning the entire property over to the Catholic Church now the school district is no longer using the property.
Board member Lance Bickle said he wanted to make sure the district would not need the space in the future before it turned over the property.
Negotiations
The school board met in executive session Monday to discuss negotiations. Representatives from the school and teachers met with a federal mediator Thursday night, but were still unable to come to an agreement on a contract. The board is considering next steps, but took no action Monday on negotiations.
The teachers and board have said pay and health insurance have been the stumbling blocks in reaching an agreement.
Education: BS Industrial Technology Education and Elementary Education, Masters in Education Administration
Do you have a student currently attending USD 489 schools?
Yes, my son is a junior at Hays High School.
Qualifications? 35 years in education and served USD 489 for 31 years. Worked as a paraprofessional, K-12 teacher, coach, migrant director, transition coordinator, and 25 years of that was the elementary principal.
Do you support USD 489 trying for another bond issue? What do you think that bond should include? If you don’t support a bond issue, how do you think the school district should address its infrastructure needs?
The next board will need to use all avenues including a bond issue to raise funds to provide the necessary improvements needed to meet the current and future needs of the district. If a bond issue is to be attempted again, much work in involving and informing our community in all stages will be necessary. Our district needs to repair trust in our community. It must start in action steps that our community can see.
All K-12 levels need improvement in facilities, but our K-5 schools have been the most affected by recent board decisions. Their environment needs to be addressed soon. I was part of two successful bond elections in USD 489 and that experience could help in this process.
Our district needs to be creative. In past years teachers and administrators were encouraged and supported to help with facilities through substantial grants and donations. That culture has diminished and has not been encouraged or realized as often in our K-12 levels in recent years.
In the meantime, we cannot not wait for a bond issue. The past decade we have heard the board say we need a 10-year plan and no plan is available. A systematic approach of preserving the resources we have and building for the future needs to start now.
What would you do to secure the financial health of the school district?
My plan would be to work collaboratively together with the other board members to review all budgetary items as presented by the administration. Upon the review ask questions and make suggestions when appropriate. The Hays school board is at impasse with its teachers for the second year in a row. What would you do to improve relations with teachers?
It is unusual for school boards and teachers not agreeing on a contract two years in a row. Positive communication and a willingness to negotiate is necessary from both sides of the table. This process takes a commitment to invest many hours and allow the process to work.
Fair and equitable pay and fostering a culture of teamwork and respect for the work that teachers do would go a long way toward improved morale. If teachers have confidence and trust in the board, employees have less stress and higher energy for their daily tasks. Quality teachers and other employees are recruited and retained by competitive salaries and benefits.
Do you support the district’s current one-to-one technology policy? If not, what would you propose?
It is important to continue to provide the latest technology for our students and staff. By the time we purchase equipment it is often one or two years behind. We cannot afford to miss an update. Because technology is ever-changing, we need to provide inservice that is appropriate and valuable to the staff. Staff and administration spend many hours evaluating the latest technology that is appropriate for what they need. We need to listen and act accordingly.
How would you support the district in its work to improve student performance?
Research shows that one of the best ways to ensure students’ performance is an experienced and qualified teacher. We need to support all staff members and provide the tools they need to perform the task we ask them to do. Another way the board can help, is to be familiar with and show a strong support of (KESA) the Kansas plan for district improvement and provide inservice and time for teachers to implement the changes. The board plays a major role in creating a culture that fosters a positive learning and working environment.
Is there anything else you would like to add about you or your campaign?
“Kids and Families First” is the belief I will refer to on all decisions if I have the honor to serve on the USD 489 school board. My experience as an educator at all levels is to ask the question, “Is it best for kids?” If the answer is yes, correct decisions will follow.
Our district has a long history of being leaders in the state and on the cutting edge of new trends and practices. We are now seeing many changes and opportunities to advance our district and provide all our students with the best education possible. I want to be part of that movement, and together we can make a difference.
Faith Lochmann, human resources coordinator, presented data from that wage study.
Entry-level wages for USD 489 clerical staff ranged from $9.81 to $11.42 per hour.
Comparable school districts pay an average of $11.08, and comparable cities pay an average starting wage of $13.45. FHSU’s starting wages ranged from $12.71 to $13.98.
HaysMed indicated its lowest starting wage for clerical staff is $10.39, but it hires off a schedule that takes into account years of experience and often hires new staff at higher than the minimum based on that schedule. The average of all the comparable positions was $11.14 to $12.31 per hour for starting wages for clerical staff.
“The district is not ready to implement a full-blown wage schedule,” she said, “but we recognize a strong need to level-set our current employees based on their years of experience with us and where they are being compensated.”
To level the wages will cost the district an average of 84 cents an hour for clerical staff. However, Keith Hall, interim director of finance, said not all employees will receive the same raise. No employee’s pay will decrease. Some employees’ pay could stay the same. Others will increase based on their current pay and years of experience.
Annual cost for clerical staff raises will be $23,642.
The district also approved raises for nutrition staff, which Lochmann said was experiencing high turnover.
Documents describing the raises for the nutrition staff were presented to the board. They were not discussed, and they were not made available to the media as of time of publication. Hall and Lochmann also had not returned calls as of time of publication.
Pay for technology employees was also shown to be lower than their peers, but those wages have already been adjusted.
The total cost for the raises will be $101,000 annually.
Although the agenda item was set for discussion only Monday night, board member Greg Schwartz suggested the board vote on the plan so the raises could go into effect starting in November.
“It seems to be if this is where we think we need to go, I don’t know why we need to wait, just implement it and move forward,” he said.
Board member Paul Adams said he was not opposed to the raises, but he would like to see more time to implement the plan. He ultimately was the sole dissenting vote on the motion.
“Because we have some pending negotiations out of the same pool of money,” he said, “I would like to be able to look at the total impact on what we have available, so I think it is premature without looking at it. I support coming back to it in two weeks, but not until we run some numbers on it.”
Hall said eventually the district would like to create a pay schedule for classified staff; however, he said the finance staff is not ready to roll out a salary schedule at this time.
Oak Park Complex
The former Oak Park Medical Complex was renamed the USD 489 Early Childhood Complex at the meeting Monday.
The four-building center was recently renovated with federal grant funds. It houses Early Child Connections and other district early childhood programs. A ribbon cutting for the complex will be at 10 a.m. Thursday with an open house from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Munjor building
The early childhood program that was in Munjor has been moved to the renovated Early Childhood Complex. The district owns only a portion of the property. The Catholic Church owns the rest of the property. The board discussed turning the entire property over to the Catholic Church now the school district is no longer using the property.
Board member Lance Bickle said he wanted to make sure the district would not need the space in the future before it turned over the property.
Negotiations
The school board met in executive session Monday to discuss negotiations. Representatives from the school and teachers met with a federal mediator Thursday night, but were still unable to come to an agreement on a contract. The board is considering next steps, but took no action Monday on negotiations.
The teachers and board have said pay and health insurance have been the stumbling blocks in reaching an agreement.
Education – BS Psychology FHSU, MS Education Administration FHSU
Do you have a student currently attending USD 489 schools?
I have a granddaughter attending Wilson Elementary School currently.
Qualifications – I have 38 years of experience as a teacher and principal with the last 25 years as the principal of Hays Middle School.
Do you support USD 489 trying for another bond issue? What do you think that bond should include? If you don’t support a bond issue, how do you think the school district should address its infrastructure needs?
I support a bond issue to meet the facilities needs of USD 489.The facilities bond issue needs to address the elementary school needs with renovations and replacement where needed.The middle school and high school need additions and renovations for specific needs such as the cafeteria at the middle school.
What would you do to secure the financial health of the school district?
The financial health of the district is an ongoing need to lobby the Kansas Legislature, governor, and the public to adequately fund K-12 public education in Kansas.
The Hays school board is at impasse with its teachers for the second year in a row. What would you do to improve relations with teachers?
The district needs to listen and respect the teachers and staff and move towards a“win – win” negotiation style that will build trust for the teachers and staff in the board of education.
Do you support the district’s current one-to-one technology policy? If not, what would you propose?
I support the district’s one-on-one technology plan.The use of technology allows the districtsteachers additional tools and strategies to meet expectations and to be successful K-12.
How would you support the district in its work to improve student performance?
The district is involved with KESA the state accreditation plan and the teachers, staff, and administration need the support of the board financially as well as the “time” to plan and implement the programs to improve student learning.
Is there anything else you would like to add about you or your campaign?
USD 489 is an outstanding public school district that the community of Hays should be proud of K-12. I believe the district needs a public relations person to inform the patrons of the district’s outstanding achievements of our students, teachers, and staff as well as needs of the district.I also would like the district to support local businesses and vendors when possible.
Education: Graduated from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with an emphasis on Public Relations and a certificate in Leadership.
Do you have a student currently attending USD 489 schools?
I have three children attending USD 489 school district. A third grader, seventh grader and a senior in high school.
Qualifications?
I have served on the USD 489 Board of Education for the past four years and have a good understanding of district needs and operations. Through my work experience, I’ve learned skills of budgeting, planning, sense of team, and accomplishing goals. I also understand the value of every individual to reach those goals I feel my service record up to this point in time proves I am a man of integrity. My voting decisions are based on what I feel is the best decision for our children and our district.
Do you support USD 489 trying for another bond issue? What do you think that bond should include? If you don’t support a bond issue, how do you think the school district should address its infrastructure needs?
I support a bond. What it should entail I leave up to the voters. A bond is the only way the district can address aging facilities and it is the process the state has developed specifically for projects like new buildings and major facility upgrades. Some support a large bond and fixing all issues for the next 20-30 years while others favor small bonds closer to $25 million (average cost of a new elementary building) and hopefully continuing these as they become paid off. Both concepts have advantages and disadvantages the decision should truly lie in the voters as to what direction they would like to proceed. My goal would be to encourage communication, feedback, and education with voters so we can begin to make progress.
What would you do to secure the financial health of the school district?
I am very pleased with changes that have already been made and feel the district is in a good financial situation. Knowing the dire financial position of the district was one of the reasons I sought election. If tough choices had to be made, I wanted to be a part of them. I have been very pleased with our overall budget the last few years, and we have been able to put money into our contingency fund. This has been achieved through increased funding from the state and following wise guidance and planning from our administration. Through a created culture of financial responsibility with staff we have been able to cut expenses and still meet the needs of the district. Just remember the district’s yearly budget was never designed or intended by the state to replace buildings. A bond process was designed to fill that need.
The Hays school board is at impasse with its teachers for the second year in a row. What would you do to improve relations with teachers?
Build trust! Treating negotiations as a legal proceeding where we both fight to gain something for our side continues to have the same outcome and strains relations. I would like to see us take a whole new approach and move back to interest-based bargaining. I see this as a difficult road since trust between the board and teachers just isn’t there, but even before this term is over, I hope to help move us in a whole new direction.
Do you support the district’s current one-to-one technology policy? If not, what would you propose?
As proven in my prior votes on the board, I support the district’s one-to-one technology policy. Technology is advancing so fast and is becoming such an intricate part of our day-to-day lives. Student success especially after high school requires an understanding of technology. Whether students are moving into a career, college, military, etc. technology is a significant part of the daily job function. I feel removing technology would put our students at a disadvantage and removing a wonderful educational tool that can expand learning methods and opportunities.
How would you support the district in its work to improve student performance?
We already have some of best educators and administrative leaders in the state. As a board I feel our job would be to help define the goals or objectives in line with KESA standards and then let our team go to work and ensure that we don’t get in the way.
Is there anything else you would like to add about you or your campaign?
I would greatly appreciate your vote and support! I love quotes and one of my favorites is from Gandhi. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” I originally sought election to the school board to bring about change. I feel we have a good start and am excited what the next four years could bring. I encourage anyone whom might still have questions to reach out to me.
The Hays USD 489 school board will try to come to an agreement on a name for the former Oak Park Medical Complex at its meeting on Monday.
The center on 13th Street was recently renovated using federal grant funds and early childhood programs, including Early Childhood Connections are now located in the four-building complex.
The public has submitted a list of about two dozen possible names.
The administration proposed naming the complex the Early Childhood Center, but that motion failed to pass on a vote of 3-1.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house is set at the center on Thursday, Oct. 24.
The board will discuss negotiations in executive session, if needed. The board reached impasse with the teachers this year for the second year in a row. Representatives from the board and the teachers met with federal mediators Thursday night.
The stumbling block in negotiations have been teacher pay and health insurance.
The board will hear a presentation from the Hays High School Trapshooting Club.
It will also present USD 489 Making a Difference Award, USD 489 Student Spotlight Award and USD 489 Achievement of Excellence Recognition.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Public Health, emphasis: physical activity and exercise, certified health education specialist (est. 2016)
Do you have a student currently attending USD 489 schools? Not yet. Class of 2038, here we come!
Qualifications?
Evaluation of socioeconomics snd demographics of a region, needs assessments, grant writing, and program writing and evaluation. Educator, (soon-to-be) parent, community member.
Do you support USD 489 trying for another bond issue?
Absolutely. If there is something that needs to be fixed, and we cannot do so within the current budget, then we must find the funding elsewhere, so that solutions can result, and we can continue to succeed.
What do you think that bond should include?
There are a multitude of answers for this question, depending on whom you ask. I find myself in a unique position to say that I have not attended public school in Hays, so I am entering with a fresh eye. I hear my community members mention concerns of nutrition, technology, building maintenance, and safety—but ultimately—it is up to the community to decide what the priority is or may be, and for us as board members to execute appropriately.
Scientific research states that a student must be an ideal state of mind, body, and spirit for the best form of retention of knowledge. Furthermore, a teacher must also be in this ideal state to be able to best facilitate said knowledge. Therefore, conditions such as classroom size, safety, thermoregulation, properly maintained furniture, etc., must all be of the highest priority, as well as access to quality nutrition, proper physical and mental breaks, and guarantees of safety at the building entrances.
My vision is for all of this to be possible, regardless of what facility surrounds the students and teachers. I will vote time and time again in favor of a bond that supports the success of our teachers and students—however, we must find a value for that bond that accurately represents the value for improvement set by the community. If we are wanting success of the bond at the values we have chosen in the past, we must convince our community that the value of improvement matches.
What would you do to secure the financial health of the school district?
Define financial health. What does it look like? Is it a school district that is self-funded from grants and scholarships? Or a school district supported solely by the state tax dollars allocated? Or perhaps it’s more than that. Perhaps the financial health comes from the value that is produced, regardless of the cost. There is a happy medium in all situations of finding balance between spending for an outcome, and the value of that outcome. To me, financial health is finding this balance between these two figures.
The Hays school board is at impasse with its teachers for the second year in a row. What would you do to improve relations with teachers?
We must respect and value the work that our teachers put in daily. This means verbally and financially thankful for their efforts. I have been in their shoes—where financial allocations did not go as planned. Rightfully so, it leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of individuals when they feel a lack of respect and gratitude. This must be the first step to finding a better solution—a reset, a fresh start. If the funds truly do not exist, then the gratitude must be given elsewhere—there’s no excuse for a lack of gratitude or respect.
Do you support the district’s current one-to-one technology policy? If not, what would you propose?
1-to-1 technology was intended to help increase student success through availability of books and other resources. If our school district is in a position where we are lacking fundamental resources for our students, that is impeding their ability to grow and learn, then there is a profound need and a valuable place for a 1-to-1 program. It is serving as a resource vital for student success. Should there be areas for improvement in the program (more than just a “keeping up with the Jones” need), we can collectively approach these as a community.
How would you support the district in its work to improve student performance?
Everything we do as a school district, as members and representatives of the board of education and USD 489, and as a member of our community, should be to help improve student performance. It is not one sole action—but rather—the success or failure of all actions combined. We must address the smaller pieces of the puzzle in order to paint the larger picture. As promised again and again, I wish to hear the voices of our entire community—parents, teachers, students, community members—and to find solutions that remove roadblocks to the success of our students, and ultimately will help improve student performance.
Is there anything else you would like to add about you or your campaign?
While the majority of my decisions and views come from scientific research and community needs assessments, I hope that serving will allow me to be a part of growth within our community that will come from the success of the Board. Success that will be determined by the success of our students, their desire to stay in our community even after they graduate, and the desire for travelers to see us as a place for setting roots, raising a family, and building a legacy of their own. The possibilities are endless, and I look forward to contributing to their outcomes.
Sophia Linenberger, a sophomore at Thomas More Prep-Marian, was honored by the Thomas More Prep-Marian football team prior to their game against Ellsworth on Thursday night. 
“Along with this, she has undergone three surgeries. She has had chemotherapy in Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Hospital each week since her diagnosis in January. Sophia has two more rounds of chemotherapy. 
“A special thank you of gratitude to Head TMP Football Coach, Jay Harris and the Thomas More Prep-Marian football team for the surprise of presenting Sophia with a yellow rose from each football player and every coach, to help her get through her last chemotherapy treatments. 
