October 14, 2019

Board Digest

October 14, 2019

 

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.


#LearningWithoutLimits

Discovery Award
Seaman High School students Teagan Loy and Trent Powell were recognized for their Unsung Hero documentary award from the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. The students created a documentary on William D. Matthews. 

William D. Matthews helped African Americans escape the injustice of slavery through the Underground Railroad and was the first African American officer in the Civil War. William D. Matthews was discovered as an unsung hero by students of 2015 and 2014 Kansas Lowell Milken Center Fellows Nathan McAllister and Susan Sittenauer. At Seaman High School in Topeka, KS, students Taegan Loy and Trent Powell created a documentary for the Discovery Award and won the $2,000 Outstanding High School Project award.

Click here to learn more and view the documentary


President's Remarks

Fred Patton asked Director of Business Bob Horton to review the current budget and negotiations. Following this presentation, four students and one teacher spoke during public comment. The board then directed questions to Bob Horton. 


Board of Education Consent Agenda

The consent agenda contains items packaged into one agenda item. They are often routine and garner very little discussion.

The consent agenda items were:

A. Minutes
B. Resignation/Retirements/Terminations
C. Classified Contracts
D. Licensed Contracts
E. Supplemental Contracts
F. Credit Card
G. Grants and Donations
H. Financial Items and Claims
I. District Disposal
J. Approval of Consent Agenda


Teaching & Learning Report

Mathes Early Learning Center has a focus group studying the topics of full-day programming and transportation needs. This group will report back to the MELC Site Council with recommendations. 

Our state is offering the PreACT 8/9, free of charge, to all freshmen. This test will be administered on October 23, 2019, during the school day. The preACT provides an early practice experience for the ACT test. This is a great opportunity for freshmen who are planning to go to college or remain undecided. It also provides an early indicator of college and career readiness that helps educators, students, and parents identify areas of academic strength and opportunity.

To view the entire teaching and learning report, click here.


Kansas Communities That Care (KCTC) Survey Results
This anonymous survey is given to 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students statewide. The survey tracks teen use of harmful substances such as alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. In addition, the survey provides a baseline for teen participation in, perception of, and attitudes toward both prosocial and antisocial behavior at the peer, school, family and community levels. It provides a measurable level of risk and protective factors that influence behavior, attitudes, and opinions of Kansas teens.

Click here to view some of the results. 

Vaping Prevention Committee
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, vapes, or vape pens) have become a new trend among children and teens and Seaman School District is working towards prevention. The district has partnered with local agencies, teachers, staff, parents, and students to form a vaping prevention committee. Local agencies include Shawnee Regional Prevention and Recovery Services (PARS), Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), Shawnee County, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS), and medical personnel.

The committee will host a community conversation on November 12 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Seaman High School. All parents and students are invited to attend this important discussion centered around the potential dangers of vaping, misconceptions about e-cigarettes, and how we can all help our kids and community prevent vaping.

Click here to view the community conversation agenda.


Special Services Report

Dedra Raines reviewed professional development in the special service department. To view the entire special services report, click here.


Facilities Report

The board reviewed facilities and grounds in the district. To view photos of the work highlighted in the report, click here.


Action Items

The board accepted the bid from Century Business Technologies for $82,881 per year for five years for Savin products (copier services).

The board approved Change Order #1 from Meridian Roofing for the Elmont Roofing Project that reduces the total contract amount from $180,782 to $174,718.


Next 345 Board of Education Meeting

The next regularly scheduled board meeting will take place on November 11. It is scheduled to start at 6:00 pm. The Seaman USD #345 Board of Education will meet at the Seaman Education Center, 901 NW Lyman Rd, in the Ann Minihan Board Room.


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