Staff writer
Concerns about the size of the current kindergarten class at Centre Elementary School led the board of education at its Sept. 15 meeting to reassign Briana Methvin as half-time preschool teacher and half-time kindergarten teacher for the 2008-09 school year.
Board member Brent Methvin did not vote. He also excused himself from the 10-minute executive session which preceded the action to reassign his wife.
Briana Methvin originally was hired to teach Pre-K only. There are 24 children enrolled in kindergarten. Karen Nickel is the other kindergarten instructor.
The board voted to waive the Aug. 1 deadline for foreign exchange applications and approve the attendance of Benedikt Seemann from Germany as a junior at Centre High School for the 2008-09 season. Lester and Barb Kaiser are the host parents.
Jesse Brunner requested that the board take a look at the policy regarding foreign exchange students to see if it needs to be revised. The board has waived a couple of policy provisions several times in recent years.
An audit report by Jay Landley of Clubine and Rettele was accepted. Langley said there were no violations and no disagreement with staff throughout the audit.
According to the report, district funds of $1,790,527 are held by two banks, creating a “concentration of credit risk.”
The report stated that $250,579 of the funds are covered by FDIC. The remainder is “collateralized with securities held by the pledging financial institutions’ agents in the district’s name.”
The board approved Resolution FY09-10, which extends the four-mill capital outlay levy for up to five years. The resolution will be published. It specifies the terms, purpose, and allowable use of the fund. Patrons may file a petition in opposition to the resolution, requiring a vote on the issue.
The board approved an LCD application for federal funds for various Title programs, including $40,289 for Title 1, $12,764 for Title IIA, and $103,289 for the state At-Risk program.
Brunner was appointed to be the voting delegate to represent the district in the delegate assembly at the Kansas Association of School Boards state convention Dec. 5-7 in Wichita. All other members are alternates.
Superintendent Jerri Kemble reported an enrollment of 248 students, including Pre-K. The official enrollment figures were established Friday.
Kemble said there are a few spots in the high school building where small leaks still occur during rainy periods.
Nadine Smith, 5-12 principal, reported that CHS graduates attending Emporia State University averaged a 3.25 cumulative grade point average this past year compared to 3.02 as a whole.
She announced that the Eisenhower League volleyball tournament will be held Oct. 11 at Solomon instead of Wakefield. The league choir workshop will be Nov. 18 at Kansas Wesleyan.
Smith praised the office staff and counselor Lacy Wallace for helping with a smooth transition to the new information system. After the teaching staff is familiarized with the system, it will be introduced to parents.