USD 505 board installs Kelsey Fleming, approves hires, wage increases and facility, tech expenditures

Roberta Carter, president, called the Unified School District No. 505 Board of Education meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. on Aug. 12, 2024. The board approved the agenda as amended and accepted the consent agenda covering minutes and routine bills.

The board unanimously approved the appointment of Kelsey Fleming to represent District 1 after a motion from Barbara Evans and a second from Seth Born; Fleming then joined the board. Board members later approved a list of supplemental positions for the 2024–25 school term.

District technology staff reported several near-term purchases and renewals. Josh Brennon, district technology, said Microsoft Office and Adobe licenses required renewal, the district ordered 25 freshman computers at a cost of $17,723 and contracted Audio Acoustics to install a new bell system at St. Paul for $17,625. Brennon also noted the district saved money this year because it no longer pays Siemens to monitor door locks.

Jolene Hall, Chetopa K–12 principal, told the board that district in‑service activities went well, buildings are prepared for the first day and enrollment is down (amount not specified). Hall said vocational-technical and Labette Community College classes begin Monday, practice starts Aug. 19, and a back-to-school bash and Title I parent meeting are scheduled for Aug. 20. Renee Gillard, St. Paul K–12 principal, summarized staff trainings including Narcon and CPR and noted students are expected to complete welding and culinary certifications this year.

Superintendent Craig Bagshaw presented a bid from JR & Co. to replace the Chetopa library roof, noted the Nov. 5 election will be held at the school, presented the supplemental list and raised the need for asphalt repair on district property. The board approved working with the City of Chetopa to repair asphalt with an approximate cost of $1,000.

On policy and program items, the board voted 7–0 not to enroll in the TIPS Program after a motion from Maggy Robison. The board also voted 7–0 to accept donated school supplies for both the Chetopa and St. Paul campuses.

The board entered executive session under Kansas statute 75‑4319 to discuss non‑elected personnel matters, returning to open session at 8:20 p.m. After executive session, the board voted 7–0 to hire Stacy Wulf to coordinate elementary library activities and, by the same margin, to increase wages as presented for classified and administrative staff.

Votes at a glance: the agenda and consent agenda were approved early in the meeting (motions by Seth Born and Josh Baker, respectively); Kelsey Fleming was installed to the board (motion by Barbara Evans, second Seth Born, 5–0); the board approved supplementals (motion by Josh Baker, second Seth Born, recorded 6–0); the board approved working with the City of Chetopa on asphalt repair (motion by Seth Born, second Kari Chambers, 7–0); the board voted not to enroll in the TIPS Program (motion by Maggy Robison, second Barbara Evans, 7–0); the board accepted donated supplies (motion by Barbara Evans, second Kari Chambers, 7–0); the board hired Stacy Wulf (motion by Barbara Evans, second Kari Chambers, 7–0); wage increases were approved (motion by Roberta Carter, second Barbara Evans, 7–0); the meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m. (motion by Kelsey Fleming, second Barbara Evans, 7–0).

The board tabled a decision on whether to close St. Paul during the Nov. 5 election until the September meeting. The superintendent noted the school will host the Nov. 5 election.

The meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.