By Tonya Merrill
Concordia Unified School District 333 Board of Education met for its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, April 14 at 5 p.m. in the school board office.
Present were President Brad Berk, Vice President Mike Cleveland, and members, Amber Lambertz, Lindsay Metcalf, Nancy Owen, John Culley and Jenny Parker.
The board began its business with a study session discussing the upcoming superintendent search and the Multi-tiered System of Supports or MTSS system.
This framework is used to target the specific needs of students who are struggling academically, behaviorally or social-emotionally while still promoting high-quality instruction for everyone.
As state assessments conclude, much discussion was had from all three principals of schools, Ashley Blain, Curtis Noon and Chad Eshbaugh, and the board of trustees on what the numbers will reflect.
The board also tackled several action items.
The board voted unanimously to accept a bid to replace tables in the Concordia Elementary School cafeteria.
The tables, which fold up and back, needed repairs. The legs were rusted and many had sharp edges on the table surfaces.
This has been difficult to achieve due to the custom fit needed because of their age and type.
The style of the tables has been an asset due to the ease with which they could be stored, freeing necessary floor space.
They are now scheduled to be replaced with tables of a similar design in the summer of 2025.
The board voted unanimously to accept a bid to pave the Concordia High School parking lot, north of the high school building.
This bid will also include additional lighting.
The board voted unanimously to accept a bid to replace the flooring in the new Hall of Fame/Holding area outside the Concordia High School library.
It will replace the flooring in the hallway and on the risers alongside the library.
Further discussion of the Hall of Fame was tabled until May.
The board also voted to accept the open enrollment requirements and the LCNCK IDEA assurances and to implement the new Driver’s Education curriculum.
In facilities, some discussion was had over the progress of recent projects.
The installation of the new audio system in the gymnasium is complete and in use.
The roof drains at the elementary school have recently been inspected and some discussion was made about the potential of lining the drains with an epoxy cloth to combat the leaks.
In Foundation updates, a highlight of an upcoming event: The Concordia High School art show opening on May 2 at the Frank Carlson Library from 5-7 p.m.
Snacks will be provided by the culinary class.
The show will run thru May 8.
The Education Fund has reached $1.1 million with contributions and competitive grants to benefit USD 333 students and staff, including a $136, 616 (1003a) grant for school improvements for 2025-2026.
The board took three executive sessions, spanning from 6:40-7:30 in totality, to discuss personnel matters.
In classified staff, the board also voted to accept the retirement dates of Kevin Muff (6/01), Mary Kay Thompson (6/01), and Margaret Timme (8/01).
They also accepted the resignations of Katherine Jones (LCNCK Speech Language Pathologist), Shannon Abram (school counselor at CJSHS), Quentin Breese (superintendent), Kansas Alexander (5th grade teacher), and Lisa McFadden (Project Search coordinator).
Additionally, they approved the hiring of Andrea Young (Assistant CJSHS Principal), Angela Peterson (5th grade teacher), Cassidy Stenson (LCNCK interrelated teacher), Mirra Flesher (2nd grade teacher), and Chrissy Henderson (7th-12th grade Language Arts teacher) and the transfer of Leah Loring to CJSHS counselor.
In certified staff, the board voted to accept the resignations of Kathryn Henderson (Para at CJSHS), Dawna West (MIS Office Manager), Kylee Riechers (Para at USD #108), Sarah Taylor (Sub Para), Cassidy Stenson (Para at CES), Zac Morris (Chess sponsor), Alison Snyder (Daycare/Para), and Angela Peterson (Title 1 Reading Para CES).
They also accepted the hiring of Melissa Sanchez (PAT Parent educator), Lisa McFadden (MIS Office Manager), Caitlyn Wurtz (Para USD #109), Celsie Stein (CAP), Jakub Brooks (CAP), Ryan Niehues (Asst. HS Boys Golf Coach), Megan Pearson (Asst. Jr HS Track) and the transfer of Kassidee Johnson (PT to FT Para USD #109) and Dyanara Quinones (CES SPED Para to CES Title Para).
The board meets every month on the second Monday at the school board office and these meetings are open to the public.
