Derby BOE approves facilities projects, several administrative items and a foreign‑language textbook adoption; board hears budget concerns

The Derby Board of Education on April 28 approved two major facility projects totaling about $1.03 million, renewed routine fees and policies, and voted 5–1 to adopt a new foreign‑language course curriculum while administrators reviewed several other proposed textbook and course adoptions.

The board approved a guaranteed maximum price of $426,104 for a two‑restroom remodel at Tanglewood Elementary to address underground plumbing and aging fixtures and approved a $600,000 stabilization project at Derby Hills Elementary to halt building settlement; the latter will be followed by cosmetic repairs next summer. Both measures passed unanimously.

Administrators presented multiple proposed curriculum adoptions and seven‑year cost estimates during the meeting. Those proposals included new instructional materials for law and public safety ($82,680 for a seven‑year license), Advanced Placement science courses (AP biology, AP chemistry, AP physics; $130,702.12), health/physical education and wellness materials ($146,710.59), and a foreign‑language adoption ($149,588.83). After discussion about district finances and textbook cycles, the board approved the foreign‑language adoption on a 5–1 vote; the other course adoptions were presented for discussion and may return for action later.

Board members also approved procedural and routine items including the consent agenda, enrollment fee renewals, forgiveness of inclement weather make‑up days, updates to district policies provided through the Kansas Association of School Boards, summer employee PTO use for certain operational staff, and the nonresident enrollment report. All those items passed by voice vote with unanimous tallies where recorded.

Several trustees said they supported curriculum updates but pressed district leaders for a clearer long‑range plan and budget analysis before approving more expensive adoptions. “Textbooks for public education are extremely expensive these days,” said Board Member Michael, urging caution and suggesting the board review which adoptions are most urgent given upcoming capital needs and staffing priorities. Superintendent Heather Bohaty and other administrators said the district would prepare timelines and options for aligning the adoption cycle with budget realities.

Votes at a glance

- Tanglewood Elementary restroom remodel (GMP) — $426,104 — passed (6–0) - Derby Hills Elementary stabilization — $600,000 — passed (6–0) - Foreign‑language course adoption (7‑year) — $149,588.83 — passed (5–1) - Enrollment fee renewals for 2025–26 — no change — passed (6–0) - Inclement weather days (forgiveness) — approved (6–0) - Board policy updates (KASB recommended) — approved (6–0) - Summer employee PTO use (operations/food service) — approved (6–0) - Nonresident enrollment report and open seats — accepted (6–0) - Consent agenda (donations, bids, personnel reports, claims) — approved (6–0)

The meeting also included presentations and reports (see separate coverage) on chronic absenteeism, operations and summer facilities work, and community recognitions. The board adjourned after an executive session on negotiations.