The West Elk USD 282 board of education meets on the second Monday of each month. The following report was generated from the official minutes, which were approved by the board during their Aug. 18 meeting.
Vice-President Richard Fechter called the July 14 West Elk USD #282 Board of Education meeting to order at 7 p.m. Other board members presented included Bryce Gragg, Heather Mc-Clendon and Penny Swanson. Board members Doreen Koop, Tyson Wilson and President Ian Denton were absent. Others present included Superintendent Martin Burke, Special Education Director Kay Hill, 7-12 Principal Kevin Weber, Assistant Principal Chris Haag, Clerk Paula McAlister, Sheri Patteson, Daryl Livergood and Scott McClendon.
The agenda and consent agenda were approved as presented. These included the approval of the June 10 meeting minutes, bills totaling $526,451.06 and payroll in the amount of $1,475,097.37, annual various appointments, designating The Prairie Star as the school’s official newspaper and noted that selected materials will also be sent to The Eureka Herald, naming Howard State Bank as the official depository for funds, rescinding all policy actions from the previous year and adopt all current written policies, adopting board meeting dates for the 202526 school year, adopting resolutions to authorize the clerk of the board to destroy financial records (five years old) and authorizing early payment of claims, changing the mileage rate to $0.70 per mile and accepting a donation from Hope Lodge No. 155 A.F.&A.M for the weight program.
Reports were given by Haag, maintenance update; S. McClendon, weight room update; Superintendent Burke, Blue Cross Blue Shield for 2025-26; Weber, principal’s report; and Burke, superintendent report. Additional updates were given, which included the following action.
Superintendent Burke reviewed the modular bids, with Fechter moving to accept the bid from Building Trader, Mountain Home Company, in the amount of $32,500 for four modulars and ramps. H. McClendon seconded and the motion passed.
After discussion pertaining to student handbooks, the board approved an updated policy that notes students are not allowed to have any electronic devices during school hours, except school issued electronic devices and medical devices. The board also approved the 202526 Classified Handbook, 2025-26 West Elk Rules and Regulations for Pupils Riding any District Bus/ Vehicle and the 2025-26 2025-26 West Elk Employee Transportation Handbook as presented.
During his principal report, Weber presented a three-year contract for Imagine Learning – Edgenuity totaling $23,500, which was approved as presented.
Superintendent Burke shared that the interior was nearly complete at the Early Childhood Learning Center. He also noted that the furniture has been ordered and was expected to be installed in the coming
weeks. Superintendent Burke also shared fees for the 2025-26 school noting that students would receive free breakfast and lunches (students will need to pay for second chance breakfast (snack/extra milk)). He also reviewed admission prices to sporting events.
During the Director of Special Education report, Hill shared a quote from Rusty Eck Ford for a 2025 Explorer, for $45,302.99. The board approved the purchase as presented.
The board held a 20-minute executive session for non-elected personnel matters, noting negotiations and student matters as the subjects, including the board, Superintendent Burke and Principal Weber. After returning to open session, the board returned for an additional 10-minute executive session for the same reasons. Upon returning to pen session, the board approved the following employments: West Elk: Dan Chisham, High School Music and Band and Jessica McTaggert, Paraprofessional; CCC, Tucker Garton, Paraprofessional. The board also accepted the resignation of Michelle Bunyard, West Elk Kitchen.
The meeting adjourned at 9:43 p.m.
The next West Elk Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m.
