USD 231 Board Briefs (Sept 2024)

The students of Edgerton Elementary presented information related to their Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) program. The goals of the program include increased reading stamina, foster a love for reading and develop grit.

To view the slide deck, click HERE.

Dr. Ben Boothe, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, recognized Mr. Aaron Batterbee (Biology teacher at GEHS) and his students. They had the opportunity to collaborate with Heartland Coca Cola to design part of the Olathe Production Campus (OPC) located on the northwest corner of 175th and South Hedge Lane as part of the OPC Landscape Design Challenge.

Students worked to design landscaping elements, public art pieces, and signage to help Heartland Coca Cola promote water sustainability. The winner in each category received $500 for themselves and $500 to be donated to a club or clubs of their choosing. The winning designs will also be brought to life on the OPC.

The landscape design winner was Jayden Kasper who picked the Gifted Program and TableTop Gaming Club to each receive $250. Gabby Johnson won for sign design and chose the Robotics Club to receive $500. Brooklyn Pence and Kinsey Savage won for public art design and chose the Art Club to receive $500. Lastly, to help students at GEHS with their own sustainability efforts, the Ecology Club was awarded $2000.

The students will be invited to OPC for the grand opening to see their designs come to life and receive a tour of the facility.

All other students who submitted a final proposal also received $50 from Heartland Coca Cola for seeing their projects through to the finish line.

USD 231 is proud of our partnerships with many stakeholders (students, parents, employees, churches, local vendors, etc.). Often, due to these partnerships, our students and employees are the recipients of generous donations.

To view a list of recent donations and grants, click HERE.

Mark DeWitt, Director of Operations, and Ian Kilpatrick, DLR Design Lead, shared an update related to the Bond planning process. After the August Bond workshop, ideas included:

• Continue to explore the feasibility and logistics of converting an existing elementary school into an early childhood center
• Evaluate the need for a new elementary school and identify potential locations and designs
• Develop a comprehensive plan to enhance safety and security measures across district facilities, including cameras, access control, and safety film
• Assess playground conditions and develop a plan for upgrades, including turf, inclusive equipment, and improved accessibility
• Conduct a feasibility study for a new Educational Service Center to consolidate resources and improve efficiency
• Evaluate the high school's current and future needs, including space requirements, career and technical education programs, and athletic facilities
• Explore options for relocating the Trails alternative education program and repurposing its current building
• Facilitate the 'build a bond' session to allow stakeholder groups to propose their desired scope for a potential bond referendum.

To view the slide deck, click HERE.

To learn more about the planning process, click HERE.

Julie Wootton, Parents as Teachers Coordinator, shared information related to the USD 231 program.

The PAT employees serve families with young children 0 to 3 years, pregnant mothers, and 3 to 5 years old if there is a younger sibling in the home and/or family needs extra support.

Home visits include the following:

• Have a parent child activity to promote positive parental behaviors.

• Discuss Child Development and access Child’s milestones.

• Discuss developmental topics such as safety, discipline, health, attachment, nutrition, sleep, and transitions and routines.

• Perform screenings and assessments.

• Discuss family issues such as education, health, mental wellness, preschool, relationships, and recreation and enrichment.

To view the slide deck, click HERE.

Dr. Ben Boothe and Heather Peeke, Executive Director of Secondary Education, provided an update related to the Cell Phone Policy implemented across the district. After a smooth start, there have been only 49 cell phone violations and student engagement is on the rise.

The proposed district budget for the 2024-2025 school year has been prepared and distributed to the board education members and is available to all interested patrons from the treasurer.

The District's RNR, budget documents and Building Needs Assessment can be found on the District's website under the Business & Finance department documents.

The BOE passed a motion and are planning to add two board meetings on January 27 and March 31, 2025. The meetings will be work sessions focused on extended reports related to Budget and Negotiations on January 27, 2025 and the BOE goals on March 31, 2025. The future dates will be designated by the board president or 3 board members.

• 1.4 - Approval of adopting the resolution to exceed the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for financing the annual budget for 2024-2025; Approval of agenda for the Sept. 9, 2024 Board of Education meeting;
• 8.1 - 8.8 - Approval of minutes of regular meeting held on August 12, 2024; Approval of the "Special" board meeting held on September 3, 2024; Approval of June 2024 KASB recommended policy updates per KASB Legal/Policy Services; Approval of the disposal of 25 GEHS wrestling singlets; Approval of Memorandum's of Understanding, for USD231 and their partners; Approval of Financial Statements; Approval of Contracts/Purchases; Approval of Claims.
• To view the content associated with the Consent agenda, click HERE.
• 12.1 - 12.4 - Approval of the 2024-2025 Budget; Approval of additional BOE meeting; Approval of Personnel items as presented;

​Board Briefs are informal reports from the Gardner Edgerton Board of Education's regular meetings. They are typically released a day or two after each meeting and are not meant to be accepted as meeting minutes.

To view previous Board Briefs, click the image on the right.

Regular Board Meeting on Monday, October 14, 2024 - 6:00 p.m.