Caldwell USD 360 board adopts 2026–27 calendar, approves copier lease and personnel actions; sub-state basketball slated for Alan Jamison Gym

At its Dec. 8, 2025 regular meeting at the district office, the Caldwell Unified School District No. 360 Board of Education approved the 2026–27 school calendar, awarded a 63-month copier lease, authorized replacement of one rooftop unit, and approved a virtual supplemental salary for a staff member. The board also presented lifetime activity passes to departing members Gage Overall and Chris Baker and learned that KSHSAA will hold Sub-State Basketball in the Alan Jamison Gymnasium.

The meeting opened at 6:30 p.m. with Board President Darren McDorman recording the presence of board members Chris Baker, Eric Eaton, Jake Ginn, Kordell Kattenberg and Gage Overall; Superintendent Traci Becker, Board Clerk Skyler Mendez, Elementary Principal Crystal Carothers and Secondary Principal Stacy Boone were listed among attendees.

On routine business the board adopted the meeting agenda (motion: Chris Baker; second: Eric Eaton; vote: 6-0) and approved the consent agenda (motion: Gage Overall; second: Chris Baker; vote: 6-0), which included minutes from Oct. 28 and Nov. 10, the financial report, bills and warrants, and acceptance of a Farmers Grain donation of $1,025.77 to Caldwell Elementary School.

Major actions taken

- 2026–27 school calendar: Approved (motion: Gage Overall; second: Chris Baker; vote: 6-0). The board conducted the vote to adopt the proposed calendar for the 2026–2027 school year; formal implementation details were not specified in the minutes.

- Copier lease agreement: Approved (motion: Kordell Kattenberg; second: Eric Eaton; vote: 6-0). Superintendent Traci Becker presented two bids; the board approved the DOS Copier Lease Agreement, a 63-month term.

- Facilities project: Approved replacement of one rooftop unit (RTU) (motion: Gage Overall; second: Chris Baker; vote: 6-0). Superintendent Becker provided an update on district projects and the RTU replacement was authorized.

- Personnel: Approved a virtual supplemental salary for Alisha Belmear (motion: Gage Overall; second: Chris Baker; vote: 6-0). Personnel matters were discussed in executive session under the non-elected personnel exception to KOMA; the minutes record the sessions and the resulting action.

- Lifetime activity passes: Presented to departing Board members Gage Overall and Chris Baker; approved (motion: Darren McDorman; second: Jake Ginn; vote: 4-0 with Overall and Baker abstaining). The passes were offered as a thank-you for their service.

Other business

The board held a first reading of updated KASB Board of Education policies; formal approval is scheduled for the January 2026 meeting. Superintendent Becker reported on the district’s involvement in the South Central Kansas Distance Learning Network. Eric Eaton delivered the Special Education report. Principals Crystal Carothers and Stacy Boone reported on enrollment, events and academic goals, including Accelerated Reader targets. Becker also noted that the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) will hold Sub-State Basketball at the Alan Jamison Gymnasium, a scheduling and facilities item for the district.

Executive sessions and procedure

The board entered executive session twice under the non-elected personnel exception to the Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA): a 20-minute session beginning at 7:10 p.m. and a subsequent 5-minute session beginning at 7:30 p.m.; Superintendent Becker and both principals were invited to remain for the sessions as recorded in the minutes. The board returned to open session and recorded the personnel action for Alisha Belmear.

The next regular board meeting was set for Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.