The Eureka USD 389 Board of Education held a routine business meeting for their September meeting on Monday, Sept. 9.
To begin their routine monthly business meeting, the Eureka USD 389 Board of Education heard a patron request from Lindsay (Sowder) Hill who noted she wanted the board to hear her stance as a college coach and what she felt high school sports should be about. She also hoped to encourage the board to put up boundaries for the student- athletes. During her statement, Hill shared she graduated with the Eureka High School class of 1998 and has served as a coach/ administrator for 20 years. “I became a coach because I had three coaches in my life that influenced me so deeply – that I knew I wanted to make that kind of impact on students,” she stated. She further said, “Let’s not forget what high school athletics is supposed to be about. It is supposed to be about relationships, teamwork, life skills, self-discipline, self-confidence, hard work – all while having pride of the name they wear on the front of their jersey.” She concluded by saying,” I am guessing it is too late for this fall, but I hope recent events will help start conversations between the board, the superintendent, the principal, the AD and coaches. Student success needs to be the number one priority.” She further stated, “WE have to work together to make that happen. I am proud to be an Eureka alum. I am proud of the kind of caliber young adults that come from Eureka – as a board – let’s protect them and not make them choose.” No further discussion was held after Hill addressed the board, nor were any decisions made. Maintenance and Transportation Director Derek Larcom shared three bids with the board for a new UTV. The first bid from Express Tire and Auto LLC was for a Polaris Ranger totaling $13,198.07. The other two bids were from Kawasaki, both for Kawasaki Mules. The first was for a 2024 KF 400 for $9,645.46 with the second being for a 2023 Kawasaki Mule SX 4x4 for $10,975.31. After being asked his preference, Larcom noted he would prefer the Polaris as that is what they have had previously and noted the Kawasaki Mule SX didn’t have power steering. The board approved the bid from Express Tire and Auto, LLC. The expense will be paid using capital outlay funds.
Larcom also presented a bid from Morrow Exteriors and Glass LLC that references the replacement of five exterior doors and sidelights at the circle drive main entrance, as well as the junior high east door and sidelite exterior entrances. Board member Austin Evenson asked why the district wasn’t replacing all the doors at the same time. It was noted that the district has been applying for a Safety and Securities Grant through the Kansas Department of Education which has covered the expense for the replacements thus far. The district is hopeful they will continue to receive grant funds in the coming years to replace the exterior doors. Pricing for the replacements ranged between $25,656.10 and $44,199.92, depending on the rim panics used. The board approved to move forward with the grant to replace the doors.
An update was also given regarding the main gym floor at Eureka Junior/Senior High School (EJSHS), that was damaged by a water leak last school year. It was shared that crews were expected to be in Eureka this week to paint the floor and complete the final process. The floor will then need to cure for approximately 30 days before being utilized.
Larcom updated the board regarding the softball field, noting that the Eureka Recreation Commission (ERC) approved gathering quotes to move the fence from 235/245 feet to 200205 feet. Larcom shared that once quotes are gathered he will return in hopes of having the board assist with the expense. Plans are for the ERC to also present the quote to the Eureka City Council.
Administrative reports were given by EJSHS Principal Angie Lowe, Assistant Principal Joe Thornburg, Marshall Elementary (ME) Principal Stacy Coulter and Superintendent Scott Hoyt. During his report, Superintendent Hoyt noted that a group is working to get Ascension Charter School, for 16-22 year olds, up and running in a nearby community. Superintendent Hoyt was scheduled to meet with organizations late last week.
Following a 15-minute executive session for personnel, the board approved the employment of Brooklyn Ptacek, EJSHS paraprofressional and Kaylee Jordaan, ME paraprofessional. They also accepted the resignation of Terik Crisswell, junior high boys head basketball coach.
Prior to their routine monthly business meeting, the Eureka USD 389 Board of Education held their Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) and budget hearings. There were no public comments at either hearing. The board approved Resolution 09092924 (RNR) and their budget as presented.
Their next scheduled meeting is Monday, Oct. 14, at 6 p.m., at the board office.
