USD 408 board action summarized years ago
Marion-Florence USD 408 Board of Education heard comments and took action on the following items during its Monday night meeting.
— Following a one-hour executive session, the board approved a resolution of non-renewal for Elaine Shannon, Marion Elementary School media specialist. (See separate story).
— Noting lack of participation and fewer numbers at Marion High School, Henderson recommended the district no longer try to field its own team in baseball and softball and said the district should attempt to field a team in cooperation with area school districts.
Board member Chris Sprowls said he would like to see that extended to other sports as well during discussions with other school districts.
— Proclaimed April 19 as Fine Arts Day after hearing a presentation from Marion High School instructor Jim Versch. On that day, MHS will host the final Cottonwood Valley League Art Show/Contest (see separate story in this issue). Marion is leaving the CVL effective at the end of this school year and will join a new league.
Versch also told board members several students currently have work on display at an art show in Salina's Central Mall. He said the show includes students from 44 Kansas counties and said MHS had seven pieces of art represented which was good for the district's size.
— Superintendent Gerald Henderson said the district had received a letter from the American Heart Association state office commending students and staff at Marion Elementary for "fund-raising excellence."
— Commended the Marion High School wrestling team and coaches for a fine season. Head coach Chad Adkins commended all the wrestlers including four-time state qualifier senior Steven Boone.
— Approved the district's continued participation in KASB (Kansas Association of School Boards) by authorizing the payment of dues and legal assistance fund.
— Approved a request allowing Marion Elementary School to be used this summer for the vacation Bible school program. Although the east wing of the school will not be usable due to a roofing project, Henderson said Principal Stan Ploutz would make other arrangements.
— Formally approved Monday (April 12) as a snow make-up day. During the March special meeting, members gave their consent but could not take formal action until the item was on the agenda.
— Approved the 2004-05 school calendar after discussion. Items of concern included the number of in-service days — especially half-days.
— Heard from Henderson there was "nothing new from Topeka" regarding school finance and if anything the news "was worse."
— Accepted the resignation of Carolyn Moore, MHS language arts instructor. During the March meeting, the board voted to non-renew Moore's contract along with MHS instructor Matt Robert, due to budget considerations.
Board clerk Martin Tice read Moore's letter which indicated she understood the reasons for her non-renewal and thanked the board for allowing her the "privilege" of teaching in the district.
— Board member Keith Collett read the formal resolution of the board's intent to non-renew Robert, MHS industrial education/computer applications instructor for the 2004-05 school year. The board made the decision during the March 16 meeting.
— Henderson handed out a list of teachers currently employed by the district and recommended the board offer contracts for the 2004-05 school year. The board unanimously approved the teacher contracts.
— Heard brief comments from principals and board member reports.
