The Eureka USD 389 Board of Education covered a full agenda at its recent meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 11, addressing the 202627 school calendar, facility improvements, personnel matters and vehicle replacement.
Board members reviewed the proposed school calendar, which remains largely the same as the current year’s schedule. The only significant adjustment reflects a shift in the Easter holiday. The calendar is slated for approval at the board’s March meeting.
The board appointed Josh Butler to the vacant Position 5 seat. It was mentioned that he was the only individual to express interest and a resident of the appropriate district. Butler will begin serving on the board at the March meeting.
Maintenance Supervisor Derek Larcom shared bids for needed concrete repairs at several district entrances, all of which are concrete and showing signs of wear. Areas of concern include the north and south entrances to the bus barn, particularly where water drainage has led to cracking. Bids were received from MMI and Ramsey Concrete. The only difference between the bids was a fifth item included by MMI for $20,800, for work located between the VoAg building. That portion of the project was not submitted by Ramsey Concrete, and adjustments were discussed to ensure a fair comparison between proposals. The bid excluding the additional repairs from MMI Asphalt was for $89,900; while the bid from Ramsey Concrete was for $68,600. The board approved the bid from Ramsey Concrete.
Discussion was also held regarding the district’s maintenance truck. The current 2017 vehicle, with approximately 22,000– 23,000 miles, has ongoing mechanical issues. It was reported that the truck shakes violently and at times becomes difficult to steer. Although repairs are estimated at $1,800, the vehicle has undergone multiple repairs without resolving the issue, raising concerns about reliability. The board approved to trade the truck in with the purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet truck from Don Hattan, Inc. for $44,948.
Administrative reports were presented by Eureka Junior/Senior High School (EJSHS) Principal Angie Lowe, EJSHS Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Joe Thornburg and Superintendent Scott Hoyt. Elementary Principal Stacy Coulter provided a written report, as she was attending a music program for Marshall Elementary students at the start of the meeting.
The board entered into several executive sessions for personnel matters, including discussions of administrative contracts with Superintendent Hoyt. Sessions also included, at times, Principal Coulter, Principal Lowe, and Assistant Principal Thornburg individually with Hoyt.
Upon returning to open session, the board voted 5-0 to extend administrative contracts as presented.
The board accepted the following resignations: Janell Castle, junior high Language Arts teacher and junior high counselor; Brad Asher, maintenance; Faith Clark, high school paraprofessional; and Madison Rayburn, fifthgrade teacher at Marshall Elementary.
The board approved the hiring of Shannon Sanders as the Edgenuity Instructor at Eureka Junior/Senior High School.
The meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
The next meeting for the Eureka USD 389 Board of Education is slated for Monday, March 9 at 6 p.m.
