January 11, 2021 at 6:30 PM - Board Meeting in Almena

Discussion:  Jill Gebhard was in attendance via Zoom.

Discussion:  Miss Reeves passed out a document for the board to view.  She stated she gave the pre-ACT to the sophomores.  She continued to review the packet showing how to identify where the kids are at.

Discussion:  Mrs. Mongeau shared that she has officially been here a year and the whirlwind she has been on since last year.  She thanked the board and shared that she is working on a Grammar curriculum.  Hoping to have it roll out  next year.  She restarted the AR program and working on increasing the rigor.  She also stated there are some incredible kids and there is room for growth.

Discussion:  This item was tabled during the December board meeting to allow for more time to look the information over, President Van Patten stated.

Discussion:  At the December board meeting, it was decided to do this on January 20th. 
Information sheets were sent to all the teachers in advance. 
Three for breakfast in Almena; six for lunch in Long Island.

Discussion:  6:59 p.m. Returned to open session.

Discussion:  7:12 p.m. Returned to open meeting.

Discussion:  7:40 p.m. Returned to open session.

President Van Patten stated that all Rule 10 coaching positions are to be reviewed each year. Gladly review any interested certified applicants at that time.

Discussion:  7:51 p.m. Returned to open session
No action was taken.

Discussion:  There is an on-line training that will satisfy this requirement, rather than the face-to-face sessions that are normally held. After some discussion, Mr. Tharman agreed to register the members of the board negotiaions team (Mrs. Van Patten & Mrs. Smith) for this annual training.

Discussion:  The results of the Academic contest in which all league schools competed with up to four students per HS class are attached.  Mr. Tharman discussed the document with the board. He will make it public next Monday, January 18, 2021.

Discussion:  The document that Julie Yarmer has sent which covers the last six months activities in the health insurance account is attached. Mr. Tharman shared with the board what Mrs. Yarmer has shared with him.

Discussion:  A very grateful "Thank You" to each of our school board members for the time they have spent helping in this past year's activities and trials.Mr. Tharman passed out certificates. Mr. Tharman thanked them for their time and input.

Discussion:  Twice a year, the State Board reviews and / or updates policies. Because Mr. Tharman forgot to attach those documents, the item was tabled for next month.  Mr. Tharman sent an email to the board members with the KASB (Kansas Association of School Boards) policy updates.

Discussion:  Mr. Tharman shared about the Kansas Communities That Care (KCTC) survey.  He thanked Mrs. Brands for doing the art class and that it was resuming this week.  Walk-thru coming up on January 20th. Mr. Tharman taking off the week of January 25 to help his son move. There is a five day week end of January. Forensics is starting up and Mrs. Grote is getting students ready.  Mr. Tharman explained that he had gone through what he had found from other schools on their wellness program, what was required, and what we currently have.  The wellness policy needs to be updated and this item will be looked at during the next meeting of the the Wellness Committee.
 

Discussion:  Mr. Gebhard talked a little bit about JH basketball getting ready to start back up. They had a good win before break. Preparing for state assessments. Teachers are getting things scheduled and ready. Typically the tests are in March and April.  Want to thank First National Bank for the donation of $1,520 that they gave to Long Island Middle School. Spelling Bee coming up on the 20th. Hopefully, everyone that wants to come, will come and watch.

Discussion:  Mr. Rogers shared about the Special Education Cooperative having two resignations from the administration level. They have opted not to use KASB for the administration search.  There is an interim director for now during the search process.