The USD 214 Board of Education met on December 8, 2025, with a full agenda that ranged from routine approvals to long-term budget planning and district-wide program updates.
The meeting opened with approval of the November 10th minutes, followed by consent agenda items including payment of $1,593,918.28 in bills across Food Service, Transportation, Vocational Education, and Bilingual/Special Funds. The board also accepted minutes from the High Plains Education Cooperative, and then moved into school activity and building reports.
Presentations on Retirement Changes and JAG-K
Board members received a detailed presentation on upcoming changes to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS), outlining key differences in retirement options available to current faculty and staff.
A special student-led presentation followed, highlighting the work and accomplishments of the Ulysses JAG-K program.
Building Reports: Celebrations and Challenges
During building reports, Sullivan Elementary noted a successful Grandparents Day, along with updates on ongoing preparations for winter events. At Kepley Middle School, staff shared updates on the wrestling program, JAG-K, and an intervention program. Ulysses High School celebrated Assistant Principal Chase Rietchek, who has been named the 2026 Kansas Assistant Principal of the Year. Administrators also discussed attendance trends since COVID-19, noting continued adjustments for students who moved between fully online learning and traditional classrooms.
Dr. Kevin Warner spoke about the district’s continued commitment to teaching to standards, and principals reviewed current student assessment data. It was also noted that an impressive 20–21 UHS students are on track to graduate in 2026 with both their high school diplomas and associate degrees.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Joel Applegate discussed teacher recruitment, emphasizing efforts to hire candidates from outside Kansas to fill critical staffing needs.
Budget Concerns and Potential Bond Discussion
Board member Ms. Stacey Gee addressed concerns raised after Dr. Applegate’s five-year forecast, specifically noting that the cost of repairing a school roof will exceed the available
budget. This led to broader discussion about facility needs, including the condition of the Kepley cafeteria, and the difficult funding decisions the board may soon face.
The possibility of approaching the community regarding a future bond issue was introduced, with multiple board members offering input. The board also reviewed district crisis planning procedures, emphasizing coordination with neighboring districts to strengthen preparedness.
Personnel, Curriculum, and New Board Members
The meeting included the swearing in of new board members and discussion about the need to update and adjust various district curricula.
Under old business, Mr. Coffey addressed ongoing attendance issues. Dr. Applegate announced the district’s intention to hire an RN to serve as a school nurse, with the approved pay rate beginning in January.
Action Items and Bids
Several motions were made and approved, including the establishment of a Grant County Gives fund. The board accepted multiple bids, including warranty coverage for tablets.
Two significant HVAC-related bids were reviewed:
● ACC submitted a $127,000 bid to work on 12 units this summer.
● Trane submitted a $933,000 bid covering a different scope of work.
A final decision on the bids was tabled pending further review.
With no additional business, the meeting was adjourned.
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