Rooks Retirement Recognition fills South Barber Central Office with well-wishers

• Breezeway and new concession stand projects close to starting

Monday night you could hardly find a parking place in the general vicinity of the South Barber USD #255 building on Main Street in Kiowa, Kansas. It was time for the April Board of Education meeting. All elementary teachers and staff, in addition to other well-wishers, packed inside the building to show their respect and love for their colleague Connie Rooks. After 33 years she is retiring as the kindergarten teacher.

Superintendent Dr. Mylo Miller had called Rooks in to give her special recognition before the school year ends. Miller said, "We're here to recognize a fantastic educator." He praised Rooks for running her 33-year career with "integrity and dedication."

"I'm most impressed that she is still so passionate about her job. She loves the kids. Even after all these years she comes to work like it's her first day," he said.

Standing at the front of the room seeing all her friends and hearing Miller's kind words, Rooks couldn't help shedding some tears. The superintendent's voice quivered some when he told Rooks, "I am so honored both of my daughters got to have you as their teacher."

Miller said to her, "I'm proud of your accomplishments and I'm proud of all our educators' and students' accomplishments." Miller presented her with a gift; everyone applauded Rooks several times and enjoyed a slice of cake.

All members attended the meeting called to order by President Mark Pollock, including Bryan Quick, Jarrod Inman, Brett Mott, Mike Miller, Karen Watts and Emily Lohmann. Dr. Miller and Board Clerk Alyssa Gonzales also sat at the table.

New Concession Stand/Restroom

Enclosed Walkway Between Buildings at Jr/SrHigh School

Miller gave a PowerPoint presentation with drawings, details, prices and more regarding building a new concession stand/restroom building at the football. The new one is 12 feet compared to the existing one at eight feet.

There was a dramatic difference in cost between the two bids received. Miller gave those quotes: Fisher Construction of Enid for $145,000; and Seaton Construction of Wichita for $380,000.

"Those prices were for near identical buildings," Miller said. The building will have ADA-accessible restrooms and a canopy area in front where people can eat and watch the game.

The board tabled the item because Miller wants to first check some details with Fisher. He expects the board to approve Fisher and the concession stand project at the May meeting. The money to fund the project comes from capital outlay.

Primarily for safety reasons, the board plans to construct an enclosed walkway between the main school building at the junior/senior high and the FFA building. Miller said he's received numerous bids but the best is from Fisher Welding for $74,948.25.

The walkway will be made of metal and steel. It will have two double doors on the north and south end. "In the times we live in, we need to have our No. 1 goal to keep our people safe," Miller said.

The electrical transformer in that courtyard area is still a consideration. Miller said he's in touch with Kiowa's new city administrator, Ty Piper, to settle the matter. Miller expects the transformer will be moved a little north out of the courtyard and put on a pad so it's safer. The board tabled the matter until the electrical side is resolved.

Circle Trust Scholarships, English Teacher Hired and More SB Business

Miller confirmed the Scott and Ruby Circle Charitable Trust awarded $145,000 in scholarships to South Barber students this spring. The Trust gave 10 scholarships in the amount of $14,500. There are 16 students in the senior class. Miller said at least two or three of those scholarships were awarded to recent South Barber graduates who are still continuing their education. He explained the trust had opened the application process to those recent graduates.

Miller said, "I don't know of anywhere that has an opportunity like that. It's remarkable," and again thanked Circle Trust. Miller said the trust selects the scholarship recipients and the school has no input. He did say it appears the biggest factor they consider is community involvement and service.

The board approved Gabrielle Simpson of Kiowa as the secondary English teacher, the forensics coach, and for the Plays supplemental for the 2024-25 school year.

The resignation of Nicole Trear from the third-grade teaching position, effective at the end of her 2023-24 contract, was board approved. They complimented her for being an excellent teacher and hated to see her leave. She reportedly resigned because she's moving with her husband who took a job elsewhere.

After discussion of the South Barber 7th-12th Parent and Student Handbook to include the Qualified Admissions Kansas Requirements update, the board approved it.

New high school co-cheer sponsors are Shawna Schupbach and Jessica Swonger, who received board approval.

Principals Update on Students and Events

Grade 7-12 Principal Steve Neal spoke to the senior class, who attended the board meeting. "This is one of the finest classes I've ever worked with. They are the leaders of the school. Anything we need, all we have to do is ask."

Neal reported on the success of their AVID program that prepares students for lifetime careers. The first year has completed successfully. He listed Year 2 of their strategic plan. Around eight teachers will attend the AVID summer training in Dallas.

While there's a whirlwind of activities happening at the end of school, some activities are the April 20 Prom; the Friday, April 26, junior/senior high band and vocal concert; and the May 5 commencement.

Elementary Principal Kaynette Scheck said she's excited about a new kindergarten and career program to help the little ones think about what they want to be when they grow up.

Some important dates for the elementary are the Monday, April 22, fifth and sixth grades' musical and band concert; the May 2 talent show; and the May 3 elementary track meet.

 

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