After hearing a presentation by Eureka FFA members, noting their recent second place National finish, the Eureka USD 389 Board of Education approved to donate $500 for each of the four team members and for both of the sponsors making the trip, during their monthly meeting, held on Monday, November 13.
TJ Mills, Corinne Nelson, Hannah Perrier and Lyle Perrier comprise the 2023 Livestock Judging Team. Back in May of 2023 the team competed for the first time at the state level at the Kansas State FFA Livestock Evaluation contest. The team received second high team and qualified for the American Royal contest in October. The team placed first in cattle judging, third in oral reasons, fourth in sheep/goat judging, second in swine judging, had team members place in the top 10 of every category and L. Perrier finished in eighth place overall and Nelson was named Reserve Overall individual. The results combined gave them a National Runner-Up finish and earned the opportunity to travel abroad and compete in Scotland next summer. The group noted that the estimated cost for them to go on the European Tour, to Scotland and Ireland, was around $35,000. The Eureka FFA Livestock Judging team would compete at the Royal Highland Show, after visiting with local farmers and learning how to judge their livestock. After competing, the group would then have the opportunity to tour and visit various locations in Europe.
Mills, Nelson and Levi Jones also shared a presentation on their recent trip to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. last month. Also attending the trip were H. Perrier, Addison Westerman and L. Perrier. However, they were unable to attend the monthly meeting as they were among the Greenwood County 4-H team that competed at a National Contest and placed second. See related story. The group provided a summary of the 96th annual convention, including photos. Some of the words used to describe the trip were: memorable, assuring, awesome, interesting, enjoyable, fulfilling, fun, humbling. The FFA members expressed appreciation to the board for allowing them to attend the national convention.
The board held three executive sessions, totaling 30 minutes, with Eureka FFA sponsor Trint Peine, Superintendent Scott Hoyt, Eureka Junior Senior High School (EJSHS) Principal Angie Lowe and Assistant Principal Joe Thornburg for personnel – employee duties. No decisions were made.
Marshall Elementary students Cooper and Kasen Del Pozzo and Molly Dehlinger provided an update on happenings at Marshall.
Derek Larcom, Transportation Director for the district, shared that the district will need to purchase one to two more vehicles this year. Larcom shared that he had looked at Expeditions for nine passengers at $52,000 and Transit Vans for 10 passengers at $56,000. He also noted that there was a non-CDL bus that would fit 15-passengers for $50,000. He noted that the non-CDL bus is configured differently and all seats have a seatbelt. All drivers utilizing this vehicle would have to complete a specific physical. No decisions were made; however, it was recommended that they purchase two to keep the fleet up. Discussion will continue at a future board meeting.
The board approved to renew the Kansas Neighborhood Revitalization Act agreement, with the city of Eureka. The act allows the governing body of any municipality to pass an ordinance designating an area within the municipality as a “Neighb orhood Revitalization Area” if it finds “the rehabilitation, conservation or redevelopment of the area is necessary to protect the public health, safety or welfare of the residents of the municipality.” The agreement was approved which extended the agreement through December 31, 2027.
Administrative reports were shared by Principal Lowe, Assistant Principal Thornburg, Marshall Elementary Principal Stacy Coulter and Superintendent Hoyt.
Prior to the regular monthly meeting, a special meeting was held for the enrolment of nonresident students hearing. There were no public comments shared and the special meeting closed. During the regular monthly meeting, the board approved the resolution for non-resident students.
The new School Resource Officer, Mike Miles, was introduced to the board. Deputy Miles previously served as the K-9 Handler for the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office.
Incoming board members Austin Evenson and Brandon Hall also were in attendance. They will take the oath of office in January and fill the vacant positions of Judd Everitt and Brent Torrey as they conclude their service on the board next month.
The Eureka USD 389 Board of Education meets monthly on the second Monday of each month, at 6 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for December 11, at the district office.
