Following weeks of deliberation and a community input forum, USD 383 board members signed a resolution at Wednesday’s meeting which will end up on Governor Brownback’s desk in the coming weeks. Districts across the state have taken up pen and paper to make their voices heard as the legislature prepares once again to craft a new education funding law. Assistant superintendent Eric Reid and board member Leah Fliter were active in procuring input and crafting the final document, but Superintendent Marvin Wade expressed satisfaction at what came out of a community input forum last Thursday night at Eisenhower Middle School.
The district’s resolution is a bit unique from others for the fact it includes the request for additional funding for school districts impacted by military families. This funding would be used to provide resources for children of deployed soldiers and even children dealing with the residual impact of PTSD in their homes. Board member Leah Fliter said area agencies including K-State, Riley County, and the Flint Hills Regional Council are all backing the district’s resolution and request for extraneous military funding.
Board members also heard the results of a recent financial audit which was done to stay in compliance with state and federal laws. Varney and Associates, CPA. was the firm which performed the audit. Jill Taturn, accountant, informed board members everything came back positive.
In new business, the board awarded a bid to Central Mechanical Construction of Manhattan to install new exhaust hoods at the school’s west campus in the amount of $52,600. Board member Dave Colburn said the welding program has vastly expanded in recent years, and Reid echoed Colburn’s sentiment. The purchase of an upgraded timeclock system was also approved.
The board also heard the final citizen comment regarding the mascot situation before the Nov. 30 forum at Rezac Auditorium.
