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.

Approved Resolution 2027-A expressing the property taxation policy of USD 495 Ft. Larned with respect to exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for financing the annual budget for 2026-2027.

All consent agenda items were approved.

Staff additions were as follows: Constance Kautz-Johansen - Paraprofessional/TCO; Teresa Reece - Paraprofessional/TriCounty; Mylee Hammond - BYBA Team Member/LES; Gretchen Holopirek - Secretary/LHS; Shawna Wilder - Paraprofessional/TCO; Jasmine Hoffman - Paraprofessional/TCO; Alea Lothman - Paraprofessional/TCO; Patrick Meyer - Head Middle School Girls Basketball Coach/LMS

Ashley Crosby was recognized as Staff of the Month for her award she received in June as the 2026 Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Girls Middle School Coach of the Year.

Brent Hemken recognized the transportation department for its role in student safety, emphasizing that school buses are the safest form of land transportation. The department serves more than 500 square miles with 16 full-time staff members, 17 buses, and additional passenger vehicles. It operates 11 regular routes, along with morning, midday, and afternoon preschool routes. He praised the department’s high standards for vehicle cleanliness and safety, along with the teamwork between staff and administration when covering driver shortages. He expressed a need for two additional full-time drivers and one part-time driver. He also highlighted the reinforced construction of school buses and recognized Transportation Director Rich, Administrative Assistant Crystal, and in-house mechanic Jon for their important contributions to keeping students safe and transportation running smoothly.

Capital Improvement 15 year plan: Discussion was held regarding transportation equipment and vehicle needs, including route buses, activity buses, and passenger vehicles. Updates were provided regarding current equipment, future replacement needs, and coordination with transportation providers.

Additional facility and equipment needs discussed included the high school intercom system, security cameras at district facilities, and financing considerations for upcoming purchases and existing facilities. Plans were also discussed regarding the continued payoff of the athletic facility.

Approval of Budget: After reviewing and evaluating USD 495 Ft. Larned's state academic assessments and the District's building needs assessments presented, evaluated and approved at the June 8, 2026 regular meeting, the Board approved the 2026-27 Budget as presented.

LMS Gym Wall Mats: Discussion was held regarding replacement wall mats following the recent refinishing of the floor. The existing mats were noted to appear significantly worn. Mr. Deterding has contacted several vendors, and Sports Graphic was recommended for the project.

The new wall mats would extend from locker room door to locker room door for safety purposes and would require professional installation. The existing Indian head artwork would be covered, as its significance is unknown. The artwork on the new mats will be positioned in the center of the lane area, regardless of the doorway location. Four cutouts will also be included to accommodate power outlets and switches.

The USD 495 Board of Education will meet again on Monday, October 12th at 6:00 PM at the District Office.