fter lengthy discussion

A about insulation options for the bus barn, the Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Genese USD 327 board of education took no action during Monday’s meeting.

Instead, the board directed Superintendent Deena Hilbig to ask the two contractors who bid on the project to amend their bids to reflect new project goals.

“I like the idea of doing the pit and work area and maybe wait and leave the storage area until we know we’re going to do the front piece,” board president Cynthia Edgerle said.

Initially, Hilbig said the project estimate was $28,000 when they were discussing it with the engineer, but electrical and other items increased the bid from Pro-R to $40,061.80.

Doubrava Woodworking also submitted a sealed bid for the project, which toatled $52,208.87 with general electrical and miscellaneous items.

“He also would suggest upgrading the lighting,” Hilbig said. “He said if you’re going to pull down to do insulation, to update the lighting.”

Improving the lighting could add more than $9,000 to the project.

While Doubrava bid the RFP as advertised, Hilbig said he expressed concern about the fiberglass insulation material.

“Right now we have fiberglass insulation with a liner,” Hilbig said. “The white liner is what is breaking down. Simple Saver is the same thing, with the white liner.”

Doubrava recommended installing an additional liner panel over the insulation to hold it in place.

“This would wall it in, clean and tidy,” Hilbig said.

It also increased the bid for the entire structure by about $44,000.

Instead of insulating the entire building, the board directed Hilbig to ask both contractors to amend their bids to improve the main work area with improved lighting and panels to cover the new insulation.

In other action:

• During public comment, Carol Clemenson asked if Wilson area students who attend in USD 327 will have transportation services available.

“Their transportation is not our district’s responsibility,” Edgerle said.

• Retired educator Jerry Marsh expressed support for board member Brian Rush’s concern about the student handbook policies regarding prom and homecoming dances.

Marsh also lauded the increase of graduates who participated in activities.

He also said he supports dropping student fees, with the intention of the legislature covering the cost.

• The board acknowledged juniors Peyton Coonrod, Layton Leiker and Isabelle Lindsley who met the requirements for the NCAA All-League Academic Award. These students were committed to at least three KSHSAA sanctioned activities and attained a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or better.

• The board discussed curriculum with Technology and Curriculum Coordinator Daniel Magie. He discussed the English and language arts curriculum. The pilot of the materials is set to begin in January, and will cost about $47,000.

Hilbig said as new curriculum is introduced, the district will be on a cycle and rotate material purchase between math, ELA, history/government, science and other academics.

• Approved the sale or disposal of excess materials.

• Approved changes to the Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School handbook. A slight wording change was made to the school’s attendance policy. Added language that stipulated a virtual course during the school day cannot replace in-house teacher-led course as part of graduation requirements.

• Accepted grants and gifts. Kanopolis Sunflower Civic Club donated $2,000 to support the purchase of a gaga pit for Kanopolis Middle School. The Dane G. Hansen Foundation provided a $10,000 grant towards purchase of a multimedia projector and screen. A patron donated $100 to KMS to be use as needed.

• Discussed other grant opportunities to help fund the multimedia project for the EJSHS Performing Arts Center. Including installation, the project will cost about $38,000. The board discussed the Community Funding Assistance Program, Patterson Family Foundation: Rural School CTE Grant, which has a July 7 deadline and the Youth Civic Engagement mini-grant from the Kansas Volunteer Commission.

The board approved Hilbig moving forward on the grant opportunities.

• Approved a list of non-resident students who already attend school at USD 327 to attend school in USD 327 for the 2023-24 school year. The board also granted Hilbig permission to approve future requests, as well as take into account any unpaid student fees when considering applications.

• Discussed meal prices. Current prices for meals are $3.15 (K-6) and $3.40 (7-12) for a student lunch and $1.90 (K-6) and $2 (7-12) for a student breakfast K-6. Adult meals are $4.25. The board approved increasing the adult meal price to $4.50 per meal to comply with federal regulations for the food service program.

• In order to receive the maximum available funds for the upcoming school year, the district must spend all of its transportation funds on “regular route expenditures” for student transportation miles.

The district currently reimburses families who live more than 2.5 miles from school 47 cents per mile. The board approved increasing the amount to the state rate of 58.5 cents per mile for those who live more than 2.5 miles from school. This change will cost about $12,300. Reimbursement applies only to families who live within USD 327 boundaries.

The reimbursement rate for staff who travel during work obligations also increased to 58.5 cents per mile.

• Heard facility improvement updates. The carpets were cleaned at KMS, new carpet is being installed at EES and the floor in the gym is resting. Window installation is also in progress at EJSHS, and once complete, the windows at the KMS gym will be replaced.

• Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the city of Ellsworth to maintain the EJSHS football field. The agreement was approved on a trail basis through the end of the calendar year.

Ellsworth city employees will apply chemicals and fertilizer, aerate and seed the field, perform mower maintenance and act as a general consultant. The agreement outlines the fees: $50 per hour for fertilizer, $100 per hour for aerating and seeding, $50 per hour for irrigation repair, $50 per hour for mower maintenance and $30 per hour for consulting.

• Held executive session for five minutes to discuss confidential student information.

• Held executive session for 40 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel.

Accepted resignation of Ryan Peschka as head girls’ basketball coach, John Bryant as crossing guard, Daran Frevert as bus driver and Marshall Musil as assistant football coach.

Approved hiring Craig Batchman as physical education teacher, assistant football coach and head girls’ basketball coach.

The next regular USD 327 board meeting is Monday, June 26 at 7 p.m.