Centre USD 397: Tanker approved for fire rating, safety years ago
Staff reporter
A water tanker will be buried in the Centre High School parking lot, near 310th between two main entrances.
This decision was made Monday by board members of Centre USD 397.
The water tanker, which will be used for fires, will improve the school district's fire rating.
Superintendent Robert Kiblinger suggested a water well also be installed to provide additional water.
Board members said there should be ample water supply for a well.
Jesse Brunner, board member, said a three-quarter to one-horsepower pump will be adequate for the tanker.
Approximate costs were $2,000 for the tanker, $3,200 for transportation and installation, and $2,500-$3,000 for a well.
Marion County road and bridge employees will dig the hole for the tanker.
Board member Leona Hajek suggested the tanker be used for fire training to prevent the equipment from "locking up" from lack of use.
Two fire lanes also will be designated, road rock will be used on and around the tanker, which will be installed the first part of August, said Kiblinger.
In other business:
— Due to continued uncertainty from legislators regarding school funding, the board authorized preparation of the budget for the 2005-06 school year for publication to be based on the state required 20 mills to support the general fund, and allow an additional four mills for capital outlay, and not to exceed current levied rates for local option budget and bond and interest.
— The board approved participation in the Marion County Neighborhood Revitalization Program.
— Decisions were tabled until the next board meeting regarding senior class trips. However the board did discuss the issue.
Kansas Association of School Boards recommended the board discontinue sponsorship of senior class trips.
A proposed policy would allow field trips to be approved by the principal.
Non-sanctioned field trips organized by employees or students will be the total responsibility of the sponsoring agency or parties involved.
Hajek said she was concerned about liability issues regarding prom and after-prom activities.
"Hillsboro found out they were not covered," Hajek explained. A local business covered the event, she said.
Since prom and after-prom may not be on school property, the board needs to look at every aspect of this, Hajek added.
Davis said the policy would divide trips into two categories — educational and non-educational. He added that senior trips are "a dying breed in Kansas and in Marion County."
The board will review options at the August meeting.
— More information will be obtained by Kiblinger regarding the remodeling of the weight room.
— The board recessed to a 20-minute executive session to discuss the negotiations of certified personnel.
The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
The board will meet at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8, at Centre High School Library.
