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FBLA students report to Centre board

Staff writer

Three of the 12 Centre High School students who are headed to the national Future Business Leaders of America convention June 26 to July 1 in Anaheim, Calif., appeared before the board of education to talk about their experiences at the state convention.

Makenzie Deines, Carrie Carlson, and Bryanna Svoboda all said it was an unforgettable experience. Carlson has qualified for national convention all four years of her high school career including as state parliamentarian as a sophomore. The conference is held in a different city each year.

Competing at the state convention in Topeka with hundreds of FBLA members from 1A through 6A schools, the 12 students finished in the top two or three to qualify for national competition.

Their sponsor, business teacher Lisa Beye, said this is the first time so many members have qualified. She expressed pride in their achievements and thanked board members for their support.

“It’s not just what I do in my classroom but all the things we do here at Centre that contributed to their success,” she said.

Beye presented estimated costs for attending the national convention. In other years, the district has provided transportation and lodging, which will cost considerably more this year because of the large number of students involved.

Beye said the students are planning several fundraising events to help cover the cost of the $95 registration fee and meals. They plan to serve meals before the two school spring concerts and to have a baked potato bar at Chingawassa Days in Marion. Each student’s family will be expected to contribute $300 to $500. Beye said she already is getting donations from local businesses and individuals.

The board approved a motion to pay $7,855 for hotel and transportation costs. They will revisit the matter in May to determine if more monetary support is needed.

Personnel actions taken

The board spent 20 minutes in executive session with Jerri Kemble to discuss matters related to non-elected personnel. Phil Duerksen joined them via telephone for part of the time.

After returning to open session, Mark Heiser read and the board approved a resolution notifying Kara Luce that they will not renew her teaching contract. Dated April 15, 2013, a signed copy will be sent to Luce.

The board accepted the resignation of Bethany Lewis as kindergarten through 12th-grade vocal/instrumental instructor, effective at the end of the school year.

Phil Duerksen was employed as a seventh-grade through 12th-grade science teacher for 2013-14.

Kaylee Oliver was employed as the district’s music teacher for 2013-14.

The board approved the proposed 2013-14 school calendar with 170.5 student days, and 11 staff development and workdays. The first day of classes will be August 15. The last day of classes will be May 22.

Student Cory Brunzell received the board’s approval to conduct a 3-on-3 basketball tournament as his senior English project. He spent the year developing the plan and organizing the event. The seven intramural teams will pay a fee of $5 per member, with the proceeds going to the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society.

Jennifer Montgomery and Kara Luce will sponsor the event. Tim Vinduska and Ellie Miller will serve as referees.

The tournament will be from 5 to 8 p.m. April 27. Members of the winning team will receive $10 gift certificates to Centre Perk.

Kemble announced that Tim Vinduska plans to do a project-based learning class as an assistant coach for the football program. He would earn one school credit. His position would not replace an adult assistant coach.

Kemble announced that Centre received a Sportsmanship Award Certificate from the Girls 1A State Basketball Tournament.

The board approved a correction to the February minutes to state the extension of the superintendent’s contract through June 30, 2017.

ACT training ongoing

Kemble reported that teachers have received training this year in preparing their students for the ACT test. Next school year, ACT camps will be held for students on Oct. 2 and Feb. 5. Teachers will also have a refresher course.

Jackie Ingram and Jennifer Montgomery have been giving sophomores and juniors sample tests to acquaint them with the nature of the questions and the time element.

The leadership team will be undergoing training June 19 and 20. A staff development workshop is scheduled for July 29 and 30. Ginger Lewman of the Educational Services and Staff Development Association of Central Kansas will provide information on Life Practice, a project-based learning program that engages kindergarten through high school students.

Korean outreach

Counselor Mallory Jacobs, virtual school coordinator Vickie Jirak, and Kemble spent three days in Pennsylvania last week meeting with officials of the National Network of Digital Schools. They discussed details of a pilot program to add 50 South Korean students to the Kansas Online Learning Program sponsored by Centre. NNDS will help to set up the curriculum. Kemble said no contract has been drawn up yet, and many details have to be worked out.

When some board members questioned the benefits of the outreach to South Korea, Kemble said, “The (enrollment) numbers for next year at Centre don’t look good. Where are we going to get the people? I’m trying to keep this district viable.”

She said NNDS has contributed more than $100,000 in materials to support the virtual program. NNDS also pays the cost of advertising the Little Lincoln and adult learning courses.

“It’ is nice to have a huge company behind you,” she said.

Technology Excellence in Education Network director Brandi Hendrix gave a report outlining what TEEN does for the district. She said five years ago the assessment per district was $45,000. Now it is down to $19,000 because of grants and group purchases of technology, equipment, and infrastructure.

Hendrix said 12 new classes will be added to the network next year, including three through interactive long-distance learning and nine online.

Athletic purchases

New regulations on football helmet reconditioning restrict the use of helmets older than 10 years. The board approved purchase of 20 Schutt football helmets, including face guards, for the junior high school football program at a cost not to exceed $4,500.

Twenty junior high boys’ basketball uniforms were approved for purchase at a cost not to exceed $1,280.

In other business:

  • The board approved dues of $4,299 for continued membership in the Kansas Association of School Boards.
  • Modifications to the TEEN interlocal cooperation agreement were approved.
  • Marie Miklus, an exchange student from Germany, was approved to attend Centre in 2013-14. Phil and Jamie Peterson will be her host parents.
  • FFA members who have earned the required participation points during the year were approved for a trip May 23 to Worlds of Fun in Kansas City.

Last modified April 18, 2013

 

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