ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
The USD 480 school board will have a full agenda to work through at its final regular meeting of 2024 Monday evening. Monday’s meeting will be in Room C107 of the Liberal High School East Campus.
Up first will be discussion of the use of PLC Institute.
“This year, we have focused on developing administrators’ instructional lens while providing specific feedback in bite-sized, actionable steps through observation feedback,” the agenda information noted. “The next step is to focus on data-driven instruction. District leadership would like to propose taking all building administrator teams to the PLC Institute in Tulsa, Okla. May 28 through May 30. The leave request form with estimated cost is attached for review and discussion.”
The board will then hear information about the hiring of a human resources director and signing and retirement incentives before also hearing a request for the approval of Payment Application No. 3 for the LHS Auditorium rainscreen project.
The board will also be discussing the district’s weed control services.
“USD 480 solicited bids for bare ground weed control services to be provided throughout the district, areas to be included are: fence lines, parking lot and side walk cracks, gravel lots, non grass playground areas, etc.,” the agenda information noted. “One bid was received from Pro-Tech Spraying Services out of Montezuma in the amount of $24,473.85 for bare ground services and $1,605.00 for sticker control and fertilizer at Bright Start, for a total bid of $26,078.85. This is a $246.49 increase for bare ground services from last year and no change for Bright Start Early Learning Center. Staff is recommending the board approve the bid from Pro-Tech Spraying Services, in the amount of $26,473.85.”
Also needing repairs is the LHS gym roof.
“Southwest Roofing has provided two repair options for existing ware on the LHS main gym. The first option is to repair the NW corner of the gym roof only, for $10,000,” the agenda information noted. “The second option is to remove and replace the mod bit roofing materials along the entire gym parapet walls, extend the mod bit roofing up and over the parapet and install a new cap over the mod bit and parapet. This will also include new flashing for roof drains and scuppers. The quoted price for the more extensive work is $42,702. Staff is recommending the board approve the quote from Southwest Roofing in the amount $42,702.00 for repairs to the gym roof at LHS main campus.”
The board will also be asked to approve the 2024-25 middle school FOCUS handbook and conduct the first reading of the Facilities Dog Handbook.
Also on the agenda will be discussion of KESA goals.
“The KESA process has transitioned to KESA 2.0. A presentation will be shared with the Board of Education for informational purposes, which will include the KESA goals approved by the BOE, the new superintendent goals, and a draft outlining the integration of both sets of goals,” the agenda information noted. “The board is requested to review, discuss, provide feedback, and approve the goals, and staff is recommending the board approve the new KESA 2.0 goals as presented.”
The board will also be asked to approve new courses for LHS as well as their codes, and will also be hearing a proposal to add an approval step to the supplemental salary approval flow chart.
Also up for discussion will be a staffing agreement with Hirefox LLC.
“USD 480 is looking to partner with Hirefox LLC to recruit certified teachers from the Philippines to teach in Liberal,” the agenda information noted. “Responsibilities of Hirefox include completing an extensive background check, ensuring candidates that are interviewed meet the qualifications of being a Kansas teacher, and help complete the legality requirements of bringing teachers over to the United States to work in Liberal. At this time, we have asked Hirefox to begin the recruitment of 20 teachers in the areas of math, science, ELA, Special Education, and elementary education. The cost to bring these twenty teachers to USD 480 is dependent on the path taken and described in the attachment. Once in Liberal, those staff members will follow the teacher salary schedule for USD 480. Staff is recommending the board approve the hiring agreement with Hirefox LLC for the recruiting of certified staff teachers from the Philippines to work for USD 480, pending final review from legal counsel.”
To conclude the meeting, the board will hear an update on streaming equipment for future meetings.
