To begin the monthly Eureka USD 389 Board of Education meeting on Monday, Dec. 9, members of the Marshall Elementary School Lighthouse Team: Francis Baxter, Hank Dehlinger and Paislee Morris gave a short presentation regarding the happenings at Marshall Elementary (ME) School. The trio told the board of upcoming fundraisers for the lighthouse team, as well as sharing they had created an idea box for students and staff to share ideas. One idea that came from the idea box was for a special recognition to be held for sixth graders before they transition to Eureka Junior/Senior High School (EJSHS), similar to the recognition of seniors on Senior Day.
ME teachers Faith Rucker, Laura Neill, Lindsay Stapleford and Cammie Hoover recently attended the Leader In Me (LIM) Symposium in Des Moines, Iowa and shared highlights from the event. With ME being just the seventh school in the state to receive lighthouse status, the teachers were excited to see things other districts were doing, and expressed that several things were already being done by ME students and staff. ME is the smallest and most rural school in Kansas to receive the honor. For more information on LIM visit leaderinme.org.
Technology Director Bill Pitko presented bids for E-Rate CAT-2 bids. He mentioned that two of the bids received were disqualified as they submitted quotes utilizing the wrong devices. The other two quotes were from Arcadian Pursuits, $66,800; and Twotrees Technology, $51,585. Currently, Eureka USD 389 is at the max carrying capacity of 2.5GB. With approval, the district would be able to carry 10GB capacity. The board approved the bid from Twotrees Technology noting that the district’s cost would be $10,317 or 20%.
The board held a five minute executive session with Michelle, Shelby and Sydney White, along with Superintendent Scott Hoyt, EJSHS Principal Angie Lowe and EJSHS Assistant Principal Joe Thornburg for student matters. No action was taken.
Several KASB policies were approved as presented.
Six seniors submitted early graduation requests to the board. Principal Lowe noted that all six were on track to complete the requirements for graduation by the end of the semester. The students will be able to walk in May with the Class of 2025, as long as they complete their Senior Exit Project.
During administrative reports, EJSHS Principal Lowe shared that students are now taking advantage of free Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes being offered at Allen County Community College. Among the 99 CTE classes being offered, students at Eureka USD 389 can enroll for free in the following categories: Agriculture, Business, Criminal Justice, Information Technology, Graphic Design, Early Childhood Education, Allied Health, Emergency Medical Service, Pharmacy Technician and Machining and Manufacturing Technology. Students within the district are also able to take specific dual credits through Butler Community College, as well as attending Flint Hills Technical College.
The next meeting for Eureka USD 389 is slated for Monday, Jan. 13, at 6 p.m.
