WEST FRANKLIN USD 287
REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF EDUCATION
MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2005  

            The regular meeting of West Franklin USD #287 Board of Education was held on October 10, 2005 at the Williamsburg Facility, Williamsburg, Kansas.   The following board members were present:   Mr. Neal Baker, Mrs. Mary Ann Parkin, Mr. Randy Hermreck, Mr. Keith Milliken, Mrs. Janie Dillon, and Mrs. Nancy Reed. (Sheila Anderson was absent). Staff members present were Superintendent Susan Myers, Curriculum Director Mary Schleicher, Board Clerk Robin Bigham, Principal Rick Smith, Principal Eric Koppes, Principal Royce Powelson (8:15 pm), Principal Susan Wildeman, Principal Robert Allen, and Transportation Director Richard Adler.   Others present were:   Judy Simpson, Elston D. Horne, Chris & Lila Reekie, Diana Macourbrie, Lori Thompson, Michelle Giesy, David A. Staley, Marily K. Staley, Erica Crist, Lynnett Burroughs, Todd Burroughs, Cheryl Thomas, Connie Wadkins, Paula Smith, and Elise Woodbury.

            President Neal Baker called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.   Williamsburg Principal Susan Wildeman escorted board members on a guided tour of the Williamsburg facilities.

            Keith Milliken made a motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting as presented and to pay the bills as presented.   Mary Ann Parkin seconded the motion.   Motion passed 6-0.

            Judy Simpson gave a proposal to the board on the reconfiguration issue.   A copy of the proposal is a part of the official minutes.

            Appanoose Principal Rick Smith gave a big thank you to Mary Schleicher for all her work on the KIDS program.   He also thanked the board for the great inservice staff attended today at Osage City.

            Pomona Elementary/Middle School Principal Eric Koppes reiterated Mr. Smith’s comments.

            Williamsburg Principal Susan Wildeman updated the board on the early release Wednesday’s.   At this time, only about ¼ of the students stay for additional instruction.   She also told the board that Diane Humerickhouse brings donuts on Friday, and the class with students wearing the most school colors gets to enjoy the donuts.

            West Franklin Learning Center Principal Robert Allen reported the Learning Center now has internet access thanks to Tim Larkin and Jon Horne.   He also reported that three laptop computers had been stolen and the sheriff’s department is investigating.   Mary Ann Parkin suggested using security chains for all laptop computers.

            Curriculum Director Mary Schleicher explained a little about the KIDS program and said there are 56 fields of information required on all students, which for our district is 56 times 900+ students.   She also said the District Technology Team is preparing to work on the

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technology plan and asked if anyone had visions for district technology to let her know.   Mary also reported that members of the Social Studies Curriculum team were available to answer any questions before the curriculum was approved.           

            Superintendent Susan Myers said that usually at this time, firm numbers would be available in regards to enrollment, weighting, etc.   However, because of the KIDS requirements, reports had not been totally completed.   She also thanked Mary for all her work on KIDS and hopes to have correct numbers ready for the next weekly update.   Mrs. Myers also reported that six school districts joined together to have the inservice today that was held at Osage City in their new auditorium.  

            Mrs. Erica Crist shared her Successful Practice in Art from both Williamsburg and Pomona.   She wanted to integrate a sketch book for each student into daily class work, but didn’t want to make students (or parents) just go out and purchase one.   So she gave specifications to students and had them make their own sketchbook.   Mrs. Crist was impressed with the ownership students took of the project.   She passed around a few samples for the board to see.

            Site Council applications were presented from Heather Conway, Kris Radcliffe and Debbie Steed for PEMS.   Mary Ann Parkin made a motion to approve the Site Council applications as presented.   Nancy Reed seconded the motion.   Motion passed 6-0.  

            The new Social Studies curriculum was discussed and questions were answered.   Mary Ann Parkin made a motion to approve the new Social Studies curriculum as presented.   Nancy Reed seconded the motion.   Motion passed 6-0.

            The following travel requests were received:  Susan Wildeman to attend a Principal’s Conference in Wichita on November 10-11, from Liz Smith, Cheryl Thomas and Pomona FBLA  to attend the Fall National Leadership Conference in Kansas City on November 11-12 and the same for Shawn Walters and Williamsburg FBLA, Royce Powelson and Eric Koppes to attend a conference in Wichita, Merritta Combs and Pomona FCCLA to attend the National FCCLA Leadership Conference in Louisville, Kentucky on November 17-20.   Mary Ann Parkin made a motion to approve the travel requests.   Nancy Reed seconded the motion.   Motion passed 6-0.

            A request from Rob Conway was received to donate 25 days of sick leave to his wife, Heather Conway, if needed.   Keith Milliken made a motion to approve the transfer of sick leave from Rob Conway to Heather Conway.   Janie Dillon seconded the motion.   Motion passed 6-0.

            A special meeting was set for further discussion on district planning. Peggy McNeive of the Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service will be present. The special meeting will be held on November 2, 2005 at 7:00 pm at the District Office in Pomona and no action will be taken.   Mary Ann Parkin made a motion to set the Special Meeting as discussed.   Janie Dillon seconded the motion.   Motion passed 6-0

            The board took a 10 minute break from 8:11 to 8:21 pm.

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            District wide mowing and lawn care for the 2006 mowing season was discussed.   Mrs. Myers is going to write some specifications to review at the January 2006 meeting.

            Mary Ann Parkin moved to accept the following employment recommendations:

Nancy Reed seconded the motion.   Motion passed 6-0.  

            There being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 8:52 pm.

________________________________
Neal Baker, Board President

________________________________
Robin Bigham, Clerk

Minutes Unofficial until approved at next board meeting.