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Ellsworth USD 327 board adopts 2024–25 budget, approves tax option and district purchases
Summary
The Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Geneseo USD 327 Board of Education on Sept. 9 adopted the 2024–25 budget, approved a 33% local option percentage, authorized purchases including two wrestling mats for $17,700, and approved FFA travel to Indianapolis; all recorded motions passed by unanimous 5-0 votes.
The Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Geneseo USD 327 Board of Education on Sept. 9 adopted its 2024–25 budget, approved a local option percentage for the budget year and authorized several purchases and personnel hires.
Board President Gina McGowan called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. and the board conducted a Revenue Neutral Rate hearing. The board approved Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution 25-12, allowing USD 327 to exceed the revenue neutral rate as defined by Kansas state statute (motion: David Hand; second: Steve Shepherd). The roll-call vote was 5-0 in favor (Hand, Svaty, Edgerle, McGowan, Shepherd).
After reviewing the Building Needs Assessment, state assessment results and resource allocations, the board approved the 2024–25 budget (motion: Cynthia Edgerle; second: Gina McGowan), also by a 5-0 vote. The board then adopted Resolution 25-13 to set the local option percentage at 33% for the 2024–25 budget year (motion: Steve Shepherd; second: David Hand; vote 5-0).
The meeting record shows several other formal actions. The board accepted multiple grants and gifts, including a $5,000 Western Cooperative grant for health care bags, $500 from the Central Kansas Library System for EES and KMS libraries, $848 from the Teen Mental Health Initiative, $282.99 from Cat’s Pride for a cheer banner, a donation of four EJSHS Bearcat spirit signs and installation labor from Cashco, and an anonymous $1,000 gift to support students in need (motion by Cynthia Edgerle; second by David Hand; vote 5-0). The consent agenda, which included bills totaling $145,092.04 and August financial reports, was approved earlier in the meeting (motion by Jake Svaty; second by Steve Shepherd; vote 5-0).
On operations and student activities: the board approved out-of-state travel for FFA students to the National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, Oct. 21–26, 2024; FFA will cover all expenses (motion: Jake Svaty; second: Steve Shepherd; vote 5-0). Transportation Director PJ Weinhold presented options for replacing the aging Bearcat coach; the board authorized staff to proceed with searching for a used coach of similar style (motion: Jake Svaty; second: David Hand; vote 5-0). The board approved purchase of two Dollamur wrestling mats for $17,700; the price was reduced in exchange for allowing the vendor to use the mat at the Kansas State High School Activities Association state competition this winter (motion: Jake Svaty; second: Steve Shepherd; vote 5-0).
The board approved a revised 2024–25 calendar that adds an in-service day on Jan. 20, 2025 (no school) and adjusts parent–teacher conference days (motion: David Hand; second: Steve Shepherd; vote 5-0). Superintendent Deena Hilbig presented policy updates required by recent legislation; the board adopted the recommended revised, deleted and new policies (GAOE, EE, JBE, JGFGA, JH and KK) and accepted BBG, BCBK, CJ, CL, ID and IF for first reading to be acted on at the October meeting (motion to adopt: Cynthia Edgerle; second: Steve Shepherd; vote 5-0).
The board approved purchase of new district phones from ENA/Zayo, a change the district expects will reduce monthly costs by about 40% compared with the current contract and recoup installation costs within an estimated six months; the district’s internet provider will remain unchanged (motion: David Hand; second: Steve Shepherd; vote 5-0).
Following a series of executive sessions held under the Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA) to discuss non‑elected personnel and the superintendent’s evaluation, the board approved multiple personnel hires, including Tim Hammye (assistant junior high boys basketball coach), Monica Zier (assistant StuCo sponsor), Hayden Sillmon (musical director), Maria Mills (kindergarten aide and substitute) and Danica Uhl (kindergarten aide) (motion: Cynthia Edgerle; second: Steve Shepherd; vote 5-0).
During public comment, patron Jerry Marsh addressed the board to argue that posting the Ten Commandments in classrooms would be unconstitutional. Another patron, Nate Naasz, expressed appreciation for the district’s collaboration with the Ellsworth County Kids Wrestling program.
The meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m. The board announced its next regular meeting for Oct. 7, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. and a special goal-setting session on Oct. 24, 2024, at 5:00 p.m., both at the District Office.
