Centre increases security
Staff writer
Technician Jerry Butler advised the Centre Board of Education on Jan. 14 that he is establishing an Internet-based security system for the perimeter of the school complex. Cameras will be placed to give visibility to the many exterior entrances and the parking lot. The videos could be monitored from anywhere, including the school office and the Marion County Sheriff’s Department.
Butler said a dedicated server has been purchased and is being formatted. He has installed 3,000 feet of wiring and expects to have the first cameras in place in two or three weeks.
Kansas Highway Patrol and sheriff’s officers conducted “active shooter training” for the staff from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 16.
Superintendent Jerri Kemble said the district is trying to follow the advice it has been given regarding school security. Visitors currently must buzz in and be identified by office personnel. Staff identification badges are being considered.
“We want to be on the preventative side,” she said.
Cooperative agreement proposed
Activities Director Greg Wyatt reported that Centre and Hope schools are considering combining athletic departments. A cooperative agreement would have to be signed and approved by the respective school boards.
Hope school enrollment is declining with most grades having 11 or fewer students. Hope currently is combined with White City in Rural Vista USD 481, but each retains its own school and athletic program.
Wyatt shared a proposal that is being considered to present to Hope administrators.
“It is understood that at least for this upcoming fall, the high school football teams of both schools would complete the schedule they already have. After that, the two teams would combine as one team within the Centre school district as long as the enrollment number of ninth, 10th, and 11th grades does not exceed 100, which would allow them to continue to play 8-man football. All other team activities would be combined.”
An administrator at Hope High School said Jan. 15 that no action was taken by the Rural Vista school board at its Jan. 14 meeting. A public meeting will be held today at Woodbine to get feedback from district constituents regarding the future of its district and its athletic programs.
Actions taken
The board approved replacement of the winch/pulley system on the center basketball goals in the main gym at a cost of $3,990. Jones Electric of Herington will do the work.
The board reinstated Dani Litke as assistant technology coordinator. The board had accepted her resignation at the December meeting. She expected to be moving, but that fell through, and she rescinded her resignation before it was to take effect Dec. 15.
Board president Brent Methvin reported that he will resign from the board when his term expires June 30. He represents the Lincolnville district. Burdick and Pilsen positions also will be up for election in April. The filing deadline was Tuesday.
Last modified Jan. 23, 2013