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Stanton County USD 452 board approves band funding, clarifies longevity bonus and authorizes playground work
Summary
At its Oct. 13 meeting, the Stanton County Unified School District No. 452 board approved up to $10,000 for band equipment, voted to pay longevity bonuses as currently written while pledging to revise contract language next spring, and authorized superintendent-led arrangements for a playground installation.
The Stanton County Unified School District No. 452 Board of Education on Oct. 13 approved funding measures and personnel actions while discussing facilities and compensation language.
Band director Fernando Muro told the board the district lacks enough instruments to supply current students and asked to prioritize 5th- and 6th-grade coverage, beginning with a drumline the district estimated would cost about $5,000–$7,000. Paige German moved to authorize Muro to spend up to $10,000 for a drumline and other needed band equipment, and Bret Kendrick seconded. The motion carried 6-0. The board asked staff to explore rent-to-own options for equipment procurement; Principal Leah Crane offered to assist with that effort.
On district compensation, Janelle Wilkerson raised concerns about the wording of the longevity-pay paragraph in the negotiation agreement and whether the current language would create future disputes. The board discussed consulting the Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) counsel to clarify contract language, but voted (Bret Kendrick moved; Chantry Scott seconded) to pay longevity bonuses as the agreement currently reads and to clarify eligibility, with a commitment to address contract language during spring 2026 negotiations. The motion carried 6-0.
The board also addressed facilities: members noted new playground equipment for Stanton County Elementary School (SCES) is expected in the next few weeks. Chantry Scott moved to authorize Superintendent Dave Novack to arrange installation within spending limits; Val Zamudio seconded and the motion carried 6-0. Novack said ground leveling will be required before installation and that some repainting may be needed; he has consulted J&M Paint regarding surface work.
Other agenda items included a presentation of proposed boys basketball uniforms (no board action taken), a request from wrestling coach KC Higley for additional girls wrestling uniforms that was tabled pending exact counts and cost estimates, and administrative updates. Superintendent Dave Novack reported the district was recognized for graduation and postsecondary achievement standards and said he is assembling a capital outlay wish list; Principal Andrea Jones reviewed state assessment reports and targets for improvement.
In personnel actions following an executive session, the board accepted the resignation of Tyson Parks as head high school baseball coach; Paige German moved and Val Zamudio seconded the motion, which carried 6-0. The board also approved hiring Mary Cockrum as a second-grade para professional on a 6-0 vote (Chantry Scott moved; Val Zamudio seconded).
The board approved the consent agenda (minutes from Sept. 15 and payment of claims) and adjourned at 8:19 p.m.
Votes at a glance: agenda approval (motion: Bret Kendrick; second: Val Zamudio) — carried 6-0; consent agenda (Paige German; Bret Kendrick) — carried 6-0; authorize playground installation (Chantry Scott; Val Zamudio) — carried 6-0; longevity payment as written (Bret Kendrick; Chantry Scott) — carried 6-0; band funding up to $10,000 (Paige German; Bret Kendrick) — carried 6-0; resignation of Tyson Parks approved (Paige German; Val Zamudio) — carried 6-0; hire of Mary Cockrum approved (Chantry Scott; Val Zamudio) — carried 6-0.
