At its October 13 meeting, the Eureka USD 389 Board of Education approved a request for out-of-state travel to Indianapolis, Ind., where local FFA students will compete in the National Meats Judging Contest, as well as attend the annual FFA Convention, later this month.
FFA Trip Approved
Eureka Junior/Senior High School (EJSHS) students Levi Jones, Sydney Lindamood, Hannah Perrier, Addison Westerman, Miley Baumgartel, Lylly Stapleford, Rylee Wamsher and Hunter Olsen will attend the National FFA Convention and Expo from Oct. 29–Nov. 1. Team members Cody Johnson and Corinne Nelson, along with Perrier and Westerman, will also represent the school in the meats judging contest.
The board approved the trip request, which includes district transportation and a $400 contribution per national competitor. The team also requested assistance covering meal costs. Funding for the trip has largely been raised through Blue and Gold sales, with an additional $1,000 donation from Babson secured to support travel expenses.
The motion passed unanimously, 5-0, with board members Bruce Smith and Brandon Hall absent. FFA Advisor Trint Peine and Alan Johnson (an additional sponsor) will accompany the students.
Facility Improvement Discussions Begin Superintendent Scott Hoyt and Maintenance Director Derek Larcom introduced early plans for a paving project to improve parking lots and roads across several district facilities, including Marshall Elementary and Eureka Junior/ Senior High School.
The proposed project would cover approximately 3,000 feet of roadway, including the east parking lot, circle drive, Vo-Ag lane, and the approach area near the TAC building.
Larcom shared that he contacted various contractors and had a meeting planned for last week to review the specifications with them. Larcom noted the project is in the planning stage, with the goal of identifying priority areas and determining whether full overlay or sealcoating is needed.
Hoyt stated that capital outlay funds are available for a larger-scale project. He added that recent storm damage, while unfortunate, resulted in insurance payouts that allowed the district to preserve its capital outlay budget for future needs.
Lighthouse Team Presentation
The board recognized students Eastson Zeckser, Brystle Osbourn, and Max Morris, who are serving on the Student Lighthouse Team.
Administrative Updates During administrative updates, EJSHS Prinicpal Angie Lowe shared that freshman Madalyn Langer had qualified for the 3-21A State Golf Tournament.
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She also shared recent athlete scores/finishes, noting that teams are gearing up for post season action. The Kansas High School Activity Association recently shared football districts for the next two years, which noted that Eureka would be moving to Class 1A in football, following the reclassification.
Marshall Elementary Principal Stacy Coulter shared that kindergarten students recently visited the pumpkin patch, and many updates have been posted to the district website and Facebook page. Parent-teacher conference sign-ups have gone out, and grade-level teaching teams are meeting regularly in the mornings.
Principal Lowe also reported on a successful Community Service Day held in mid-September. The “Adulting 101” Day will expand to five sessions this year for grades 9–12. A games afternoon was also planned for grades 7–12, last Wednesday.
The board took time to recognize district principals for their ongoing work and leadership, as October is National Principals Month.
Personnel Actions
The board accepted the resignations of Glenn Bechtel (assistant wrestling coach) and Laura Neill (junior high assistant basketball and track coach). They then approved the following employments: Lyndsey Escareno as junior high and high school assistant wrestling coach, and Cadence Ptacek for junior high assistant basketball and junior high track coach.
The meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m.
The Eureka USD Board of Education meets monthly on the second Monday of the month, at 6 p.m. Their next meeting is slated for Monday, Nov. 10, at 6 p.m.
