Staff writer
Centre USD 397 board of education communicated with technology coordinator Dusty Wiegert via Skype on Nov. 8 to discuss installation of wireless Internet technology at Centre schools.
Wiegert has been doing preliminary work on the project. He estimated it will cost about $20,000. He is communicating with Aruba and Cisco to get bids for the project.
“I am waiting for a better offer,” he said.
The network would feature 23 access points distributed throughout the complex. One access point is capable of supporting 50 computers, Wiegert said. He will report back to the board and request action at the Dec. 13 meeting.
Standard of Excellence
Superintendent Jerri Kemble reported results from state tests administered last spring.
The Standard of Excellence achieved at Centre Elementary School included third, fourth, and sixth grades in reading and math
The Standard of Excellence achieved at Centre Junior/Senior High School included seventh, eighth and 11th grades in reading; seventh and 11th grades in math; and 11th grade in science.
The Standard of Excellence was achieved building-wide for both schools in reading and math. Not all grades take the tests.
The board approved
- Purchase of a new heating and air-conditioning rooftop unit for the ag education building at a cost not to exceed $7,240.
- Renewal of a property/casualty and fleet insurance policy with a premium of $42,067. The cost is slightly lower than the previous year. The policy continues full coverage of the Lost Springs school building, which has a replacement value of $2.5 million.
- Employment of CHS alumnus Bryant Gutsch as assistant boys basketball coach.
- Transportation of students to an after-prom party April 16 at USD 408 Sports and Aquatic Center in Marion. The request came from parents Sandra Svoboda and Janet Matz.
The board held two executive sessions — a five-minute session with Kemble to discuss personnel and a 20-minute session with Kemble and transportation director Bob Mueller to discuss a student matter.
The board congratulated the high school football team for its excellent season. The team finished the season with a record of 10-1.
Jeff Bina suggested privacy fences be built in front of the bathrooms at the field house. Brent Methvin cited the need for better access to the stands at the football field.
Kemble announced the official name of Centre’s cyber school as Kansas Online Learning Program.
The next board meeting will be at 4 p.m. Dec. 13 in the school library. Board members will eat dinner at the school and visit classrooms prior to the meeting.