Staff writer
Richard Idleman, facilities director for Centre schools, presented a compilation of potential summer projects Monday to the board of education.
After a lengthy discussion, the board approved total expenditures of $61,000 in capital improvements. These include replacement of the main electrical panel for $27,916, replacement of 27 windows on the west side of the south wing for $26,740, maintenance and repair of the parking lot for not more than $5,019, and painting of the metal floor borders in the main gym for $1,325.
The expenditures are slightly above the guideline set earlier by the board for the current fiscal year. Postponed projects include new lighting in both gyms and a new scoreboard for the north gym.
The board approved payment of $4,299 in dues for continued membership in the Kansas Association of School Boards and a $1,650 fee to maintain legal assistance from KASB.
Business students Ally Basore, Ty Simons, and Makenzie Deines asked the board for assistance for 16 Future Business Leaders of America members to attend the national convention June 28 to July 3 in Nashville, Tenn. The board approved a payment not to exceed $8,300 for the cost of hotel rooms and travel for the students and their sponsors. The students will conduct fundraisers to pay for dues and provide spending money. FBLA sponsor Lisa Beye, her husband Bret, and Rick and Angela Basore will accompany the group.
The board approved the resignation of Beye as business and computer teacher and FBLA sponsor, effective at the end of her current contract. They also accepted the resignation of Annette Nienstedt as a substitute bus driver, effective March 28.
The board approved allowing seniors to take Composition I and II as an approved unit of English to meet graduation requirements. Four units are required.
The board accepted a bid of $1,000 from Krch Automotive for purchase of a used bus in salvage condition.
A revised cheerleading constitution was approved. It reduces the size of the squad from eight to six cheerleaders, plus a mascot.
After an audit by the Kansas State Department of Education, the board voted to approve publishing a notice to amend the 2013-14 school budget. The audit determined that the adopted general funds are less than what the computed general funds are. Republishing the budget would allow the district to receive and expend additional funding. A public hearing will be held at the beginning of the May 12 board meeting.
The board approved a 2014-15 school calendar. The first day of classes will be Aug. 14. The last day of school will be May 20. Winter break will be from Dec. 23 to 31, and spring break will be from March 13 to 22.
Superintendent Brian Smith reported that Centre received a Sportsmanship Award from the Kansas State High School Activities Association for exemplary student and fan conduct at the girls’ 1A state basketball tournament.