Category Archives: Government

U234 Board of Education Agenda for November 13

Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN

Superintendent

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

November 13, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.

PUBLIC AGENDA

1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President

2.0 Flag Salute

3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

4.1 Board Minutes

  1. 10/09/2023 Regular Board Meeting
  2. 10/30/2023 Special Board Meeting

4.2 Financials-Cash Flow Report

4.3 Check Register

4.4 Payroll –October 20, 2023 – $1,669,587.26

4.5 Activity Fund accounts

4.6 USD 234 Gifts

4.7 FSHS Art Club Fundraising

4.8 FSHS Extended Trip Spring Break 2025

4.9 FSHS Swimming Fundraising

4.10 FSHS Wrestling Fundraising

4.11 FSHS Baseball Fundraising

5.0 Recognitions (Information/Discussion Item)

5.1 Student Recognition

5.2 Employee Recognition

6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

6.1 Superintendent’s Report

6.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report

6.3 Special Education Director’s Report

6.4 Finance Director’s Report

 

 

7.0 Old Business

 

7.1       Enrollment of Nonresident Students Policy

7.2       Changing Method of Board of Education Method of Elections and Voting Plan (Discussion  

Only)

8.0 New Business

 

8.1       Possible purchase of Property (Discussion Item)

                         Enter Executive Session – Preliminary discussion of the acquisition of property.

 9.0 Public Forum

10.0  Other Business – Personnel Matters

10.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

10.2 Exit Executive Session

10.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

10.4. Enter Executive Session – Superintendent Evaluation

10.5 Exit Executive Session

11.0 Adjourn Meeting David Stewart, President

Agenda of the Uniontown City Council for Nov. 14

The Uniontown City Council will meet at 7 p.m. on November 14 at city hall.

 

Attachments:

11-23 Informational items

2023 Financials-October

 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of October 10, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

Motion by ____________, Second by ___________, Approved _______ to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ______.

 

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

 

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Street project –

 

Mural Grant –

 

Placemaking Project –

 

Pond Project –

 

NEW BUSINESS

Council Pay Ordinance –

 

Procurement Policy –

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on October 10

10, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Danny Taylor, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Region H Multi-Hazard, Multi-Jurisdictional Mitigation Plan – Clerk Johnson communicated with Bourbon County Emergency Management that we adopted resolution to continue in June, 2022, and sent updates to the city’s portion of the plan.  There has been no acknowledgement of the communication.  She will followup.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319-(b)(4), in order to discuss economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, the open meeting to resume at 7:20, include Sally Johnson.

 

Open meeting resumed at 7:20PM.  No action taken.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the September 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $385,053.49, Receipts $46,930.23, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $33,645.50, Checking Account Closing Balance $395,312.22. Bank Statement Balance $404,186.79, including Checking Account Interest of $82.69, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,874.57, Reconciled Balance $395,312.22.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,433.01, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,939.88, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,710.66, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $482,395.77. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $713.64, and Utility CDs $682.57 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,396.21.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of September 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  September Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; for Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Income for the month of September $10,258.73, Year-to-Date Net Income $51,760.25.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $90,189.41 (73.8%), Expenditures $84,841.97 (53.0%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $28,217.64 (76.5%), Expenditures $23,385.57 (56.8%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $109,050.40 (69.6%), Expenditures $98,075.55 (43.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $150,127.90 (100.2%), Expenditures $120,383.02 (65.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,100.03 (81.8%), Expenditures $3,713.22 (31.8%).  The October 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $35,838.69 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:

  • Minutes of September 12, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich on vacation.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that he hasn’t seen any progress yet on 404 Washington, they have until December 1 to complete exterior.  The dead tree at 505 Wall has been removed.  201 Fulton, 303 Third, 401 Sherman, 201 Franklin, 307 Washington, and 306 Washington grass/weeds were discussed.  Coyan will talk to or send letters as needed.  Clerk Johnson will get contact information for 201 Fulton and 201 Franklin for him.  There are broken limbs hanging in a tree on the easement between 406 and 408 Fulton.

 

Clerk Johnson reported on the KRWA webinar she attended regarding Lead Service Line Inventory and workshop on Alcohol Beverage Control.  She also handed out information on PFAS class action suit and Cybersecurity.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – would like council salary put on agenda next month.  Clerk Johnson is to present a draft ordinance on amount and regulations for council pay.

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

 

OLD BUSINESS

Electrical in Park – 30AMP outlets have been requested for use for food trucks not during an event.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to set the fee for use of 30AMP outlets at $15

 

Street project – contractor will be in town October 12 to visit with Rich about the project and plan to begin on October 13.  Council asked to have procurement policy on next month’s agenda to review and amended, if needed.

 

Mural Grant – we have received the second payment from grant.

 

Placemaking Project – Blue Cross Blue Shield will be sending us the grant application that has to be filled out online.  Multi-use of the court was discussed.  Specs for the project for bid request was discussed.  Johnson will draw up bid invitation, have reviewed,

and then sent out to area contractors.

 

Pond Project – signed contract has been received.  We can request bids.  They do not have to be sealed bids.  Johnson will order the weed barrier needed.  Weeds coming through current weed barrier was discussed.  Johnson will ask Don George, KDWPT, what herbicide is acceptable.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Messaging System – council reviewed the information on several different systems and will not pursue at this time.

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:39PM

2024 KS State Parks Permits/Campsite Reservations Will Go On Sale in December

Annual Permits, 2024 Campsite Reservations for Kansas State Parks Coming Soon

SHAWNEE – Whether you’ve had your eye on a waterfront cabin, are slowly working through a state park “bucket list,” or simply want to break in that new tent you got as a birthday present – there are three important dates coming up that Kansas State Park visitors won’t want to miss!

Beginning December 1, 2023, the following annual permits for Kansas State Parks will go on sale online, at state park offices and at license vendor locations:

  • Annual Vehicle Permit – $25
  • Annual Vehicle Permit (Senior/Disabled Kansas Resident) – $13.75
  • Unconventional Vehicle Permit – $52.50 (Purchase at state park offices.)
  • Annual Camping Permit – $202.50 (If purchased prior to April 1 or after September 30. $252.50 if purchased between April 1 and September 30. Discount permit, a $10/night discount on camping for the calendar year.)
  • 14-day Camping Permit – $112.50 (Discount permit, a $10/night discount on camping for up to 14 nights; nights do not have to be consecutive.)

Beginning December 8, 2023, at 12 p.m. (NOON) CST, campsite reservations for the prime season (April 1 thru October 31) will open for the following Kansas State Parks:

  • Cedar Bluff, Cheney, Kanopolis, Meade, Milford, Perry, Pomona, Prairie Dog, Sandhills, Tuttle Creek), and (Note: Tuttle Creek River Pond and Riley campground may be reserved online from April 1 thru November 30.)

Beginning December 15, 2023, at 12 p.m. (NOON) CST, campsite reservations for the prime season (April 1 thru October 31) will open for the remaining Kansas State Parks:

  • Clinton, Crawford, Cross Timbers, Eisenhower, El Dorado, Elk City, Fall River, Glen Elder, Hillsdale, Historic Lake Scott, Lovewell, and Wilson.

Parkgoers who want to have the best chances possible of being able to reserve a campsite for a desired date(s) during prime season should:

  1. Familiarize themselves with CampItKS.com or ReserveAmerica.com
  2. Ensure they have a seamless login with an existing complete profile or create a new account for customers brand new to either website.
  3. Download the CampItKS mobile app for access on-the-go
  4. And, mark down the aforementioned launch dates for permit sales and 2024 reservations.

To view a complete list of state parks in Kansas – including maps and lists of amenities – visit ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks.

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Kansas Tourism Grant Awarded to Lowell Milken Center

Lowell Milken Center Announces Attraction Development Grant from Kansas Tourism and the Kansas Department of Commerce

 

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung  Heroes received a $6,000 Attraction Development grant from Kansas Tourism! The grant will be used for new panels for unsung hero Cristine Grant, who was a national voice in the fight for gender equity in sports, and unsung hero Susan LaFleche, the first Native American doctor. The grant will also be used for a re-development of museum kiosks.

 

 

 

Kansas Tourism: The mission of the Kansas Tourism Division is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas, and to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. The vision of Kansas Tourism is a better quality of life for all Kansans through a strong travel industry and economic prosperity, ensuring all travelers feel welcome and are provided the resources to create awe-inspiring experiences.

 

 

About the Lowell Milken Center: The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) that works with students and educators within a range of diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes.

 

 

 

Made in Kansas Program Showcases Products

Commerce Announces First ‘Made in Kansas’ Participants

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced 13 manufacturers have been accepted into the department’s Made in Kansas program. Made in Kansas is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Commerce to help promote Kansas manufacturers to customers across Kansas and around the globe.

The Made in Kansas program is designed to showcase Kansas-made products and provide those companies with a verified stamp of assurance for use in promotional activities. Participation is free. To join the Made in Kansas program, a business must utilize manufacturing in the production process and meet one additional criterion:

  • More than half the components come from Kansas
  • Final assembly takes place in Kansas
  • Kansas-headquartered company includes design and/or engineering functions

“Some of the finest products in the world are made right here in Kansas, but the world might not know that yet,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This initiative highlights first-class manufacturers that contribute significantly to their local communities as well as the overall state economy.”

Commerce established the program to create a tangible means for companies to communicate that their products are made in Kansas. Certified program partner manufacturers have access to the exclusive Made in Kansas seal to feature on packaging, products and promotional materials.

“Having a Made in Kansas logo on products lets customers know they are purchasing excellence, reliability and consistency,” Program Manager Corrie Ann Campbell said. “Our manufacturers embody the Kansas work ethic, which is honed by more than 160 years of pioneering spirit and commitment to workmanship.”

The first manufacturers that have been accepted as Made in Kansas Program participants are:

Kansas manufacturers are encouraged to take advantage of the program and proudly display their entrepreneurism and ingenuity for the rest of the world to see. For more information about the Made in Kansas program and its partner companies, click here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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U. S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter

 

 

 


Capitol Tour
Brian Desch of Topeka

Melinda Desch of Topeka

Kevin Hufford of Shawnee

Margie Greenlee of Overland Park

Dennis Vogel of Overland Park

David Hornick of Leavenworth

Karen Hornick of Leavenworth

St. Francis Xavier Church
Anne Gagel of Shawnee Mission

American Association of Colleges of Nursing
Jane Carpenter of Topeka

Debbie Isaacson of Topeka

Cheryl Giefer of Pittsburg

Ken Giefer of Pittsburg

Alliance to End Hunger
Yvonne Montoya of Salina

Benedictine College
Stephen Minnis of Atchison

Kevin Vance of Atchison

Bartlett
Bill Webster of Prairie Village

Navy League of the United States
Ward Cook of Prairie Village


 

 

 

Dangerous Times Around the World
Joining Fox News
I joined Fox News to discuss America’s role in supporting Israel, our strongest ally in the Middle East, in their fight against Hamas. I stressed the importance of taking a firm stance against Iran and their proxies, who have openly attacked both our allies around the world as well as American bases in Syria and Iraq. The Biden administration needs to respond to these acts and cannot simply look on as Iran, Russia, China and other adversaries impose their authoritarian overreach. You can watch my full interview with Fox News here.

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Questioning the Secretary of State & Defense Secretary
On Tuesday, I questioned Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the President’s emergency supplemental appropriations request. I take seriously Congress’ constitutional responsibility to determine how the United States spends its resources. To that end, I will not rubber stamp the President’s request but will work with my colleagues on the Senate Committee on Appropriations to determine how to best ensure the safety and security of the American public. Ensuring those things starts with secure borders. Although Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas is expected to testify at a later hearing, I relayed to the cabinet secretaries present that I expect the administration to work with Congress on substantive policy changes to deter and mitigate the harms caused by illegal immigration.

I also relayed to Secretaries Austin and Blinken that it is in our interest that Ukraine is successful in its defense against Putin’s unjust and illegal invasion. Any other result makes the world a more dangerous place. The United States must continue to send the message that we are faithful to our partners and allies to deter not just Russia, but China, Iran, and Hamas from causing harm to the free world.

You can watch my full questions here.

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Joining CNBC’s Squawk Box
On Thursday, I joined CNBC’s Squawk Box to address the important issues currently threatening our national security. The Senate Committee on Appropriations has been tasked with creating a funding package that will address the national security crisis happening at our southern border and help to bolster our Israeli and Ukrainian allies in their time of need. This vote will be one of the most consequential votes that we as a Congress will have to address, therefore it is necessary the United States stands strong in the face of adversity. I will continue working for Kansans and the American people to defend our great nation during this challenging time. See the rest of my See the rest of my interview here.

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Breaking Ground in Leavenworth
On Monday before returning to Washington, D.C., I was in Leavenworth to announce the construction of the new Federal Correctional Institution. More than 125 years ago, the federal government broke ground on what is now the oldest facility in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Ever since then it has served as the flagship facility of the Bureau of Prisons. Generations of Kansans have served as correctional officers and staff at the facility and in doing so, have made invaluable contributions to the Department of Justice’s law enforcement mission and the public safety of our communities.

Over the past several years, I have used my role as Chairman and Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Bureau of Prisons to appropriate more than $500 million for the construction of a new Federal Correctional Institution and satellite Federal Prison Camp. This is the second-largest federal investment in Kansas history. The new facility will be built on undeveloped, federally-owned land, adjacent to the existing facility. Construction is expected to take approximately three years, with the current contract completion anticipated in May of 2026. I would like to thank the Director of the Bureau of Prisons Collette Peters, Sen. Roger Marshall, Governor Laura Kelly, Leavenworth Mayor Jermaine Wilson, and Warden Don Hudson for joining me in making this announcement.

Read more about the groundbreaking in the Kansas Reflector, here.
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Continue reading U. S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter

High Plains Water Conservation and Groundwater Management Support

Governor Kelly Announces Kansas Receiving Nearly $25 Million to Support High Plains Aquifer


TOPEKA—
Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced the Kansas Department of Agriculture is receiving nearly $25 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support water conservation and groundwater management in the High Plains Aquifer.

“Kansas farmers drive our state’s economic success, and water quality and quantity are a key part of that,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding will accelerate our work to help more producers voluntarily implement practices that ensure Kansans have access to sustainable, reliable water sources for generations to come.”

The funding comes through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as part of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The RCPP aims to reduce water use by collaborating with farmers and ranchers to implement a combination of NRCS practices including irrigation water management, cover crops, reduced tillage, and nutrient management.

“To feed the world and to operate profitably, Kansas farmers need a secure water supply for this generation and the next,” said Representative Sharice Davids. “Our producers have been working hard to use water even more efficiently, and I’m pleased that this federal investment will help further that mission. Continued success of agriculture in Kansas is critical to our state’s economy and lowering food costs — issues that are top of mind as I work with my colleagues to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill.”

The High Plains Aquifer is the largest groundwater source in Kansas and plays an important economic role as farmers rely on it for irrigation. Lying underneath western and south-central Kansas, it consists of several hydraulically connected aquifers.

“I’m thrilled that USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has awarded this grant to Kansas,” said Kansas Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam. “This five-year project, built on a collaborative effort by KDA’s Division of Conservation, the Kansas Water Office, local groundwater management districts, non-governmental conservation groups, private landowners and irrigators, and others, will help implement increased conservation and water efficient practices across the High Plains Aquifer of Kansas. I’m confident this voluntary incentive-based initiative will be a successful project.”

The RCPP aims to reduce water use by 10 percent in each of Kansas’ five Groundwater Management Districts. NRCS also announced that Ducks Unlimited will be receiving $10 million as part of the Kansas Nebraska Wetland Initiative to create, restore, and protect wetland and riparian barriers in Nebraska and Kansas. More information about both grants is available here.

Fall Resurgence of Avian Influenza

KDA Warns Poultry Owners of HPAI Resurgence Nationwide

MANHATTAN, Kansas — Fall has brought a resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) nationwide, including cases in several states that border Kansas — Missouri, Oklahoma and Colorado. Although Kansas has not confirmed a case of HPAI in a domestic/commercial flock since April 2023, the primary source of spread for this outbreak continues to be wild migratory waterfowl, so the threat of exposure to susceptible birds in Kansas is high.

Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard chicken owner to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. Find guidance on biosecurity on the KDA Division of Animal Health webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease that can infect chickens, gamebirds, turkeys, and other birds and can cause severe illness and/or sudden death in infected birds. This outbreak has seen illness and mortality in a wider scope of bird species than past outbreaks, including wild and domestic waterfowl. Attentively monitor your birds for symptoms of HPAI which include: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and other signs of respiratory distress; lack of energy and appetite; decreased water consumption; decreased egg production and/or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; incoordination; and diarrhea. Avian influenza can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing other symptoms.

If these symptoms are observed in your birds, immediately contact your veterinarian. If you don’t have a regular veterinarian, contact KDA’s Division of Animal Health office toll-free at 833-765-2006.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections do not present an immediate public health concern. Birds and eggs from the infected flock will not enter the food system. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.

As part of existing avian influenza response plans, federal and state partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in areas around the affected flocks. The United States has the strongest avian influenza surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations and live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.

For more information about HPAI, including current status of the confirmed cases in other states as well as more information about biosecurity for your flock, go to KDA’s avian influenza webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza or call KDA at 833-765-2006.

Uniontown School Bond Proposals: Compiled Through Facilities Audit and Community Feedback

Uniontown High School.
Early voting in Bourbon County has started on whether Uniontown’s school district will get new safety upgrades and expanded opportunities for students.
“The USD 235 bond issue prioritizes projects that were identified as the greatest needs through a 2021 facilities audit and through community feedback via 2022 survey work that went to all patrons,” USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden said.  “These items constitute safety upgrades and the expansion of educational opportunities for students.”
Vance Eden, superintendent for USD 235. Photo from the school district’s website.
Information about each specific component of the projects can be found on the website, uniontown235.org, under the label Bond Info, he said.
The two-question format on the ballot for a vote,  “is responsive to the feedback we received regarding priorities and tax implications,” he said.
“In this format, Proposition 1 would need to pass for Proposition 2 to have the potential to pass,” he said.”
The tax implications can be found on the district’s website, he said. “Additionally, I’m happy to sit down with any patron who has a prior year’s tax bill and help them figure that out even more precisely,” Eden said.  “The projects proposed do not represent all of the ideas and needs of the district, we have been extremely mindful to prioritize those most important and meaningful projects as parts of the bond.”
The list of those projects are below:
  • “New WBE Preschool- This would include programs for 3-year-old and 4-year-old students.  This would also be a storm shelter all West Bourbon Elementary students and staff could use if needed.
  • Student Support Offices-  We would add offices on both sides of the street for the (student support) providers who are working with students.  
  • WBE Entrance- The aluminum doors are original to the building and are at the end of their life.  This would also address some ADA compliance issues with the entrance.
  • Music Room-  We would move around a couple of classes and make a music room that better fits the needs acoustically.  This would also allow us to better address/ provide special education services in the prior music room.
  • Junior High, and High School Fire Alarm- A new fire alarm would include smoke detection and automatic calling of emergency services when triggered.  Our current system does not do this.
  • HS Multipurpose Room- We would add a multi-purpose room at the HS that will also serve as the storm shelter for JH/HS students and staff. This will be a valuable space for all kinds of needs, including a room for wrestling practice.
  • New Agriculture Classroom, Metals Shop, and Construction Trades Shop-  This building is at the end of its life and needs replacement for Ag and Metals to continue to be a part of our programming.  We would also take the opportunity to add a construction trades program to this building to increase student programs.

6th Grade- 6th grade students would move across the street to become a part of the JH.  This was the most efficient use of space and programming.  It will increase opportunities for these students while creating the needed space at WBE to address their needs there without having to add on with additional new construction.”

‘The proposed USD 235 Bond Issue qualifies for State-Aide,” according to the district’s Facebook page on Nov.1. “If our bond is approved, the State will pay for 32% of the overall cost. If approved, the district will also apply for FEMA funding related to the storm shelters. If awarded, it would cover 50% of the cost of those storm shelters at WBE and UJH/HS.”

Other District Improvements, Not on the Bond Issue-The Community Walking Trail

Eden also provided an update on the walking trail around the school that is used by the community as well.

“The walking trail is currently with the architect to ensure ADA compliance and the project specifications,” he said.
“The layout will largely remain the same.  There will be some ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) adjustments as well as considerations for better drainage in those locations where it is needed.  The trail itself will be concrete construction at a width of 5 feet.”
“It is funded through a Recreational Trail Program Grant with the Department of Wildlife and Parks,” he said.  Through this grant, they will pay 80% of the cost and the district will be responsible for the remaining 20%.  That said, our 20% can be in-kind donations, which will be our preference.
Schultz Squared Architecture is doing this project for the district, he said.  “They are the architect doing our pre-bond work and already had the planning materials needed to fulfill this quickly and efficiently.”