With Science and English teaching positions remaining open, the Eureka USD 389 Board of Education discussed various ways to attract new employees to the area, during their short monthly meeting last Monday, June 10.
The discussion began during administrative reports where Superintendent Scott Hoyt and Eureka Junior/Senior High School (EJSHS) Principal Angie Lowe noted they were looking into alternative ways to fill the Science and English teaching vacancies. It was noted that the staff “made do” with a single English and Science teacher vacancy last year; but, with two Science positions currently open, teachers wouldn’t be able to fill the vacancy. Principal Lowe shared that she had been looking at utilizing a blended learning option through Greenbush or a teacher exchange program. However, the ultimate goal is to hire a teacher to be in the classroom.
Board member Mike Pitko asked if Hoyt had considered offering a signing bonus. As the discussion continued, the board talked about the pros and cons of the matter but ultimately reached a consensus that a signing bonus may attract the right candidate to apply for the open positions. The administration shared they are facilitating numerous conversations with potential future teachers and noted the various programs/ grants that are available for those wishing to acquire their teaching license. “This is just one of many conversations we are going to have, I’m afraid,” stated board member Austin Evenson. Noting that filling vacancies isn’t just something impacting education, the board reached the consensus to offer a $2,000 signing bonus to teachers who filled an open teacher position, as of June 11, at Eureka USD 389. The added bonus would be a one-time bonus; not an increase to the teacher’s annual salary.
The board approved the audit and budget preparation contracts as well as several Kansas Association of School Board (KASB) policies, as presented.
Superintendent Hoyt noted another meeting may be held regarding a KASB policy, referencing cardiac emergencies. It was noted that per the policies, AED machines need to be available within three minutes of a cardiac emergency which means the district may need to purchase additional units.
With hopes of replacing the carpet in two sixthgrade classrooms and the early childhood classroom this year, the board acquired a quote from Alan’s Carpet and Flooring, totaling $11,850. Superintendent Hoyt shared that they tried to gather additional quotes, however companies who were the higher bids in the past have opted to no longer bid projects. He noted that a company out of Emporia would be interested in bidding on future projects but had a large project come up and wasn’t interested at this time. The board approved the bid from Alan’s Carpet and Flooring.
The board approved the closing of the 2024 fiscal year books. They also approved a budget amendment during a special meeting prior to their monthly meeting on Monday, June 10.
Superintendent Hoyt shared that the gym floor has been removed and crews were approximately 10-days ahead of schedule, noting that the tear out was slated for June 19. The floor should be completed prior to fall practices beginning later this summer.
Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Joe Thornburg said that they had filled several assistant coaching positions but were still looking for an assistant junior high basketball and assistant girls wrestling coach. He noted that interviews for the basketball position were slated for last week. Marshall Elementary Principal Stacy Coulter and EJSHS Principal Lowe and Superintendent Hoyt also gave administrative reports.
The board approved resignations from Cindy Brown, food service and Danica Baker, assistant high school volleyball coach and approved the following coaching employments: Shelby Bohl, assistant junior high volleyball; Stephen Coulter, assistant junior high football; Glenn Bechtel, assistant junior high wrestling and Laura Neill, assistant high school volleyball.
The next monthly meeting for the Eureka USD 389 Board of Education is Monday, July 8, at 6 p.m.
