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.

Kindergarten students from Larned Elementary School started the meeting off by leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you to the Kindergarten teachers for joining your students!

All consent agenda items were approved.

Board Member Highlight: Jessie Pleasant, Board President, provided a board member highlight on her recent “Pizza with the President” event at Larned High School. She shared feedback gathered from students through a survey that included several questions regarding their experience and perspectives on their time while at LHS.

Staff of the Month: "I would like to nominate Ted Van Horn to be a recipient of the Orange Spot Award. Recently, while subbing in the Wood shop, Ted spent time building Shawn's confidence on how to safely use a cordless drill. Initially, Shawn learned how to install and remove the battery pack. Later, Ted worked with Shawn on how to operate the drill. Shawn can now use the drill, independently, with supervision. Thank you, Mr. VanHorn, for your encouragement to Shawn, and for instructing him!"

What most may not know is that Mr. Van Horn is not a full-time employee at USD 495. He is a reliable and long standing substitute, mostly subbing at Larned High School. On average in a 20 day work month, he subs 15 days. We truly appreciate Ted's loyalty to the district.

Student/Staff Presentation: Amie Nelson, district Nurse and CNA class instructor introduced her current CNA class. She highlighted the benefits of the program for students, including hands on learning opportunities and clinical experiences This program is through Barton County Community College. Bella Garcia, student of the current class attended the meeting and gave her perspective of the class. This is the second year LHS has hosted a CNA class through Barton, 4 students last year and 6 students this year.

Staff additions were as follows: Jessica Dearinger - Teacher/LMS (2026-27 School Year); Shelly Duvall - Teacher/LES (2026-27 School Year); Shelly Duvall - Head Volleyball/LHS (2026-27 School Year); Shelly Duvall - Asst. Track/LHS (2026-27 School Year); Alina Thiele - School Counselor/LMS (2026-27 School Year)

Legislative Update: Superintendent Wachs shared an update with board members about the end of the legislative session and highlighted several other bills of importance. A budget was approved that includes per-student funding, along with some changes to programs and how funds will be used. Board members discussed general budget highlights and noted that funding adjustments may change in the future. Special education funding was also reviewed, including current estimates and how they compare to expected levels.

Cell Phone Ban Legislation: Superintendent Wachs shared information with board members regarding new state legislation recently passed relating to student cell phone use during the school day. This ban will take effect in the 26-27 school year. He also referenced related statutory guidance and materials provided by KASB. Mr. Wachs met with the LHS Student Advisory Council and initial feedback from that meeting was shared. It was noted that additional review and discussion will be needed as the district considers implementation. General considerations related to logistics and compliance were briefly discussed. Board members were asked to review the provided information in advance of an upcoming work session and bring any questions for further discussion. Administration will also review the guidance internally. The topic will be revisited at the work session scheduled for April 22 at 9:00 a.m. at LMS.

Chromebooks 2026-2027: Mr. Wachs provided an update regarding anticipated Chromebook needs for the district for the upcoming year. It was noted that pricing has increased since the previous purchase cycle. Increases in software and technology-related costs are being experienced more broadly across the industry. Quotes have been requested from multiple vendors, and the technology department is actively reviewing options to ensure the most cost-effective approach. This includes consideration of device configurations, protective cases, and related accessories. Vendor proposals will be considered, noting differences in warranties, service models, and support procedures. It was also noted that increases in software and technology-related costs are being experienced more broadly across the industry. Further discussion will take place once additional pricing information is received.

Non Resident Capacity Limit: The board approved the 26-27 Non Resident Capacity Limit.

Middle School Gym Floor: The district sent out bids for the project and received one response. The bid from Patterson Construction in the amount of $43,152.50 was presented and approved. The scope of work includes sanding and painting the gym floor, replacing the base around the floor, installing new volleyball standards, and reorienting the volleyball courts north and south to allow viewing from both sides of the gym. The project coincides with the installation of new bleachers. Work is scheduled to begin after the end of the school year, with coordination planned around removal and installation of the new bleachers.

Community Center MOU Addendum: The board approved the addendums presented in regards to the Larned Community Center Memorandum of Understanding.

Visible Learning: Year 3 of Visible Learning was approved by the Board of Education.

The USD 495 Board of Education will meet again on Monday, May 11 at 6:00 PM at the District Office.