CHS to host state scholars' bowl tournament
Official enrollment
reflects drop of one to 265
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Bob Kiblinger, superintendent of USD #397, announced Oct. 11 that Centre High School has been selected to host the state 1A scholars' bowl on Feb. 12.
"This is a great honor and a tribute to our school," Kiblinger told board members.
Kiblinger announced official 2004-2005 enrollment of 265 students, a drop of one from the previous year. FTE (full-time equivalency) dropped by two to 256.5 students. Total enrollment at CES (K-6) is 137 and at CJHS-CHS is 128.
The board authorized several technology purchases.
A software program costing $9,840.55 will automate the 5-12 library system. Cost includes license, training, annual maintenance, and support. A combination of Title llA and local option budget funds will be used.
Five additional laptop computers for the mobile lab at the 5-12 building were approved at a cost of $5,368.13. The money will come from federal grant funds of more than $24,000 for technology purchases.
Forms for evaluating the superintendent's performance were distributed to board members.
The superintendent submitted a list of his professional-personal growth goals. They are: 1) to bring about a positive and workable transition from a two-administrator district to a single superintendent/K-12 administrator district; 2) to work with all employees, students, and the board to maintain a positive school climate; 3) to improve professionally as a school leader by learning the position of superintendent; 4) to develop board goals for the district and use them as a guide with the board to make appropriate decisions for Centre USD #397.
Shaina Makovec and Brianne Stahlecker were recognized for their achievement as Kansas scholars. They were honored Sept. 22 at a dinner in McPherson sponsored by Kansas University Alumni Association. The event honors students in the top 10 percent of their class.
The board approved field trips by the physics and chemistry classes Nov. 12 to Hutchinson Community College open house, and anatomy and physiology students to Wichita State University Nov. 18 to see a cadaver lab and tour the College of Health Professions.
The board appointed Clark Davis as chief negotiator and Jesse Brunner as assistant for the 2004-2005 school year.
The board approved participation in the Greenbush Energy Group for a fee of $400 and a service cost fee of three cents per million cubic feet per year based on last year's usage. Kiblinger said the district could save 20 percent on natural gas bills by participating. The board approved the agreement with the understanding that the district can be released from it if it proves to not be beneficial.
After a 10-minute executive session including the superintendent, the board approved out-of-district attendance of Casey Park of Marion. The move was opposed by Jennifer Kassebaum.
The board authorized the superintendent to accept the purchase of property/casualty insurance coverage not to exceed $90,000. Sunflower Insurance Group, formerly Insurers and Investors, will work on coverage for the next year. The premium for 2003-04 was $83,810 and is expected to be similar for 2004-05.
