[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6700293,"mediaKeyId","3570717-064c74d333a629e7f65fa6fecdb372ac","parentId",3570717,"title","Board reviews proposed changes to student handbooks, including restricted cell phone use at high school","audioSeconds",1413,"startMs",4939000,"endMs",6352000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3570717-064c74d333a629e7f65fa6fecdb372ac&start=4939&end=6352","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3570717-064c74d333a629e7f65fa6fecdb372ac/thumbnail_4939000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6700293/Derby/Sedgwick-County/Kansas/Board-reviews-proposed-changes-to-student-handbooks-including-restricted-cell-phone-use-at-high-school","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6700293-7eb16849340bd81ebaff1a7329db8d97/orig.mp4?Expires=1772908897&Signature=O4rfNOsVM8StiFuKHXuNogksarqlqbpjgqc9asrvvk5OlXjA7l0aFFfPyxPdIheOnPKcNCZDoaVihv2~CvLf7MGN67o36QS5QdCKps2K7vbThJEZIXVne-DohBYUgmctX6UuTmzHGC7GeZLsK8T98cjXmF-JiU24qirg7vU6GnezLsBtGv39Fbq9UmBzGcGbhPu8bonMhXOBigHC2Fy4Gczg0tJeIPzDjDTLCrFv7J1bmNtGslRMujVaqs-vaUfS75MhZwxgag6sX945vUEzPnyuRTqNP0V-UzASgLShd-iwZNGOOp-OXIEgJiXISkSVGHDJHPZGgs7fGekx0-ciXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Derby","date","2025-05-27T00:00:00Z","article","District administrators presented recommended handbook updates May 27 that would change student electronic-device rules, tighten attendance and truancy language, and add an elementary discipline matrix. The board discussed those recommendations and will consider formal action at its June 9 meeting.

Assistant Superintendent Becky Mader summarized level-specific proposals: elementary handbooks would add a discipline matrix and clarifications on chronic absenteeism and truancy reporting; middle-school language would require personal electronic devices to be kept in lockers (the current policy allowed devices in backpacks); and at the high school administrators proposed restricting phone use so personal devices are permitted only during passing periods (staff would not allow phones during class). The high-school proposal also updates prime time (formerly seminar), refines the dress code and clarifies tutoring/study-club language.

Administrators and board members debated lunch-time phone access at Derby High School. Some board members and the high-school principal argued the passing-period-only rule balances instructional focus with short breaks for students to check messages; others raised concerns that restricting phones at lunch could push phone use into bathrooms or reduce students’ opportunities to decompress and socialize. Middle-school leaders said making phones out of sight (in lockers) reduced online conflicts and related discipline incidents at that level.

Board members asked administrators to provide additional implementation details, including staff training, locker access for students who need to check messages and planned supports for students with social anxiety who rely on phones to self-regulate. Superintendent Heather Bohati and Principal Gretchen Pontius said training for staff and student/parent communications will begin over the summer if the board approves the changes.

Administrators said they will return the handbook items for action on June 9 and asked board members to submit any detailed questions before the Sunday prior to that meeting to allow staff time to respond.

No final policy change was approved at the May 27 meeting; action was scheduled for the board’s next meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Derby - School Board - May 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendents and principals recommended changes to elementary, middle and high school handbooks. Key proposals: middle-school phones required in lockers, high-school phones allowed only during passing periods (not in classrooms), and an elementary discipline matrix. The board will take action June 9.","taxTitle","Derby, Sedgwick County, Kansas","taxId",56179,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6700298,"Board approves 2025-26 budget priorities, adds classroom positions and keeps LOB at 31%",326,3348000,3674000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3570717-064c74d333a629e7f65fa6fecdb372ac&start=3348&end=3674","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3570717-064c74d333a629e7f65fa6fecdb372ac/thumbnail_3348000.jpg","/articles/6700298/Derby/Sedgwick-County/Kansas/Board-approves-2025-26-budget-priorities-adds-classroom-positions-and-keeps-LOB-at-31","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6700298-d535a4f0880a3ab66381316f850b2dc4/orig.mp4?Expires=1772908897&Signature=Vw4bvooV849n-bMUKSrW47LLxVlAyjq40D8ZMQZXYT~ZP4yu2ySZNcaKiob7rMLLm1nrEZm98hhJvda~VRZZiUP-ic8qWoRnKqUUvmTmNULp4YNNgTJy7CE0h6mTjSXhCCkjbjlEVjw9bd1Vc0mHuEQFjo~YD0~ZVtaxBm9HfQUle0dyW0jfdtwmr2qYUc2Qh8SegOF9C5uMCEcTT6tz8A9YXwTZ9dJp-Vv~xDIXxKQOPeK3cBp-0C1oBfxgziW1f4KnEp5hd5jvdjoW7Q8Pj-ju73O2UMOMXtdmYENQfOVM~XjmJrq9ZloKxWcQfUimMEV7n2Bpu~IC1WRtx-4CSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pam Kelly, the district’s director of finance, told the board May 27 that Derby Public Schools expects a net increase of approximately $2,751,000 in funding for the coming fiscal year after accounting for a $205,000 decrease tied to the elimination of some reimbursements. Using that net increase, the district built a budget that funds new positions and a compensation package of 4.62 percent for eligible staff.

Kelly said the budget assumes the local option budget (LOB) remains at 31 percent, capital outlay at 8 mills, and a special assessment levy reduced by 50 percent. The board approved the recommendation to notify the county clerk of the district’s tax rate maximum; the vote passed unanimously (7-0).

Board members and administrators highlighted a list of new positions added from the needs assessment and budget priorities that will affect classroom supports and student services next year. The packet and board discussion named the following additions (selected highlights): a special-education teacher, a second assistant principal at Derby High School, a director of teaching and learning, two elementary counselors, two math specialists, additional paraprofessional hours in select locations, increased sub pay, and target funds for teacher excellence grants and mentor-mentee stipends. The district also budgeted funds for an SRO contract and other operational needs.

Kelly said the district implemented more than $200,000 in budget efficiencies and continues to look for additional reductions in nonessential spending. She will present more detailed budget work at a KSD budget workshop and build the 2025-26 budget once the new budgeting software is available.

Motions to approve the budget recommendations and related timeline were seconded and approved; the board’s vote to pass the motion was recorded as 7-0.

Board members emphasized the link between budget decisions and classroom outcomes, and several encouraged public participation in the budget process via the district budget committee.

Votes at a glance: Motion to approve recommended budget priorities and to notify the county clerk of the district tax-rate maximum — outcome: approved (7-0).","The Board approved the district’s fiscal priorities for 2025-26, including added classroom positions, a 4.62% compensation package and the plan to notify the county clerk of the tax-rate maximum. The district reported a net funding increase and targeted staffing additions from the needs assessment.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6700301,"Board ratifies certified teacher contract after narrow teacher vote; insurance reopener remains",886,7114000,8000000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3570717-064c74d333a629e7f65fa6fecdb372ac&start=7114&end=8000","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3570717-064c74d333a629e7f65fa6fecdb372ac/thumbnail_7114000.jpg","/articles/6700301/Derby/Sedgwick-County/Kansas/Board-ratifies-certified-teacher-contract-after-narrow-teacher-vote-insurance-reopener-remains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6700301-20b0bf2d12d8d0a41e98986c4bc0fdd9/orig.mp4?Expires=1772908897&Signature=dKJ7fDYNrpmWnJI7zXs0UAp7CJXy9rqpGdcNpd~sp~91iPpteNCG6JlxJtGMAOpce~Q9dK8jsLmfMUcRRNLtC7eVvq4rJbqYVp~wHeOQD2jlkwUHzftGEk6uIVD97ihSbkmyKw5UPebur05yamWaPUBE4otnmaPcnGDivXTv4MMmd6vo6GD4GhyvBkmBVe7Ivp3KIvjhkZc81xBJFecKCcfiw~nKJ3caB72wX4rJTA~oAzF6Hwfbjse6hBU2AfGjn3KFVRFiEUCrUwWu2TGYg5Hcj1nu8DVpf55GLRWHnDlDcpYu~Cojms-DXxKMka1-rYkfvOGvowfEo13haUtzyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Derby Board of Education voted unanimously May 27 to ratify the district’s certified master contract for the 2025-26 school year after months of negotiations and a closely divided membership vote among certified staff. The board approved the agreement by voice vote (7-0).

The contract package increases the base teacher salary to $50,003 and applies a districtwide compensation and benefits package of 4.62 percent. The district also committed $450,000 in additional contributions toward health insurance. The agreement adds longevity payments that begin earlier in teachers’ careers and extends longevity beyond 25 years, provides increases to supplemental pay, grants column movement recognition for master’s and doctoral degrees, and gives an addendum of one-and-a-half days for special education service providers (one day for caseload work and a half-day of professional development).

District officials said the bargaining process included targeted salary infusions to selected cells on the salary schedule designed to move toward the district’s stated goal of being competitive in the top three comparison districts. Negotiators also agreed to grant experience credit on certain supplemental roles and to reopen the contract later this year to finalize the defined health-insurance contribution once final insurance plan information is available.

Kathleen O’Brien, president of the Derby National Education Association (DNEA), told the board earlier in the meeting that 570 certified staff were eligible to vote, 416 cast ballots, and the membership ratified the contract by five votes. O’Brien said the close margin reflected concerns among some staff about the package’s structure, including whether increases best recognized column/step movement versus a single “cell” payment.

Assistant Superintendent Becky Mader summarized the settlement for the board and noted language changes and negotiated items beyond pay, including peer observation language and PTO clarifications. Board members thanked negotiators and district finance staff for the work and emphasized that the district will continue outreach and analysis as it prepares next year’s bargaining priorities.

The agreement passed the board without recorded opposition. The negotiated reopener on health insurance will require staff and board follow-up once final insurance rates and plan options are available.

Votes at a glance: Board ratification — motion to ratify certified master contract for 2025-26; outcome: approved (7-0).","Derby Board of Education approved a new certified master contract for the 2025-26 school year after district bargaining and a narrow ratification among certified staff. The contract raises base pay, adds longevity steps and a health insurance infusion, and includes a reopener on insurance contribution.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6700282,"District reports declines in vaping, alcohol and some discipline incidents after new prevention efforts",352,2380000,2732000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3570717-064c74d333a629e7f65fa6fecdb372ac&start=2380&end=2732","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3570717-064c74d333a629e7f65fa6fecdb372ac/thumbnail_2380000.jpg","/articles/6700282/Derby/Sedgwick-County/Kansas/District-reports-declines-in-vaping-alcohol-and-some-discipline-incidents-after-new-prevention-efforts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6700282-44d4fbc017fb4ba6b4f7058d0598f9c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1772908897&Signature=GlXWsxZ6kc0YcwK0qCqeSTpsgWYD4JvGIIQhsWXm5aHvlY7Ryzgg4~djGxYGZEm7p4dmqSGIAOtNvdIbZEEm1bgPfIQPazpMdWUDHnPYpt8HJ3xYu5OSV1mXZnmG8gmD6WWEzZ7QFH-iHj6HyZqv-HkiMx1pff4xDZAs6vgVr4vYh5UVFEnivrvdD0NZR4DH9Nj124LdrfzCRmHhhDfZ8QOcLVWYZey~DB1pziJfDFlCZvFxmaG5KPU3V3JswW1DBSizwl-KOZk2h1tH3yF5P5x49dZYsYFNJluePetbRImAQlNi99HpGQ0ZS7QC2S3ZeQmqqP4w3uptOLKa~uUDBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Derby Public Schools administrators presented a year-end status report May 27 on bullying prevention, nicotine and drug trends and school-discipline data across elementary, middle and high schools. The district has implemented Character Strong staff training, deployed vape detectors, and adjusted practices to favor in-school suspension (ISS) over out-of-school suspension (OSS) where appropriate.

Clint Shipley and Donna Osborne summarized the district’s approach and said the Character Strong modules were delivered during February in-service days. The Kansas Communities That Care survey (administered in fall to sixth, eighth, 10th and 12th graders) showed modest declines in recent years for vaping (from 8.7% to 8.4% in the sample cited), marijuana (from 11.7% to 10.7%) and alcohol (from 6.1% to 3% in one comparison). Administrators described the declines as “small but positive,” noting the district still lags the state on several indicators and that continued effort is needed.

At the elementary level administrators reported low absolute counts for drug-related incidents but flagged an upward trend in ISS/OSS referrals since the remote-learning years; they emphasized consistency in reporting and in-school interventions. Middle-school data showed an increase in discipline incidents after the pandemic and then a gradual decline as interventions expanded; the district expanded vape detectors countywide after a pilot, and staff reported fewer bathroom vaping complaints. At the high school, nicotine, drug and alcohol incidents spiked in 2021-22 and have trended downward since.

Administrators said that ISS is being used deliberately to keep more students in school where possible and that expanded counseling, mediation and supervision strategies accompany the discipline shift. Board members praised the work and urged continued monitoring. No formal board action was requested or taken on the report; administrators said they will keep the board updated on trends and interventions.","Staff and principals presented the Strategy 2 report on bullying prevention, nicotine and drug trends and discipline. Data showed decreases in alcohol and vaping rates in sampled grades and an overall push to favor ISS over OSS, while bullying via digital platforms remains a concern.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6700288,"District proposes 25¢ meal-price increase and operational changes to stabilize food-services budget",1011,3825000,4836000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3570717-064c74d333a629e7f65fa6fecdb372ac&start=3825&end=4836","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3570717-064c74d333a629e7f65fa6fecdb372ac/thumbnail_3825000.jpg","/articles/6700288/Derby/Sedgwick-County/Kansas/District-proposes-25-meal-price-increase-and-operational-changes-to-stabilize-food-services-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6700288-1273356816bcde056abcad49c99fa224/orig.mp4?Expires=1772908897&Signature=LcJNqph5fM3XdlYeXBu7cmfiIjWzm13WFiH7VZF9HitEniGf4Hck7eoH9jYmg-KdmdYgsgnz9rMhrhl0xMwFWKz49dbOdX5E~aVN8~s0twOpAuqd4BTYCagWh-plwgbLXkMeOGlschG9RgOPmj3thkPleFUmywHMg8A4teUUgUMbIzm~xf9TUBuWS6~a9~z2mLvJlahKOAU83QIBg4QG7ehUludX04qFOPd7Nn1QZE8Hd1B4BzZvFF8x32QulHlkLSNUbsGHFIYyiFIjk1XOOhdhlq3vKViX~EKprTXWLnhSUEic4iiAxPa7zC1kixW2HOOnkzEagLNYoh70BElQ8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Food-service leaders presented a package of revenue and cost-saving proposals May 27 to restore the school nutrition fund to fiscal health without cutting meal quality. The proposed steps include raising breakfast and lunch prices by 25 cents across elementary, middle and high school lines; expanding a la carte sales (testing an a la carte pilot for nine weeks); resuming sales of bottled juice in secondary lunch lines; reviewing labor and menu choices such as returning some elementary sites from hot to cold breakfast where participation is low; and tightening meal-count accuracy at schools.

District staff reported a $577,000 improvement in revenue and reduced costs through April but said the program still needs additional measures to be sustainable after recent increases in food and labor costs and following the districtwide salary increases. A 25-cent-per-meal increase, if participation holds steady, would bring about $80,000 in annual revenue.

Administrators discussed operational approaches to reduce waste and align production with accurate school counts. They described audit steps to reconcile daily production with classroom orders and asked for stronger school-side procedures so cooks do not prepare large overages. Staff noted that the Central Kitchen begins prep early each morning (around 5 a.m.) and that some items are not easily produced on demand; more accurate advance counts would reduce waste and cost.

Board members asked about parent-facing communications, pilot timing and safeguards for students who receive free or reduced-price meals; administrators said free/reduced students would not automatically receive a la carte items without charge and the district will communicate pricing and options to families. The proposal was discussed but not voted on; administrators will return with implementation details and pilot results for future action.","Derby administrators proposed raising student and adult meal prices by 25 cents and other menu and operational changes to close a food-service budget gap. The changes were presented for discussion; no board action was taken May 27.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board reviews proposed changes to student handbooks, including restricted cell phone use at high school

Board approves 2025-26 budget priorities, adds classroom positions and keeps LOB at 31%

Board ratifies certified teacher contract after narrow teacher vote; insurance reopener remains

District reports declines in vaping, alcohol and some discipline incidents after new prevention efforts

District proposes 25¢ meal-price increase and operational changes to stabilize food-services budget