Wamego’s USD 320 Board of Education voted to proceed with a bond issue Monday.
Superintendent Denise O’Dea went over the list of priority items approved at an earlier meeting, plus new additions of turf to the Sports Complex with an approximate cost between $750,000 and $850,000, and 1 to 1 technology additions to the district at an approximate cost of $690,000. This brings the total of needed improvements to the district to about $19 million. A motion was made to proceed with a bond issue not to exceed $20 million for the November election. According to bond counsel, the approval of this bond issue would not require an increase in the mill levy.
In other business, Board President Rob Adams read a letter of resignation from Board Member Joe Steele. Steele cited personal reasons for his resignation, which was accepted by the board by a vote of 6 to 0. This resignation prompted a resolution to fill the board vacancy after public notice, which also passed by a vote of 6 to 0.
The board also approved the addition of a girl’s golf program.
Jeff Wick of Wamego Area Youth Golf Foundation and assistant golf coach, Scott Kitch, made a pitch for the addition of a team. Currently, six girls played on the boys’ team last spring, which forced the girls to compete from the boys’ tees. Wick said there are tentatively eight girls committed to playing on a girls’ team and feels more would participate if there was one.
According to Wick, the estimated annual expenses would be about $6,000, with the WAYGF (Wamego Area Youth Golf Foundation) committed to funding the full cost of the program for the first three years. After three years, WAYGF and USD 320 would determine the future cost sharing. A motion was made to approve the presentation for the program for the 2016-17 school year. It passed 6 to 0.
The board also got an overview of the services provided to athletes. Dr. Curtis Wolfe went over Concussion Screening services provided by both himself and physical therapist Steve Land to students of the district. Wolfe went over the baseline exam that is used to determine the severity of the student athlete’s condition. Wolfe said they just want to keep our athlete’s safe. O’Dea added that the Wamego Hospital provides training programs to the district free of charge.
In other business:
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The Board approved the FFA trip to the 89th National FFA Convention in Louisville, KY on October 19th through October 22nd.
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The Board approved repairing and refinishing the West Elementary Gym floor at a cost of $11,717.75. These repairs were on hold until the water-leak problem was resolved. Operation Director Larry Hannan assured the Board the water problem has been fixed.
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The Board approved the 2016-17 Handbooks after teachers went over their changes to the handbooks. It was noted the changes were few.
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The Board recognized State track participants with their coach Rick Patton. Patton said they had 4 events qualify for State.
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The State Golf participants were recognized with their Assistant Coach Scott Kitch, and the Board recognized the National Forensics qualifier with their sponsor/coach Jennifer Topliff.
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Superintendent Denise O’Dea recognized the 2015-16 Board President Rob Adams and Vice President Joe Steele for their service with a plaque.
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Principal and soon to be Superintendent Tim Winter introduced the new Wamego High School Principal Breck Breckheisen and his family to the Board.
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Smoke Signal’s Beth Day presented Superintendent Denise O’Dea with a collage of sports ads that ran during O’Dea’s tenure, along with a ‘thanks’ for her support.
