Stanton County USD 452 board approves facility upgrades, timekeeping system, handbook changes and multiple personnel actions

The Stanton County Unified School District #452 Board of Education met May 12 and approved a slate of facilities, technology and personnel actions, with all formal motions recorded as unanimous 7-0 votes.

The board approved a summer intercom installation by Alert Alarm for $48,079.22; the district will make a required $15,000 down payment to order parts. Val Zumudio moved to accept the bid and Paige German seconded; the motion carried 7-0. Board discussion noted only one additional vendor (Haddock Education Technologies) had a bid on the table and that the administration had asked for more quotes before finalizing future projects for similar work.

The board approved replacement of the motor/pump assemblies on both boilers with parts from ACC / Air Comfort Consultants, LLC at $5,250 per unit ($10,500 total). Bret Kendrick moved the measure, which passed 7-0 after discussion about whether repeated seal repairs would be sufficient.

The district's timekeeping system was replaced after staff reported the current system would no longer accept new employees. The board approved moving to the AptaFund timekeeping system with a one-time setup fee and annual charges; the first-year cost the board recorded was $5,697.50. Bobbie Ehrlich moved to approve the purchase and Bret Kendrick seconded; motion carried 7-0.

The board also approved the annual OPAA food-service addendum renewal for 2025–26 and approved both the elementary and junior/senior high handbook updates as presented. The junior/senior high handbook changes included adding a restraint policy similar to the elementary handbook.

On personnel matters the board accepted resignations from Jim Shellenberger (high school language arts), Kennedy Wilcox (assistant volleyball coach), KC Higley (junior high student council and freshman class sponsor), Matt Wilson (junior high social studies and assistant boys basketball coach) and James Hayes (high school math, assistant football and scholars bowl). The board then approved contracts or hires for Shelby Hernandez (junior high social studies), Nikki Kendrick and Sheila Walker (co-dance sponsors), Janelle Wilkerson (junior high head boys basketball coach), Michelle Canny (high school head volleyball coach), Nicole Ochoa (high school assistant volleyball coach) and Fernando Muro (junior high head girls basketball coach).

The board unanimously approved an out-of-district attendance request for student Kyann Garcia for the 2024–25 school year so the student would not lose credits from a prior school.

The meeting included two short executive sessions to discuss personnel matters and teacher evaluations; both were entered by unanimous vote and the board returned to open session afterward. Melissa Wilson reminded members of graduation arrangements before the board adjourned at 7:33 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- Agenda approval: 7-0 (motion carried). - Consent agenda (April 16 minutes and claims): 7-0. - LETR training funding: 7-0 (see separate item). - OPAA addendum renewal (2025–26): 7-0. - Boiler motor/pump replacement (2 units, ACC / Air Comfort Consultants): 7-0; total $10,500. - AptaFund timekeeping first-year charges: 7-0; total $5,697.50. - Intercom system (Alert Alarm): 7-0; total $48,079.22; $15,000 down payment required. - Out-of-district request for Kyann Garcia: 7-0. - Resignations accepted and hires/contracts approved: 7-0.

The board recorded unanimous votes on all motions. Several facilities projects (notably a concession-stand electrical upgrade) were discussed but the board asked administration to solicit additional bids before moving forward.