Alva Review-Courier -

At the May meeting of the South Barber Board of Education Monday night members accepted the resignation of board president Steve Allen, effective immediately.

Board Vice-President Mark Pollock called the meeting to order as he has the last several months in the absence of Allen. Pollock is now president of the board. The board elected Bryan Quick (who was longtime president when he served on the board the first time) as vice president. Pollock volunteered to serve as South Barber’s representative on the South Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative (SCKSEC) in Pratt.

All other members attended, including Mariah Doherty, Quick, Deb Helfrich, Melissa Simpson and Mike Miller. Superintendent Dr. Andi Williams sat at the board table as did Board Clerk Julie Johnson.

During the meeting, the board met in executive session about 55 minutes to interview a candidate for the K-6 building coordinator. Elementary teacher Adam Maloney went in to meet with the board for the interview. Following another executive session at the end of the meeting, the board approved Maloney for the building coordinator position.

Maloney teaches character education at the elementary and will continue with what he has implemented there. As building coordinator Maloney does the same routine work of the day as a principal, Williams explained when asked. She said an official principal of record signs off on official documents such as: building reports, teacher evaluations and major student discipline.

Personnel Changes at South Barber

Jenny Cantrell was approved to teach family and consumer science. Williams said Cantrell is considered to be in transition to teaching and is contracted for five-eighths time or .625. She replaces Cheryl Schwartz who retires at the end of this school year. Cantrell will be academic sponsor and will eventually be the sponsor for FCCLA, quiz bowl and scholar’s bowl.

Fred Gillig resigned as assistant junior high football coach. Technology Director Luke McKinney requested the board approve high school student Noah Howerter be his assistant as summer help. His request received board approval with one no vote cast by Quick.

Elementary teacher Tiffany Bodemann was approved by the board to work this summer on MTSS Curriculum for 60 hours at $20/hour for a total of $1200.

Summer help positions were approved for high school teacher, coach and athletic director Steve Roberts; elementary secretary Mary Lynn Myers; and high school teacher and coach Tim Carey.

Although no action was taken, Williams told the board that they should consider hiring an assistant to learn the ropes from Grounds-Maintenance-Transportation Director Keith Rathgeber.

The board held a special meeting last week to further discuss their search for a new superintendent since Dr. Williams announced her resignation last month. They are working through the Kansas Association of School Boards in their search. Local focus groups are giving the board input as to what qualities the community wants in their superintendent.

Superintendent Williams Reports on Summer Food Program and More

The superintendent said the Summer Food Program will continue this year from May 29 to July 27.

The free and reduced lunch rate is at 57 percent which is up from 39 percent and 52 percent, according to Williams. South Barber USD255 has a full-time equivalent student enrollment of 249.5, which is up from 238.

Board Action, Fingertip Shorts Allowed, Calendar Approved

The fiscal year 2019 school calendar was approved as written and can be updated as needed. Some important dates include: First Day of School, Thursday, Aug. 23; Thanksgiving Break, Nov. 21-23; Christmas Break, Dec. 19 – Jan. 3; Spring Break, March 11 – 15; No School on Good Friday, April 19 or the Monday after Easter, April 22; Last Day of School, May 16.

During grades 7-12 Principal Brent Shaffer’s report, he addressed the dress code. He suggested an addition to the guideline that states, ”Shorts will be considered appropriate if the length reaches the students’ fingertips.” He suggested adding the words, “NO Nike Tempo short or track short or any brand are allowed. Shorts can only be worn first and fourth quarter (of the school year).”

Later in the meeting when discussing the proposed change to the handbook, Doherty said she disagreed. She suggested the board leave the rule at just fingertip length. The board voted unanimously to leave the rule the same. Except they added that shorts can only be worn the first and fourth quarters of the school year.

Bills totaling $366,623.84 received board approval. Johnson explained a few details about that amount: May payroll was $178,667.19; Special Ed flow-thru money was $50,258.00; KPERS flow-through money was $52,556.74.

The preschool bus has many costly repairs needed and is currently not large enough to hold all the necessary students at one time. The board directed the superintendent to explore options.

Williams updated the board on an accompanist for the music department. She said that a few years ago Donita Ragan retired. However, when a replacement was not found, Ragan returned to help the school. The superintendent said someone in the community is now interested. The position is five hours daily with no benefits.

Student Accomplishments

PK-6 Principal Eric Stoddard said students have been taking field trips and other fun activities these final days of school. He showed a few pictures of students at their track meet and at their trip to the zoo in Wichita. Stoddard said the character word this month is “honesty.”

“I’ve been really proud of our kids and teachers,” Stoddard told the board.

Principal Shaffer listed many accomplishments of students. He said that all possible candidates graduated Sunday in the class of 2018. Trae Rathgeber was valedictorian and Idallis Shaffer salutatorian.

At the State Forensics Meet, senior Joseph Bowden was a State Medalist, placing fourth in prose. Making the Top 12 were Slater Blick in extemp and Destiny Lyons in prose.

At forensics festival level competition, Joe and Nick Malone competed in IDA; Briar Bodemann, Haylie Drake and Idallis Shaffer competed in prose.

At state music contest, Joseph Bowden received a I (Superior) on his tuba solo as did Sterling Rector on her trombone solo. South Barber’s other state soloists received a II (Excellent) rating: Girls Ensemble, Joseph Bowden, vocal; Sterling Rector, vocal; and Savannah Hughbanks, vocal.

The newly crowned Miss South Barber is Karlissa Little. Haylie Drake was first runner-up. Reanna Dunlap and Kathleen Martin also competed in the pageant last Wednesday afternoon.

Regional track is Friday at South Gray.

Heart of the Plains League (HOPL) track champions from SBHS are: Cole Coggins, 100 and 200 dash, 110 and 300 hurdles; and Savannah Hughbanks, 300 Hurdles.

SBJH students who are HOPL champions are: Aydan Bryan, Shot Put; Randlyne Dunlap, 3200; Clare Pollock, 1600; Grace Cantrell, 400 and 800; Gavin Allen, Caden Rathgeber, Tony Vasquez and Nick Leone. 4X200 Relay; Autumn Drake 200 Hurdles and 800; Chase Schmidt, Nick Leone, Gavin Allen and Cadin Rathgeber, 4X400 Relay.

Grace Cantrell broke a South Barber School Record running the 800 Meter in 2:31.31.

Driver’s Education is scheduled May 21 through mid-June.