November 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM - November Regular Meeting

Public Content:  I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Public Content:  In order that the board may focus the majority of its time upon those items which deal with the educational endeavors of the school district and/or policy level decisions, but with recognition of its legal requirement to be
responsible for those aspects of governance and management required by statute and regulation, the board will consider the approval of a number of routine items listed on the consent agenda with a consolidated motion. Board members have the opportunity to review these items prior to each meeting and specific questions can be answered at that time. Any board member who wishes to discuss one of the items on the consent agenda may request it be scheduled as a discussion item and it will be discussed during its regularly scheduled time on the agenda.

Public Content:  Minutes are submitted for any special, linkage or regular meeting that has taken place since the last regular meeting

Public Content:  Minutes are submitted for any special, linkage or regular meeting that has taken place since the last regular meeting.

Public Content:  Minutes are submitted for any special, linkage or regular meeting that has taken place since the last regular meeting.

Public Content: 

NEW HIRE/CONTRACT RENEWALS
NAME	ASSIGNMENT	BUILDING	EFFECTIVE DATE	STATUS
Christiansen, Dystiny	MHIT Behavioral Health Liaison	BHS	11/9/2026	New
Crutchfield, Abigail	Long-Term Substitute	BMS	12/16/2026	New
Cutts, Kylie	Aide	BELC	8/10/2026	New
Hockett, Jewell	Bus Driver	Bus Barn	11/9/2026	New
Smith, Kayla	243 Paraprofessional	Lebo ES	11/2/2026	New
Wright, Chandler	244 Paraprofessional	BES	11/4/2026	New
TRANSFERS
NAME	ASSIGNMENT	BUILDING	EFFECTIVE DATE	STATUS
Hudson, John	Full-Time to Substitute Bus Driver	Bus Barn	10/19/2026	Transfer
RESIGNATIONS
NAME	ASSIGNMENT	BUILDING	EFFECTIVE DATE	STATUS
Harrison, Cierra	Head Coach - Volleyball	BHS	End of 2026/2027 Season	Resignation
TERMINATIONS/NON-RENEWALS
NAME	ASSIGNMENT	BUILDING	EFFECTIVE DATE	STATUS
BOE APPROVED and WITHDRAWAL
NAME	ASSIGNMENT	BUILDING	EFFECTIVE DATE	STATUS

Public Content: 

DONATIONS
DONOR	AMOUNT/ITEM	DESIGNATION
Alpha Roofing	$                             240.00	BMS Student Athlete of the Month
MT Networks	$                         4,454.00	10/23/2026 Admission for All Attendees at the Football Game

Public Content:  The Board of Education wishes to be responsive to the community and welcomes patrons at all meetings.  Requests to speak may be made when the board president asks if any visitors have items to bring to the attention of the board. Speakers are asked to limit their remarks to five (5) minutes or less and groups with the same special interest may be asked to appoint a spokesperson. 

Public Content: 
 

Public Content:  FFA students sponsored by Ms. Carden will demonstrate parliamentary procedures for the Board of Education.

Public Content:  A "Thank You" note was received from the Birk Family for the donation in memory of Gary Birk (Jarrid Herr's Father) to the Coffey County Cancer Support Group in Gary's name.

Public Content:  Items of note this month:

National Education Week Celebration
Kansas Star Recognition Program
KASB annual convention attendance

Public Content:  The board’s annual calendar specifies this report occur at the November meeting.
Each year the Kansas State Department of Education produces a "Report Card" for each building based upon state assessment and other demographic data collected during the prior year.  Click on the link below to view the 2026-2027 Report Cards:

https://ksreportcard.ksde.gov/assessment_results.aspx?org_no=D0244&rptType=2

The principals will be making a formal presentation on their building data during results reports in the upcoming months.

Public Content:  Board members may share information at this time.

Public Content:  The purpose of this report is to provide a brief review as of October 31 of the current capital expenditure budget. The Capital Outlay review identifies current budgeted needs as well as long-term considerations not included in the budget at this time.
The attached pages are the first report concerning the status of the Capital Outlay Fund for 2026-27. The report reflects the fund as of October 31 and projects uncommitted and unencumbered funds through the end of the current fiscal year.

Since this is the initial report and occurs early in the fiscal year, the board is asked to realize that other circumstances could arise that may modify the expenditures projected through the end of the year. Future reports will become more accurate as the year progresses.

Any input the board wishes to provide will help the administration develop plans that are consistent with the board’s desire. Board members are encouraged to review these items and identify questions to guide further presentations if additional information is requested.

CAPITAL OUTLAY FUND
Capital Outlay — The board is aware that the cash reserves we have had in the Capital Outlay Fund have been expended for a variety of capital improvement projects. The actual ending balance on June 30 was $3,837,700.90. While the board might look at the above amount and question the need to levy additional funds given that balance, board members are asked to recognize that the list of capital projects more than exceeds the balance. The first half of the 2026-27 tax collection will be received in January and the second half in June of next year. Because we don’t realize the revenue in the fund until midway and, at the end of the current year, we try to have at least a year’s worth of revenue in the fund as carryover. 

For 2026–27, the majority of the funds will go towards the repairs of the physical plant/grounds, equipment, and technology. This year we will be doing flooring projects at BHS and BMS, replacing HVAC recycle pumps at BMS, replacing boilers in the BMS gym, replacing custodial equipment as needed in all buildings, completing concrete projects throughout the district, replacing district food service equipment, insulating garage doors at the Bus Barn, and paying the fourth installment of the lease-purchase agreement for field turf at the Wildcat Athletic Complex.  You have done a terrific job of preparing for five years out with your directors and administrators. I feel very confident in our long-range plan to maintain facilities.  We will continue to make sure we have the technology needed for teachers to teach and students to learn.

Over the last 10 years, the district has become focused on conserving energy because utility costs continue to increase. Therefore, we have invested in replacing windows, doors, light fixtures, roofs, etc. that will make our facilities more energy efficient. The majority of these types of projects have been paying for themselves. They have also created a better learning environment for our students. In light of the increased utility bills and/or peaks, we have been seeking out proposals to accelerate this plan.

There continue to be facility needs throughout the district.  While the question of what to do with BES after the failed bond issue is still present, we need to continue to make improvements to district facilities as funds will allow.  
 

Public Content: 

Tara Glades, Special Education Director for the Coffey County Special Education Cooperative (CCSEC), submitted training videos for the Board’s review at the October 12, 2026, BOE meeting. She requests that the Board consider approving them for use in CCSEC staff training.

Public Content:  Results policy R-1 deals with the board’s expectations of students concerning academic skills.  The indicators for measuring progress toward meeting this end are noted in colored font.  This policy and indicators state:

Academic Skills  R-1
All students will demonstrate a strong foundation in academic skills by working toward excellence in:

• Mathematics (KS Assessments, MAP Math total and subtests, ACT trends in Math, advanced math enrollment)
• Reading  (KS Assessments, MAP Reading total and subtests, ACT trends in Reading)
• Writing  (KS Writing Assessment, MAP Language Arts total and subtests, ACT trends in English)
• Science (KS Assessments, advanced science enrollment)
• Social Studies (KS Assessments)
• Communication Skills (KS Assessment, MAP Language Arts total and subtests)

To ensure academic success of our students, students must take responsibility for their own learning, evaluate personal progress toward learning goals, effectively solve problems, and apply academic knowledge to practical situations.

The administrative team will present information to the board concerning our current status in the above area.  Their presentation will include results from the state assessments of reading, writing and communication achievement and the ACT test at BHS.

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Chris Varvel joined USD 244 in the 1996-1997 school year and will complete 31 years of teaching at the conclusion of the 2026-2027 school year. He has devoted his entire teaching career to Burlington, serving students and the district. He has shared his time, talents, and commitment with Burlington students in the classroom and through athletics. We are grateful for his years of service and the lasting impact he has made on the community and the students he has taught and coached.

 

Public Content:  Dirk Over joined USD 244 at the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year and will complete 30 years of teaching at the conclusion of the 2026-2027 school year. Of those years, 20 have been dedicated to serving Burlington students as both a teacher and coach. We appreciate his dedication and many contributions to our schools and community.

Public Content:  The Board is asked to consider accepting the resignation of Susie Becker, effective December 21, 2026. If approved, the Board may assess liquidated damages for late resignation in the amount of $5,000, in accordance with the 2026-2027 Negotiated Agreement.

The Board of Education may consider waiving this penalty upon receipt of a written letter from the employee outlining the circumstances related to the late resignation. The decision to waive the late resignation fee rests solely with the Board.

Public Content:  What portions of the meeting were especially meaningful to the board?

What portions could benefit from change or modification in the future to allow the board to retain its focus on board's results?