The USD 417 Board of Education met Monday evening, May 11, at the District Office in Council Grove for its regular monthly meeting, which included recognition of state qualifiers and champions, discussion of district finances and enrollment trends, instructional data reports, childcare concerns and the appointment of a new board member.
Board President Terry Powell called the meeting to order. The board approved the consent agenda, including minutes from the April 13 and April 27 meetings, financial reports and bills totaling $691,076.80, donations and gifts, and disposal of district equipment.
The meeting opened with a Student Spotlight recognizing numerous students and programs for state-level accomplishments. Recognized groups included the Bravettes dance team, which won the Kansas State High School Activities Association Game Day Dance Championship; the cheer squad, which finished as Game Day Cheer runner-up; the boys powerlifting team for its state championship; music students receiving superior ratings; and the forensics team for top placements at the state meet. Board member Travis Schweger noted the high level of competition at the 3A State Fo-rensics Tournament at Maize, where nearly 400 competitors participated.
The board also recognized “Every Day Difference Maker” recipients Laural Marshall, Prairie Heights Elementary special education teacher; Blake Mayer, CGJSHS English teacher; and Carol Wright, CGES secretary.
During his report, Superintendent Tyson Eslinger described a “perfect storm” of financial pressures, including declining enrollment, rising special education costs, uncertainty surrounding state funding formulas and limited new funding. He said the district projects approximately a 30 percent increase in special education assessments next year, or about $250,000, pushing the district’s transfer from the general fund into special education above $1 million. Despite increases in base state aid, the district is also projected to receive approximately negative $15,000 in new funding because of enrollment trends.
Eslinger said administrators are working to reduce approximately $500,000 from next year’s budget through staffing adjustments, attrition and operational efficiencies. Proposed changes include reducing pre-kindergarten sections from two to one, reducing administrative staffing and evaluating instructional programs and resources.
Council Grove Elementary Vice Principal and Early Childhood Coordinator Tasha Green presented the annual report from the district’s Early Childhood Task Force. Green said the reorganized task force has focused on childcare needs, partnerships and improving affordability and quality of early childhood services. She noted Council Grove currently has only two in-home daycare providers in addition to the community childcare center, creating a significant childcare shortage.
Director of Teaching and Learning Valerie Gehrer presented year-end classroom walkthrough data compiled through more than 625 administrative observations across district buildings. Administrators discussed student engagement, classroom collaboration and instructional feedback trends, along with future professional development efforts.
The board also reviewed Strategic Plan metrics tied to staff recruitment, retention and facilities. Eslinger discussed staff climate surveys, salary competitiveness, deferred maintenance and long-term capital planning.
Board members discussed whether to resume charging paid students for breakfast meals. Eslinger said the district currently absorbs approximately $32,000 annually by continuing to offer free breakfasts to paid students. Under the proposal discussed, paid students would be charged $2.10 per breakfast while reduced-price students would pay 30 cents. No action was taken. TinaRae Scott discussed balancing financial realities with food insecurity concerns.
The board discussed national qualifying trip funding and a proposed increase in after-school program fees from $3 to $5 per day because the program currently operates at an approximate $16,000 deficit.
During action items, the board interviewed Aleece Priest and Jessica Rohloff for the District 2 Board of Education seat vacated by Dan Fox. The board later appointed Rohloff to complete the term.
ATS Facility Services proposed custodial services for USD 417. The board approved the $9,448 per month option, which provides 16 hours of custodial service daily and includes a dedicated manager. The pricing includes labor, benefits, payroll, taxes, insurance and supervision.
The board also approved district transportation for wrestling camps, allowing the boys team to attend a camp at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Missouri, and the girls team to attend a camp at the University of Nebraska.
Board members held extended discussion regarding a proposal from Jeremy Niederwerder of Switchgrass Construction Advisors concerning future facility and capital planning services. Eslinger explained Phase One included a “not to exceed” amount of $35,000 for capital planning work, while a second phase estimated at approximately $40,000 would focus on community engagement and long-range facility discussions. Board members requested a more itemized breakdown of anticipated hourly work and services before moving forward.
During the monthly policy review, the board approved policies BA Goals and Objectives, BBBB New Member Orientation, BBBF Reimbursement for Expenses, BBC Board Committees and DH Bonded Employees. The DH Bonded Employees policy received a slight wording modification before approval.
The board approved a three-year contract for the schools’ PLP online and blended learning platform at a cost of $30,690. Administrators said the program can be utilized for kindergarten through 12th grade students and is expected to save the district approximately $8,400 annually while replacing the current Edgenuity platform.
The board also considered a Coryell proposal for a lease-purchase roof replacement plan for the 1918 CGJSHS building, CGES and the District Office. Powell recused himself from the vote. The proposal for a 10-year lease-purchase plan financed through Farmers & Drovers Bank at approximately 6% interest for $1,479,096.39 failed on a 3-2 vote. James Blue, Kelsey Hartman and Travis Schweger voted against the proposal, while TinaRae Scott and Patty Talley voted in favor. Dissenting members said they wanted the district to investigate more attractive financing options. Government Capital also submitted a quote but did not provide all required information for the request for proposal.
The board approved a TCT VoIP phone system proposal with a hardware cost of $15,977 and a $1,000 setup fee, for a total upfront cost of $17,627. The district will also pay a monthly recurring fee of approximately $1,239. Administrators said the current phone system is outdated and increasingly difficult to service, while the new VoIP system would provide improved flexibility and easier classroom transfers.
Additional action items included approval of monthly policy reviews, transportation matters, employment recommendations and resignations. Approved employment items included Benjamin Jarchow as junior high social studies teacher, Ashley Rivers as a CGES classroom teacher, Alicia Kelley as Head JH Volleyball Coach, Samantha Sharp as high school chemistry teacher, Kymbr Simmons as junior-senior high vocal and band instructor, Chanell Ross – JH Assistant Volleyball Coach, Daniel Most – Student Technology Aid (Summer 2026), Jacy True – Substitute teacher and Desint Barnett – Substitute Teacher. The board also accepted several resignations, including Paisli Butler as head JH Volleyball Coach, Nola Miller – CGJSHS Business Teacher, FBLA Sponsor, Assistant High School Girls Golf Coach and Assistant Junior High Girls Basketball Coach, effective at the conclusion of the 25-26 school year, Rinda Stecher – CGES Nurse, effective at the conclusion of the 25-26 school year and Joel Young – CGES Counselor, effective at the conclusion of the 25-26 year, along with the retirement of Kandie Daniels – CGJSHS Food service, and transfer of Derron Reddick to CGJSHS Business Teacher.
Following executive sessions for personnel and negotiations, board members shared “Good News” comments. Schweger praised the district’s state forensics competitors, Scott recognized students earning high Pre-ACT distinctions and Aleah Weaver’s top 1% Kansas ranking, James Blue thanked administrators and staff for handling difficult operational challenges, Patty Talley praised teachers recognized through the Master Teacher program, and Powell commended staff for preparing board presentations and reports. Board members also complimented the district’s new meeting format.
Before adjournment, the board scheduled a special meeting for June 4 at Council Grove High School to review district survey information and continue discussions regarding district planning efforts.
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