The Eureka USD 389 Board of Education held their monthly meeting last Monday, April 8, where they approved a $61,910 technology proposal, a new fiber project with IdeaTek (which will save the district $9,600 over a fiveyear contract), heard about a $31,200 overall savings per year, approved annual contracts, heard administrative reports, approved handbook changes and approved an employment.
The board first heard from District Technology Director Bill Pitko. Pitko first shared a technology proposal to purchase Apple iMacs and laptops. These will replace the red lab at Marshall Elementary School (MES) and allow the district to begin updating computers in the blue lab. Also included in the proposal was a Frontrow Sound Systems bid, totaling $35,206.24, for Marshall Elementary School. The total proposal was $61,080.24. Pitko noted that the technology budget was set at $40,000 and they also had LEA funds/grant for $21,910. The board approved the proposal.
Next, Pitko updated the board regarding the fiber project, through E-Rate. He noted that the contract for the fiber project through Mediacom would be expiring at the end of June and he put the project out for bid. He shared bids with the board from IdeaTek and Mediacom, with the IdeaTek bid being the lowest. Throughout the five-year contract, the board will see a decrease of $9,600 in expenses. The 5GB service was bid at $3,000/month at the campus and $200/ month at the district office.
Through E-Rate, the school receives an 80% discount, which makes their share $640 per month. The cost to the board through Mediacom would be $1,500 per month. The district will enter into a contract with IdeaTek effective July 1.
To conclude his update, Pitko shared that, with the help of Superintendent Hoyt and board Treasurer Madeline Dehlinger, they were able to switch pots lines to a third-party vendor and save the district $31,200 per year. Pitko stated that the district had 10 pots line (old copper telephone lines put in in 1984, through AT&T). Including five fax lines, four fire lines and one unused line. Costs for these were $289 per line or $2,89 per month. The company was able to move the five fax and four fire lines to Ooma at a rate of $290 per month or $3,480 per year.
After Superintendent Hoyt stated that “I think it is money well spent for us,” the board approved Option 1 for the membership renewal to the Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) for 202425, at $8,645.76; as well as the KASB legal assistance fund for next school year at $2,750. The administration noted that they use KASB resources often.
The board also approved LEA (Local Education Agency) Assurances. This is a program through the Kansas State Department of Education that allows the district to receive title funds.
MES Principal Stacy Coulter and Eureka Junior/ Senior High School Principal Angie Lowe shared the needs assessments for both buildings with Superintendent Hoyt stating that those made up the district’s needs assessments. The state has asked districts to identify barriers to why districts may not reach proficiency. Among the list were increased at-risk poverty rate, increasing number of single parents or a growing number of students being raised with others outside of the home, higher percentage of free and reduced lunch; and difficulty attracting qualified teaching staff. It was also noted that this wasn’t just a district issue, but an issue other districts are also seeing.
The administration noted that several of the issues that go into the success of students are out of local control; but, one way they would like to ensure student success is to increase salary to retain qualified staff as well as to try and keep the student/ teacher ratio low. Superintendent Hoyt noted that they had individuals express interest in the two open high school positions (English and Science) but, both accepted other positions. Both positions have been open for more than a year and staff members have absorbed the workload. The administration also referenced the para- to-teacher program, a program designed for working paraprofessionals to obtain teacher licensure. The principals then shared proposed revisions to their school’s student handbooks. Principal Coulter shared that MES would have one change on page five, about the dress code. The change is that “long-fingernails or other external distractions that cause a disruption or eliminate learning to a student’s education process are prohibited,” as they have proven to be a disruption in students’ education. Principal Lowe stated that additions included new graduation requirements beginning with the incoming freshmen class (Class of 2028) as students will need 27.5 credits. Another change included winter exemptions from finals being removed and everyone will take semester tests. The purpose for adding this back in is that discussion noted that students who move on to college aren’t prepared for finals in college classes. It was noted that exemptions would still be available for students to take advantage of in the second semester. Due to being “extremely distracting in the classroom,” students will not be able to have cell phones during class and will need to be locked in classroom lockers. The current handbook notes that phones should be in their backpacks. The last change is that earbuds will no longer be allowed as they are also proving to be an issue in the classroom. Principal Lowe noted that if classes note the need for headphones, they will be provided. The board approved the changes as presented.
Administrative reports were given by Principals Coulter and Lowe, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Joe Thornburg and Superintendent Hoyt. Principal Coulter shared she was waiting for Lighthouse review. On Wednesday, she received word that the school was the seventh in the state of Kansas to receive Lighthouse Accreditation Status. Marshall Elementary is the first “rural” school in and is the smallest school (district size) to receive certification in the state of Kansas. See related article. Principal Lowe and Assistant Principal Thornburg both referenced that the school received a KSHSAA Sportsmanship award from state basketball. Both schools also noted a high percentage of parents/guardians attending parent/teacher conferences.
The board held a 10-minute executive session with Superintendent Hoyt and Assistant Principal Thornburg for personnel – employment. The board then held a five-minute executive session for negotiations. No action was taken following either session.
The board approved the employment of Amie Mead, as a MES paraprofessional.
Board member Brandon Hall was absent.
The Eureka USD 389 Board of Education meets on the second Monday of each month, at 6 p.m. Their next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 13.
