Ulysses USD 214 Board of Education met Monday, January 12, for its January meeting, which also served as the district’s annual organizational meeting to begin the new year.
As part of the organizational process, the board selected its leadership for 2026. A nomination was made for Diana Nuñez to serve as Board President. The nomination was seconded and approved unanimously. A subsequent nomination was made for Daron Cowan to serve as Vice President, which also passed. The agenda was adopted without changes, and there were no student presentations scheduled.
During correspondence, board members noted an invitation to attend a Southwest Kansas night in Topeka hosted by Dairy Farmers of America. Several Christmas cards and gifts were also presented to the board. The minutes from the December 8, 2025 meeting were approved, along with approval to transfer $2,335,399.16 from the General Fund to cover district bills.
Building Reports
Hickok Elementary Principal Marcia Raines reported that January has begun quietly. She is currently reviewing FASTBridge assessment data and plans to present the results to the board in February. Raines noted that 54 percent of Hickok students are currently meeting good attendance standards.
Sullivan Elementary Principal Karie Gaskill reported that FASTBridge data showed results that were “not good,” but said the data has helped identify specific issues the school is facing. She noted attendance has improved following a building-level policy change and shared that Sullivan has gained five new students within the first three days of the new semester. There were no updates regarding the cafeteria, and a water softener is scheduled to arrive on February 16.
Kepley Middle School Principal Amy Wartman reported improvements in chronic absenteeism, with 20 percent of students achieving perfect attendance. She also noted that several students will be participating in KMEA and the KidWind competition this year.
Ulysses High School Principal Justin Coffey provided an overview of attendance data and stated FASTBridge results would be shared once analysis is complete. Coffey highlighted an upcoming “Positive Addictions Day” scheduled for April 1. The event, led by Heather Reimer and Ruby Romero, is designed to promote healthy habits and discourage destructive behaviors. Students will participate in a 5K run or walk, learn about healthy eating, take part in yoga sessions, and engage in self-care discussions. Coffey also noted the theater department received a $1,000 donation from the Grant County Community Foundation.
District and State-Level Updates
Assistant Superintendent Kevin Warner reported the Ulysses Community Learning Center (UCLC) is on track to graduate 27 students this year. He noted the program is undergoing improvements to its credit recovery system. KELPA testing is scheduled for January 31, and preparation is underway for state assessments.
Warner also discussed the district’s use of the “View Scholarships” program, now in its second year, which allows students to see how GPA and ACT scores impact scholarship eligibility and postsecondary costs at two-year colleges, four-year universities, and trade schools.
The district continues to work with the Diligent program to better understand its features and services. The goal is to allow automatic distribution of information, improved search capabilities, and better policy access. Work has begun on preparing the 2026–27 school calendar, pending results from parent and staff surveys. A first reading is expected in February, with approval targeted for March. Calendar limitations are based on state-required education hours and teacher contract days.
At the state level, it was noted that professional development day pay and new teacher mentor pay have been reduced. USD 214 continues to provide $725 per semester for teacher mentors and currently has 14 mentors in the program. State-mandated education hours are set at 1,116 hours, with seniors expected to meet approximately 1,048 hours. Parent-teacher conferences count as half-day instructional hours. Board members were also recognized with gifts in honor of Board Appreciation Month.
Facilities, Technology, and Transportation
Superintendent Joel Applegate discussed upcoming meetings with technical colleges aimed at expanding technical education pathways for USD 214 students. He also reviewed delays in tile and wash bay projects at Sullivan and Hickok schools.
In new business, the board discussed a request from Elkhart USD 218 to leave an education cooperative. If approved, the move would result in an additional $138,000 expense for USD 214. Discussions involving multiple groups are ongoing, and there is hope Elkhart will withdraw its petition.
Three bids were reviewed for installing new security cameras at Sullivan Elementary. A $22,012 bid was approved, bringing Sullivan onto the same camera system already used in other district buildings.
Transportation was discussed extensively. Dr. Applegate reviewed the possibility of purchasing a mini bus to improve flexibility on routes with low ridership. The district currently has four routes with fewer than 14 riders that cover the greatest distances. A mini bus would reduce restrictions but still require training and defensive driving certification. The district would also implement a removable camera monitoring system for buses. Several buses in the district’s fleet are nearing 300,000 miles following a rapid fleet upgrade years ago. A $101,177 bid from Kansas Truck was approved as part of planning to upgrade the fleet of 15 yellow buses and three touring buses.
Policy, HVAC, and
Personnel Matters
Policy discussions included ensuring recording devices are not left in executive sessions, tabling further discussion on artificial intelligence policy, and clarifying opt-out procedures for controversial classroom topics while requiring equivalent assignments. The board reaffirmed that USD 214 will not provide transportation for out-of-district students beyond district boundaries.
Regarding HVAC concerns, investigation revealed a one-year warranty on new systems, with additional three-, five-, and ten-year warranties on internal components if Lennox units installed by ACC are used. It was noted that Sullivan Elementary recently experienced a compressor failure that resulted in extended delays and a $6,000 repair. The board approved drawing a warrant for $117,790 to install a new HVAC system.
Attendance policies related to 4-H and FFA participation were discussed, resulting in approval to allow students two postsecondary asset excused days when approved for graduation requirements.
Action items included acceptance of a $500 donation for KidWind and approval of several personnel changes. Resignations were accepted from Kevin and Debra Warner effective at the end of the school term, as well as from Misty Becker, Lorrie Munsell, and David Romero from the middle school wrestling coach position. A termination was approved for a Kepley custodian. New contracts were approved for Cecilia Delgado Marquez as a Kepley custodian and Shan Meile to fill two-thirds of the girls basketball coaching position.
A 15-minute executive session was called to discuss personnel matters, with no action taken. Brief discussion followed regarding staffing at the Hickok daycare.
For her first meeting, Cara Britton made the motion to adjourn, which was seconded, concluding the business of the evening.
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