The USD 214 School Board met at 6 p.m., Monday, November 10, with a full agenda of items to discuss.
Following the call to order, Pledge of Allegiance, and adoption of the agenda prepared by Dr. Joel Applegate, the board approved the consent agenda. This included minutes from the October 13 and 21 meetings, along with a transfer of $484,970.61 to cover expenses for food service, transportation, vocational education, bilingual special funds, and the High Plains Education Board minutes.
The meeting began with a presentation from Ulysses High School students promoting the upcoming musical and encouraging families and board members to attend.
During building reports, Marcia Raines noted staffing challenges in the district’s daycare program, prompting questions from the board. Kepley Middle School highlighted efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism and updates to the Jag-K and Boy Scouts programs. High School Principal Mr. Coffey reported attendance for parent-teacher conferences was lower this year and shared information on the College and Career Fair and upcoming Pre-ACT assessments.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kevin Warner reported the Ulysses Community Learning Center currently has 98 students, down from 114 last year. He explained the cost of the Acellus program has tripled to $180,000, prompting staff to explore more cost-effective options. Of those enrolled, approximately 50 are Ulysses dropouts, with the remainder from surrounding areas. The program allows flexibility for students to work from home or adjust around employment schedules.
Dr. Applegate congratulated Justsin Coffey and the UHS staff on recent achievements. Discussion also continued on transportation needs, including the possible addition of a new school bus and evaluation of routes.
The board discussed staffing needs for the school nurse position, which must be filled by at least a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). Pay scale adjustments are being reviewed as the district prepares to fill a vacancy in the coming months. The district currently employs one Registered Nurse and two Certified Nursing Aides.
The board welcomed newly elected member Cara Britton.
At Kepley Middle School, a dishwasher replacement is needed after a leak caused damage to the surrounding concrete and tile. Costs will be researched and brought back to the board for review. Board member Stacey Gee asked whether the repairs might be covered by insurance, but was informed they would not be due to the nature of the issue.
Additional business included approval of a $2,500 donation for the Ulysses FFA Chapter, a $158,362 route bus purchase, and a $54,876 transit van. The board also approved the purchase of 11 Smart Boards from MNJ Technologies and an $11,160 electrical bid from Goosen Electric for work in the school’s welding shop.
The meeting concluded with an executive session for Dr. Applegate’s superintendent evaluation. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
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