Before Monday night’s Ellsworth Kanopolis-Geneseo USD 327 Board of Education meeting, board members toured the bus barn and central storage for a firsthand look at some of the improvements.

“It’s a huge improvement from where we were,” Superintendent Deena Hilbig told board members.

Insulation and new lighting was added throughout the bus barn.

“I’ve seen a huge difference temperaturewise,” Transportation Director PJ Weinhold said.

Weinhold said he is exploring the option to procure a used oil burning stove for the space.

“If they drove in the snow, it allows me to potentially rinse the vehicle off,” he said. “Plus, it could help melt the snow.”

He is still exploring options and gathering information.

The group also visited the central storage building.

“We couldn’t even tell what we have because there was so much in here,” Hilbig said.

Board President Cynthia Edgerle discussed the shelves filled with trophies.

“I would love to sort by year and then when there is a class reunion, offer them for sale,” she said.

Weinhold said the district has a Purple Wave account and the company could come sort, photograph and list the excess items for sale.

Prior to the regular board meeting, a special hearing was conducted to discuss the proposed JBCC policy. The policy pertains to students from out-of-district who wish to attend school at an attendance center in USD 327.

Hilbig said the board must adopt a policy before Jan. 1. Additionally, the board must determine and publish classroom capacity by May 1, 2024. Applications for non-resident students will be available by June 1, 2024.

“These dates are driven by the legislature. We will not be able to modify them,” Hilbig said.

Board member Ashley Bohl said she has received questions about capacity, especially if a family moves into the district once the classroom capacity is reached. “You’re in because you’re in-district,” she said.

If the number of applications exceeds the classroom capacity, the district will select students via a lottery. Once selected, students will not have to go through the lottery process the second year, but are subject to criteria to maintain enrollment in the district.

The board unanimously approved the policy during the regular meeting.

In other action:

• The board recognized candidates for teacher of year: Jill Naasz, fifth grade and Amy Johnson, high school math.

It also recognized the Kansas Horizon Teacher Nominee Jenna Zamrzla, fourth grade.

• The board approved travel for seven FFA students to attend the national conference in Indianapolis Oct. 31-Nov. 4.

• Discussed meal service with Aaron Romero of OPAA!.

There will be an advisory meeting with OPAA! at 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 7 at Ellsworth Jr./ Sr. High School to gather feedback from students, staff and parents.

• In addition to the above policy about outof- district students, the board unanimously approved six additional policies. They include in-district students, closing of school buildings, drug-free workplace, military leave, reduction of teaching staff and complaints.

• Discussed the Kansas Association of School Board’s Legislative Update. Edgerle and Hilbig traveled to Hays Sept. 26.

“The need is special education funding,” Hilbig said. “We are having to supplement from our general dollars to fund special education. We need them to fund special education so we have those dollars within our district. “

• Discussed the Legislative Luncheon Nov. 9 in Salina.

• Discussed the Kansas Association of School Boards Convention Nov. 10-12 in Wichita. One new aspect of this year’s convention is the district showcase feature.

“They sought districts to volunteer different showcases,” Hilbig said. “Karl Dawn (Stover) completed a showcase for our FFA program. It was a competitive process and our FFA was chosen. They will represent us Friday.”

• Following a 15-minute executive session, the board hired Kirsten Meier as tech assistant and Barbara Lee as classified accompanist.

• The board held a 55-minute executive session for the superintendent’s evaluation.

• The next board meeting is 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6. Prior to the meeting, the board will tour Ellsworth Elementary School at 6:15 p.m.