Board of education reconsiders PAT decision

By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

The board of education of Centre USD 397 voted Monday to employ Laura Klenda as ag education instructor at Centre High School.

The action came after a 15-minute executive session to discuss personnel. Included were Superintendent Jerri Kemble, Principal Nadine Smith, and ag instructor Cary Granzow. Board member Julie Klenda excused herself, citing a conflict of interest.

Klenda graduated from Centre in 2004 and will graduate from Kansas State University in May with a degree in ag education.

After another 35-minute executive session, the board passed a resolution to not renew the contract with math instructor Pat Schoenhofer for the 2009-10 school year.

A list of 2009-10 certified staff was approved. Tenured personnel are Lisa Beye, Jean Brunner, Phyllis Burns, Marci Cain, Cary Granzow, Carol Hanschu, Gail Lorson, Jennifer Montgomery, Lynley Remy, Cynthia Riedel.

Tana Riffel, Peggy Shortridge, Kelly Steiner, Candace Tajchman, Chad Tischhauser, Laura Vinduska, Lacy Wallace, Deb Wiles, and Greg Wyatt.

Karen Nickel, Janis Peterson, and Megan Stuchlik are newly tenured personnel.

Non-tenured personnel are Susan Carlson and Briana Methvin.

Steve Riedy of Hope was hired to teacher drivers’ education at the rate of $20 per hour.

Lori Soo Hoo of the Parents As Teachers program presented a new PAT budget for the next school year with a lower assessment. At its Feb. 9 meeting, the board voted not to participate in the program, which required an assessment of $5,037.

Following her presentation, the board approved participation in PAT for fiscal year 2010, with an assessment of $2,864. The new assessment is $1,801 lower than in 2009.

Chad Tischhauser reviewed an updated technology plan that was approved by the board. He said the focus of the plan is changing from acquiring technology to teaching students how to use it creatively and collaborate with others online.

He said the new focus will better prepare students for the real world and help them be more productive.

Tischhauser reported on an electronic survey of district parents, students, and staff.

“People are very happy with the availability of technology in the district,” he said. He noted the district is “way ahead” of some other bigger schools.

Tischhauser found that 85-90 percent of patrons have computers. He said the district will use the Skyward program more to communicate with constituents.

He also found that teachers want more training and students like using technology.

“They are hungry for more,” he said.

The board approved KASB membership for 2009-10 at a cost of $3,748, a slight decrease from the previous year. They also subscribed to KASB’s Legal Assistance Fund for $1,100.

Smith reported the K-6 spring program has been moved from May 1 to May 8.

Wheat State League

Board members each received a copy of the new Wheat State League constitution. The league will become active in the 2010-11 school year and will include Elyria Christian, Goessel, Little River, Peabody-Burns, Wakefield, White City, Hope, Centre, and Solomon.

The league incorporates junior high schools as well as high schools, replacing Centre’s membership in the Tri-County League and Eisenhower League. Membership dues in the new league are $700 per year.