The West Elk USD 282 board of education (BOE) meets monthly on the second Monday of the month. The following report was generated from the unofficial minutes of the Aug. 10 meeting, which are subject to board approval.
At 7 p.m., President Denton called the meeting to order by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Other board members present included: Vice President Richard Fechter, Bryce Gragg, Heather McClendon, Penny Swanson, Tyson Wilson and Mindy Wiseman. Others present included Superintendent Martin Burke, Director of Special Education Kay Hill, Principal Kevin Weber, Assistant Principal Chris Haag, Lillian Triboulet, Ava Denton, Heather Kelly, Brandon Knight, Kandace Metcalf, Haylee Knight, Sarah Mason, Jerrad Pope, Christy Tyler, James Herron, Juana Kelley, Whitney Mast, Janet Harrington, Cody Mast and Daryl Livergood.
The council approved the agenda as presented.
No public comments were shared.
The council approved the consent agenda, including the July 13 meeting minutes, bills/payroll/treasurer’s report (bills: $481,022.39, payroll:$ 240,344.40).
The maintenance update was given by Haag.
Superintendent Burke discussed the 2026-27 budget, with the board approving the notice for publication.
Superintendent Burke also presented the new Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas rates as follows: Employee Only $716.85; Employee +Children $1,436.99; Employee +Spouse $1,539.41; Employee+ Family $2,252.25. The board approved the rates as presented.
Superintendent Burke also presented information regarding the hiring of a School Resource Officer and the potential application/ creation of a campus police department. He explained that the creation of a campus police department would require Board approval, while the BOE has the authority to hire a campus security guard at any time. Burke discussed the potential benefits of establishing a campus police department, including the anticipated duties and responsibilities of campus police officers and gave a broad example of what the SRO’s potential working agreement would be.
The board approved to apply for a campus police department and list a job posting for a school security officer.
The board reviewed current procedural practices regarding ammunition found on school property. Superintendent Burke discussed the possibility of adding an anonymous reporting portal. It was noted that the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) already provides an anonymous reporting resource and that the district currently has an anonymous bullying reporting portal available. Burke asked the Board to provide direction regarding how administration should proceed if ammunition is found on school property.
The board issued the following guidance to the district operations if live or spent ammunition is found on school property: Proceed as if there is a firearm on school property; Bring local law enforcement to campus for all ammunition related events or incidents; Initiate a campus lock down for all ammunition related events or incidents until an appropriate risk assessment has been completed and the campus has been determined to be safe by local law enforcement; Communicate all ammunition related events or incidents to parents via school messaging system during the onset and conclusion of such events.
Until formally adopted to the Crisis Plan, the district should operate under the directive established.
Principal Weber provided his report, noting that the district has 13 new junior high/high school students this year, and about 9-10 new elementary students this year.
Director of Special Education Hill and Superintendent Burke also gave their reports. The board held three executive sessions, totaling 70 minutes, for personnel matters (a subject wasn’t provided), with Superintendent Burke. The board extended the session for an additional 15 minutes.
After retuning to open session, the board approved the Fall 2026-27 supplemental list as presented. The board also approved the following resignations: Sara Tucker, junior high scholar’s bowl; and Sarah Leewright and Jeff Crosby, CCC paraprofessionals and Debra Greer, EV paraprofessional and Daisie Shumaker, WE paraprofessional. The board approved the following employments: Phoebe Bush and Della Lind, WE paraprofessionals; Haylie Felts, Lanee Shipley and Stacy Hopkins, CCC paraprofessionals; Hannah Wyrick, EV paraprofessional; Autumn Wunderlich, SpEd secretary; Lori Zimmerman, D.O. Secretary.
The meeting adjourned at 9:29 p.m.
The next monthly meeting for the West Elk USD 282 board of education is Monday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m.
