January 10, 2024 at 6:30 PM - Monthly Meeting

Discussion:  Mr. Tharman updated the board on the vehicles, window wraps, tin work, window replacements, and roof repairs.  

Discussion:  Mr. Tharman handed out certificates of appreciation to the board members for their commitment to Northern Valley Schools. Amber had prepared a wonderful meal (beef and noodles), Monica Bach made cinnamon rolls, and the FACS students had prepared biscuits and ginger snap cookies. Thank you for all that you do to help our school grow and thrive.

Discussion:  The federal government has changed its reimbursement rate for mileage to 67 cents per mile.  The state rate will remain at 65.5 cents per mile.  The school adopted the rate of 58.5 cents per mile in July with the Consent Calendar.  We will add this topic to the June board agenda for discussion. 

Discussion:  The results from the WKLL Scholarship testing were shared with the board.  Congratulations to those who volunteered to participate as well as those that placed in the top ten. 

Discussion:  KASB provides the required annual training for negotiations.  This year the closest meeting is in Hays on February 6th.  Mr. Tharman will go ahead and schedule Hilary, Laquita, and himself for this training.  If unable to attend, there should be an online training session later in the year that will satisfy that requirement. 

Discussion:  The HS track and JH basketball are up for uniform rotations.  The HS and JH Activities Directors are currently seeking pricing and design ideas to present to the board at the February meeting.  Mr. Tharman shared the preliminary estimates with the board. 
 

Discussion:  The annual board walk-through is normally done in the early spring.  The MS spelling bee is on January 24th. Board members will text each other to come up with a date that will work for the majority of them and let Amber know. 

Discussion:  Equity Bank sent out a letter announcing the closure of their Almena branch in March.  Mr. Tharman wanted the board to consider the options: 1) continue working with Equity Bank at their Norton branch, or 2) discontinue working with Equity Bank.  We will continue to discuss this at future meetings. 

Discussion:  Mr. Tharman wanted to thank everyone who helped clear the snow from roads, parking lots, and sidewalks after this past storm. Scholars Bowl meets are scheduled throughout this month / Lots of basketball games on the calendar / Forensic meets starting up / Blood drive on Jan. 24th (contact Mrs. McKinney if interested in donating) / Students will be attending a powerlifting competition in Oakley on Jan. 27th / the refrigerator in the Almena cafeteria is now working properly. 

Discussion:  The Junior High has been discussing upcoming state assessments. Mr. Gebhard shared the upcoming 100-year celebration of the Grade School on February 15th and the Phillips County Community Foundation made a $300 donation to the Long Island School - Thank you very much! 
 

Discussion:  Christopher shared with the board that the NCKSEC is purchasing a building in Phillipsburg for the cooperative.  The current rental agreement at the Fischer building will end in about six months.