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 additions were as follows: KJ Cecil - Assistant Custodian/LHS; Kelly Whitten - Paraprofessional/TriCounty; Heather Archuletta - Paraprofessional/TriCounty

Larned Middle School gym update: Dr. Wachs shared pictures with the Board of the project and stated that it would be complete in the next week. He also discussed the development of an after-event cleaning protocol. Mr. Pfortmiller will conduct an inspection beneath the bleachers following each event and will be the designated individual with access to the bleacher remote. The bleachers will remain extended until the area beneath them has been inspected and confirmed clean, at which time they may be returned to the stored position.

FY 2027 Budget: Dr. Wachs provided the Board with an overview of the proposed 2026-27 budget prior to publication. The presentation included a review of the district’s overall financial position, including bond debt and the outstanding principal balances associated with the district’s bonds. Dr. Wachs also reviewed key budget considerations and expenditures as the district prepares for the upcoming fiscal year. The Board discussed the information presented and the budget process moving forward.

Strategic Dashboard: Dr. Wachs shared the website with the Board outlining the format and key components of the Strategic Dashboard. The Dashboard will provide an overview of strategic priorities and progress toward established goals, allowing the Board to monitor key areas and track progress over time. Dr. Wachs noted that the Strategic Dashboard is expected to go live within the next one to two weeks.

Baseball/Softball Cooperative Agreement: Roni reported on discussions with the Larned coaches regarding the cooperative athletic agreements. Softball would like to continue the agreement, while baseball would like to continue for one year with an option to reassess. The Board discussed the agreements, including enrollment projections, classification requirements, and the benefits and concerns of continuing the cooperative programs.

Following discussion, the Board approved the softball and baseball agreements, with language added to allow for reassessment of the baseball agreement and the option to opt out after one year.

LES Playground Equipment: Donations were received from the Pawnee County Cooperative and several families toward the purchase of playground equipment for Larned Elementary. The equipment will be purchased through the Greenbush Consortium. Mulch installation will be coordinated with the company. The Board expressed its sincere appreciation to the sponsors and families for their generous support of the project.

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 - LES 9:00 am

Tuesday, November 24, 2026 - LMS 9:00 am

Tuesday, January 26, 2027 - LHS 9:00 am

Tuesday, April 27, 2027 - District Office 9:00 am

Dr. Wachs provided updates and reminders regarding the upcoming return of staff and the district’s convocation. Retired teachers were invited to attend the convocation, and Board members were encouraged to extend the invitation to retired educators they know. Dr. Wachs noted that retired teachers could be a valuable resource to the district and suggested developing a database of retired educators who may be willing to assist with district activities or initiatives.

Dr. Wachs also provided an update on the league, noting that Garden Plain has been added, bringing the league membership to 11 schools. An update was provided on the recent Housing Task Force meeting, which included a presentation from a modular home builder from the Wichita area. Dr. Wachs noted that modular construction may be a viable option for developing starter homes in the community.

Administration also met with the Sheriff’s Department to discuss back-to-school safety, including the School Resource Officer (SRO) and the schedule for upcoming safety meetings.

The Board discussed several miscellaneous items, including assistance with hot dog serving at the Tailgate with the Tribe. An update was provided regarding Enterprise, noting that increased insurance costs and continued price increases made the potential savings minimal, resulting in the district deciding not to move forward. Jessie reported receiving questions regarding the increased gym rental rates. The Board discussed whether additional information or a notice explaining the reason for the rate changes should be provided. After discussion, the Board decided not to add additional language or explanation at this time.

The USD 495 Board of Education will meet again on Monday, September 14th at 6:00 PM at the District Office.