Small Town News

School Board Adopts Facilities Use Policy

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Meeting in regular session Monday night of this week, members of the USD 300 Board of Education met and further discussed a request for the private use of the school facilities.

Board President Dave Brass said the question before the board was, "Should a policy be developed on the matter, since the use of school building would be in direct competition 'with the use of the community building in each of the three cities in the county?"

Pres. Brass also said he felt the cost set for the use of the school facilities should be higher than that charged by the community centers in order not to compete with those city-owned facilities for rental usage -- if such a policy was adopted by the board. He noted that the rental fee for the Wilmore Community Center is currently $50 per day.

He added that he did not have a problem with letting community service events such as the Lions Club and Masons' holiday dinners at the school -- at no charge.

After quite a bit of discussion the board voted to set a $100 rental fee per calendar day for use of the building, with an additional $25 for the use of the kitchen, and a $250 deposit check, including the possibility of a waiver of the fees for community service organizations.

Superintendent Mike Baldwin said that the steady decline in state funding had already made many districts in the state adopt such a policy.

In other business, the board:

--Approved payment of monthly bills in the amount of $240,410.45, in addition to the monthly payroll of $195,563.11.

--Heard from Clark Cronin and Sarah Beeley of the Comanche County Fair Board, who explained to the school board members that the fair board is planning to build a new multi-purpose building at the Comanche County Fairgrounds -- adjacent to the South Central High School parking lot.

Cronin and Mrs. Beeley asked that the board consider possible uses the school district might have for a multi-purpose building.

That, they explained, would give the fair board a better chance in getting tax credits approved to help cover the construction cost of the new building.

--Heard and watched a presentation by high school mathematics teacher Sandra Baldwin on "Pi Day" to be recognized nationally March 14 (3-14 match pi itself at 3.14), though it will be observed here on March 11 because March 14 falls on a Sunday this year. She said that the day's activities in her math classes are intended to raise awareness of pi and its significance in the world.

--Read a proposed equipment replacement policy, with a good bit of discussion centering on repair or replacement of computer equipment by a student or teacher.

--Approved resignations from industrial arts teacher Arlan Clark and high school English teacher and forensics coach Heather Fuller.

--Approved offering a contract to Rebecca Johnson as the kindergarten through eighth grade music teacher for next school year.

--Approved the resignation of Staci Sherer as elementary/middle school secretary and cheerleader sponsor, effective the end of this school year. Elementary/Middle School Principal Matt Jellison said that Miss Sherer planned to continue her education.

--Heard a report from SCES/MS Principal Jellison about the recent spelling bee and other recent and upcoming school events.

--Heard Supt. Baldwin report on the selection process for blinds for the elementary school windows.

--Heard the SCHS results at the recent league music festival.

--Heard the superintendent report on a Kansas-Missouri Superintendent's Forum he will be attending the last part of this week.

--Heard the superintendent report on plans to replace the scoreboards at the high school football field and in the high school gymnasium.

--Met in executive session to discuss personnel and teacher contract negotiations, taking no further action prior to adjournment.



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© 2010 The Western Star Coldwater, Kansas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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