The USD 327 Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Geneseo Board of Education approved the proposed 2024-25 budget during Monday night’s meeting.

In all, the school district will levy 53.099 mills to fund its operations.

“With increased costs, we can’t keep expecting to spend the same amount of money. We did publish we would exceed Revenue Neutral Rate,” Superintendent Deena Hilbig said during the hearing prior to the meeting.

She explained the state adjusted the tax exemption for homeowners, increasing the exempt amount from $40,000 to $75,000.

“The state is making up for that shortfall,” Hilbig said. “The state has exceeded their tax collections for the last couple of years. The state will make up the difference for us.” There are four primary funds where mill levies are assessed: general fund, local option budget, capital outlay and bond and interest.

The board approved budgets not to exceed: General fund: $6,645,057 Local option budget: $2,219,217 Capital outlay: $2,118,764 Bond and interest: $441,500 The net expenditure for the district for 202425 is budgeted at $12,888,742.

“It’s important to note our community members who do own homes will feel relief with $75,000 exemption,” Hilbig said. “Though we are increasing the mill levy, you will feel the relief.”

The board approved exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate during the hearing, then approved the full budget during its regular meeting, as well as the local option budget.

In other business:

• During the public forum, retired teacher Jerry Marsh expressed concern about a recent request to display the 10 Commandments at attendance centers. He pointed out it is unconstitutional, as well as against the board’s current religion policy. He added there are other appropriate venues where the 10 Commandments can be displayed.

• The board accepted multiple gifts and donations, including: A $5,000 Western Cooperative Electric grant. This grant was a class project. The grant was written to make new health care bags for all teams and extracurricular activities, as well as for the Ellsworth Recreation Center and other local public areas.

A $500 grant from the Central Kansas Library System to purchase books for Ellsworth Elementary School and Kanopolis Middle School.

$848, Teen Mental Health Initiative via Donors Choose.

$282.99 from Cat’s Pride for cheer breakaway banner.

Four Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School Bearcat school spirit signs from Cashco, Inc.

An anonymous donation of $1,000 for students in need.

• The board approved an out-of-state field trip for FFA to attend the 97th Annual FFA Convention Oct. 21-26 in Indianapolis.

• The board approved updates to the school calendar.

Jan. 20 was added as a teacher in-service day; students will not have school.

Additionally, parent/ teacher conferences were moved to Oct. 7 and 10.

“Oct. 8 is local cross country meet and also volleyball,” Hilbig said of one of the original parent/ teacher conference dates. “A cross country meet takes a lot of our staff because it’s a big event. We’re concerned about having teachers available (for conferences) if they’re at the meet.

“I apologize for continually moving things. In a smaller district where it’s all hands on deck, we need to be thoughtful about (staff time).”

• The board updated several policies.

“All of these are proposed as a result of legislation or waivers that expired due to COVID19. These are law,” Hilbig said.

The board passed the following policies: GAOE, EE, JBE, JGFGA, JH and KK.

These policies cover food service, worker’s compensation, truancy form, emergency opioid administration, student activities and disposal of district property.

The board also heard the first reading of the following policies: BBG, BCBK, BCBK (form), CJ, CL, ID and IF.

These policies cover consultants, executive sessions, use of consultants, administrative teams, book challenges, instructional program, textbooks, instructional material and media center. The policies will be considered for adoption during the October meeting.

• The board approved switching phone systems. The district has voice over internet phones, and will switch from the current provider, Vyve, to ENA/Zayo. The new contract is a 3-year contract.

There is an up-front installation cost of $7,485. Once installed, the monthly cost will be $1,072.49. The district currently pays about $2,400 monthly for phone service.

• The board went into executive session for 15 minutes to discuss nonelected personnel. Following the session, the board hired: Tim Hammye, assistant junior high basketball coach; Monica Zier, assistant for Student Council; Hayden Sillmon, musical director; Maria Mills, kindergarden aide/substitute; Danica Uhl, kindergarden aide.

• The board went into executive session for 10 minutes to discuss nonelected personnel. No action was taken.

• The board went into executive session for 30 minutes to discuss nonelected personnel (superintendent evaluation). No action was taken.

The next regular board meeting is at 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at the board office.

Additionally, a special board meeting for goal setting will be at 5 p.m. Oct. 24 at the board office.

Additional stories about the district’s activity bus and wrestling mats can be found on page B8.