The South Barber Board of Education held their November meeting at the elementary school Monday night. They met in the classroom of teacher Tiffany Bodemann, which many commented was one of the most attractively decorated classrooms they'd seen.

In the absence of board president Steven Allen, Mark Pollock conducted the meeting. All other members attended, including Mike Miller, Deb Helfrich, Mariah Doherty, Melissa Simpson and Dooli Rugg. Superintendent Dr. Andi Williams and Board Clerk Julie Johnson also sat at the table.

The board accepted the resignation of junior high assistant volleyball coach Angelia Cunningham. Then the board approved teacher Samantha Nichols as assistant volleyball coach.

Superintendent Williams Reports

Superintendent Williams presented KASB Leadership Academy Certificates to board members Doherty, Helfrich, Simpson and herself. This is for their attendance at workshops and conferences.

The superintendent updated the board on the strategic framework regarding the school's mission, goals, outcomes and accreditation. South Barber USD255 is in the early stages (one year level) of the accreditation process. She said they must follow the five Rs (relationships, relevance, responsiveness, rigor and results) for the accreditation process.

Williams said they are aligning science and social studies materials that she said is “much cheaper and simpler than expected.”

The superintendent led the board on a tour of the elementary school. They primarily saw plumbing that is crumbling in areas and must be replaced.

The board plans to have a special board meeting to review the P1 Investment Grade Audit in mid-December, but have not yet set the date.

As planned, the board held a 30-minute executive session and another 20 minutes to conduct the superintendent's evaluation. No action followed. The board held another five-minute session to discuss a student issue with no action taken afterward.

Payment of current bills totaling $417,091.04 received board approval.

Principals Report on Student Accomplishments

Brent Shaffer, grade 7-12 principal, said SB had 37 total students on the honor roll. He congratulated the many who helped make the school's Veterans Day program successful. He also reported on the success of the drama class play last weekend.

Shaffer said they were taking students to a Career Education Day at ESSDACK Tuesday. He said their goal is to teach students about life after high school sooner.

Three high school vocalists earned membership into the SWKMEA District Honor Choir. They are Taylor Pollock, Savannah Hughbanks and Joseph Bowden. Grace Cantrell, seventh grade, made the KCDA Honor Choir.

The principal said basketball practices began Monday. The high school has 15 girls and 18 boys out for basketball. The junior high boys have eight out and the girls have 10 playing. The boys took sixth place in the Cherokee Tournament and the girls were fifth.

Shaffer again congratulated the Chieftains football team for having a 9-2 season, taking both the District and Bi-District titles.

High school volleyball ended their season as sub-state champions and fourth in the state. With a record of 36-6, Shaffer said this volleyball team's season is “the best finish in school history.”

He also commended the junior high Tornado football team that played with eight boys only all season. “I couldn't have been more proud of them,” Shaffer said and commended their coaches Fred Gillig and Berton Walz.

Regarding FFA, Shaffer said seven students attended the national convention. At the Poland Angus Livestock Judging, the A Team took third place with members Cole Coggins, Trevor Rooks and Savannah Hughbanks.

The FFA ParLaw Team was fourth and goes to Kansas State Universityfor a February competition with members Dale Hoch Spencer Kimmell, Anna Perez, Emily Rugg, Kacee Hostetler and Cody Jahay. When asked, Shaffer said the ag farm is in the process of building pens.

The FACS class with sponsor Cheryl Swartz is working on a STAR event and started a buddies program with thirdd graders.

PK -6th Principal Eric Stoddard told the board he is improving security of their building. People now sign in and out and are visitors are to enter and exit by the office. It's an effort to keep students safer.

He said administration and teachers are working to make things “positive, positive, positive!” Stoddard reported on the success of the school's Friday morning assemblies that are fun with games and rewards for someone caught doing something good.