Board Brief

Board Briefs are informal reports from the regular meetings of the USD 495 Board of Education and intended as a communications service for district staff and patrons.

These are not the official minutes.

All consent agenda items were approved.

Staff of the Month: "I would like to nominate Kim Cardoza for standing outside rain or shine to greet students as they come to school at LES. She always has a smile on her face and a Hi5 ready." We are grateful to have staff who make lasting impressions on our students from the beginning of their day.

The Board approved the Negotiated Agreement for the 2026-27 school year with the following changes. The agreement includes a 2.2% increase to the salary schedule ($750 on each cell of the salary schedule), continued step and column movement for eligible staff, an increase in the unused personal leave payout from $75 to $100 per day, recognition of up to 30 minutes of weekly collaborative planning time toward required planning time, modifications to the early retirement health insurance benefit, and the addition of teacher effectiveness measures within the Reduction in Force process. These changes reflect the Board’s commitment to supporting current staff, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and ensuring our students have access to the highest quality educators possible.

Staff additions were as follows: Mattie Prescott - Assistant Volleyball/LMS (2026-27 School Year); Maci Weiser - Assistant Volleyball/LHS (2026-27 School Year); Mackenzie Talbot - Assistant Football/LHS (2026-27 School Year)

State Assessment Review: Catrina McGurk, Director of Student Learning, presented an overview of the assessment results and shared general trends from the data. Areas of strength and opportunities for growth were discussed, along with comparisons to previous results. The presentation highlighted positive outcomes across several areas while identifying priorities for continued improvement. Future plans include further analysis of the data and the use of assessment information to guide instructional decisions and support student achievement.

Student Handbooks:The Board approved the 2026–27 Student Handbooks as presented. The handbooks provide updated information for students and families regarding district expectations, procedures, and general school operations for the upcoming school year.

Student Fees 2026-27: The Board approved student fees for the 2026–27 school year. Fees will be $25 for Pre-K students, $50 for students in kindergarten through 5th grade, and $65 for students in grades 6–12. Families who qualify for free or reduced-price meals through the district's lunch program will have these fees waived.

UPS Battery & Extended Battery Replacement: The Board approved the purchase of UPS battery and extended battery replacements from K-12 ITC in the amount of $55,499.43. This item was previously approved with the expectation of E-Rate funding; however, the E-Rate timeline has been delayed. The district continues to anticipate approximately 60% reimbursement through the program, pending approval. The purchase has been moved forward to ensure timely ordering, delivery, and installation prior to August 1 in preparation for the school year. These replacements are necessary to maintain reliable power and support uninterrupted technology operations across the district.

Superintendent Wachs reported that Janet Fleske was officially inducted into the Kansas Teacher Hall of Fame, an honor celebrating her exceptional contributions and lasting impact in education. District representatives attended the induction ceremony in support of this well-deserved recognition.

Students also represented the district at the national SkillsUSA competition, where they competed alongside peers from across the country. Slade Sundahl earned 11th place in electrical wiring, Trenton Devine earned 10th place in masonry, and Mason Miller earned 1st place in roofing. Their strong performances reflect outstanding skill and professionalism in a highly competitive field. These accomplishments highlight the strength of the district’s career and technical education programs and the dedication of both students and staff.

An update was also provided regarding a recent state budget workshop, where discussions focused on statewide education funding trends, inflationary impacts, and ongoing legislative considerations related to school finance and district fund balances.

President, Jessie Pleasant, congratulated Superintendent Wachs on earning his doctorate degree. The board asked for an update on the Larned Middle School bleacher installation project. It was shared that painting has been completed, with the north and south walls sprayed to accommodate the structural beams. Regarding the Marvin Webster signature, it was noted that the district has received the signature, but has not yet received a formal proof or official documentation.

The USD 495 Board of Education will meet again on Monday, July 13th at 6:00 PM at the District Office.