June 14, 2021

Board Digest

June 14, 2021

 

Following each board of education meeting, the Director of Communications recaps the board meeting in the Board Digest. To view the full agenda, click here.

Superintendent Remarks

Dr. Noble reflected on the district's work in the last year, the work happening in the present, and setting the school community's sights on the work that needs to happen in the future.

While recapping the district's response to a global pandemic, the move in and out of learning environments, working together as we reopened schools, and other challenges in the last year, Dr. Noble also talked about the excitement of moving towards a more normal learning environment for our students and families. He discussed the new addition of a virtual school option, new curricula in the areas of English language arts and math and ensuring each of our students is equipped with the best teachers, technology, and instructional materials available as we work towards our mission. "It will take all of us, our students, staff, families, community and board of education to pull together and make the best decisions possible and provide the best education possible for each and every one of our students," said Noble. 

Dr. Noble
Dr. Steve Noble
Superintendent

President Remarks

Fred Patton
Board President James Adams recognized fellow Board Member Fred Patton for his 18 years on the USD 345 Board of Education. Representative Patton (also serving in the Kansas Legislature) recently announced his intent to retire from the USD 345 Board of Education, effective June 30, 2021, the end of the district’s fiscal year. "The time necessary to be an effective board member and an effective legislator have significantly increased over the past few years," stated Patton in his letter to Mr. Adams. "Doing both at the level I expect, and that the community deserves, is no longer feasible."

"Fred is our longest serving member of the board, serving since 2003, and has been involved with countless initiatives, committees, and leadership positions," said Mr. Adams. Representative Patton has served as USD 345 Board President a total of six times including President of the Kansas Association of School Boards from 2010 to 2012.

Mr. Adams acknowledged how Representative Patton's dedication, service and putting kids first has helped cement USD 345 as a premier destination for families to raise their children. "Fred has been a tremendous mentor, friend, model community advocate and leader," said Adams. "I wish him, his wife Kim, and their family well in their new found time together."  

James Adams
James Adams
USD 345 Board President

Board of Education Consent Agenda

The consent agenda contains items packaged into one agenda item. They are often routine and garner very little discussion. A full list of consent items can be found by visiting the BoardDocs website. 

Namesake Advisory Committee Report

Namesake Advisory Committee

Members of the District Namesake Committee Olivia Oliva (Class of 2022) and Stephanie Konrade (Class of 1983) presented on the committee's recent June 3 and June 4 meeting in collaboration with the Kansas Leadership Center to first discuss the underlying issues around the decision the USD 345 Board of Education will be making regarding the district's namesake. The committee answered the following questions. 

What does the namesake question represent to every perspective in the community? 
What are the pros and cons of either decision?
What is the committee's end goal?

Ms. Oliva stated that the committee recognizes the aspects that must be included in the process, including: safe communication among the members of the committee and community, transparency to the public, consensus among committee members in a fair process, and hearing all community perspectives and voices. The committee decided its purpose is to develop a healthy process for recognizing the effect of every decision.

Ms. Konrade discussed the subgroups formed from the committee and their focus. One subgroup will focus on the research of the district's history, more on the 1920s. "We want to know as much about the history of our area as we can find out to help us lay a foundation for developing a plan for both directions to share with you," said Konrade. Other subgroups will focus on a survey and gathering social stories by providing a platform for people to share their experiences as Seaman graduates. 

Once the subgroups complete their work, the committee will develop a plan to present the information to the board along with the positives and negatives for either decision. The board of education will make the decision on changing or keeping the district name. 

Click here for updates on the district namesake process.

Discussion Items 

  • Teaching and Learning Report
  • D.A.R.E. Report
  • Special Services Report
  • Facilities Report
  • Business and Finance Report
  • Student-Parent Handbook Presentations
  • Classified Handbook
  • Soccer Donation Report

    • Curriculum Adoption
    Action Items (approved)

    • Bids: Purchase of copier paper through Greenbush Purchasing Cooperative for $32,926.72
    • Curriculum Adoption
    • Special Board of Education Meeting on Monday June 28, 2021 at 12:00 PM at Seaman Education Center to approve end-of-year transfers and any other approved agenda items
    • SMS Program Planning Guide revision to change PLTW Computer Science from required to elective for the 2021-22 school year.

    Next 345 Board of Education Meeting

    The next regularly scheduled board meeting will take place on July 12. It is scheduled to start at 6:00 pm. The Seaman USD #345 Board of Education will plan to meet at the Seaman Education Center, 901 NW Lyman Rd.

    Board of Education Agenda

    To review previous board of education agendas, click here.

    How Can I Watch a Previous Board of Education Meeting?

    The video from the meeting will be available by the Tuesday at noon following the meeting. The video can be viewed by clicking here.

     

    Seaman School District USD #345
    901 NW Lyman Rd | Topeka, KS 66608