After a 10-minute executive session regarding personnel, for the subject of classified employee performance/ contract history and salary placements, with Superintendent Shay Demlow and Clerk Tammi Burtin, the Eureka USD 389 Board of Education approved restructuring the classified personnel group and pay scale during its routine monthly meeting on Monday, Aug. 10.
Superintendent Demlow proposed the structural change to two groups: Group 1, general support services (paras, aides, cafeteria staff, secretaries and custodial team); and Group 2, specialized, technical and operational group (bus drivers, maintenance, mechanic and LPNs). Superintendent Demlow stated that she would like to see the changes to address the local market and be comparable with surrounding districts. She shared that $11.66 is the current base pay; with the state average being $14.69. The two surrounding districts currently start at $15/ hour. The board approved the structural change and increased the base hourly rate of Group 1 to $15/hour. The board also approved allowing Superintendent Demlow to adjust salaries of the current Group 1 employees to align with the new base pay.
On Monday, Aug. 3, Marshall Elementary (ME) custodial staff found a water leak that damaged tile in the west wing of the facility. It was noted that standing water was found and was due to a leak that formed in a water fountain line sometime over the weekend. Restoration and flooring crews are diligently working to complete needed repairs this week, in time for open house on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
Maintenance/Transportation Director Derek Larcom and Devin Metzinger, with MMI, provided an update regarding the recent asphalt work completed at the facility.
Larcom then provided an overview of work completed at the facilities throughout the summer. This included carpet and tile installation at ME; window tint being installed on the ME office windows on the east side; HVAC system being upgraded in the wood shop (installed in 1983); installing shot clocks, required by the Kansas High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) for 2A this year; aerating the football field with verti-quake; and MMI installing pathways to the greenhouse and gazebo on the southwest side of ME.
Both facilities reported successful enrollments and are looking forward to hosting an open house on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 6-7 p.m. The Eureka USD 389 Board of Education members will once again be serving a free meal from 6-7:30 p.m. in the EJSHS commons area. The first day of school is slated for Thursday, Aug. 20.
A copy of the district’s proposed 2026-27 budget can be found on page 8 of this week’s edition. The board will host its budget hearing on Monday, Sept. 14, at 5:50 p.m. , which will be followed by its routine monthly meeting at 6 p.m.
The board approved a resignation from Phoebe Bush, ME paraprofessional and the approved the following employments: Nikki Smith, Peggy Vance and Trista Myers, food service; and Austyn Olson, ME paraprofessional.
Administrative reports were given by Marshall Elementary Principal Stacy Coulter, Eureka Junior Senior High School (EJSHS) Principal Angie Lowe, EJSHS Assistant Principal/ Athletic Director Joe Thornburg and Superintendent Demlow.
Vice President Brandon Hall ran the meeting, as President Brian Mongeau was unable to attend the monthly meeting.
