By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
A lengthy work session Monday evening for Hays USD 489 board members ended earlier than planned due to adverse winter weather conditions.
After hearing three hours of overviews from several program directors, the decision was made to table school board committee updates.
District staff then decided to implement a two-hour start delay for USD 489 classes the next morning because of the weather.
Superintendent Ron Wilson started the work session with updates of the remodel progress at Roosevelt Elementary School and the construction of the new Hays High School. Wilson said the timelines for both projects have been slightly accelerated.
Wilson also reviewed the five-year capital outlay plan.
Russ Henningsen, district transportation director, showed the district's vehicle inventory and replacement schedule.
There are no plans for purchase of more vehicles this fiscal year. In 2024-2025, the five-year transportation plan calls for purchase of one car and one Suburban, along with an activity bus.
Scott Summers, technology director, presented an overview of the district's computer technology, including back-up systems.
"Technology. You've got to have it," Summers said, noting that many program processes used by staff, teachers and students are transitioning to be web-based.
Considerable discussion centered on the gaps in special education funding from the state of Kansas and the federal government during a presentation by Kyle Carlin, West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative special education director.
Russell USD 407 will join the cooperative in July, which currently includes Hays, Ellis, Victoria and La Crosse. Russell students will make up 15.5% of the cooperative's full-time equivalent students.
Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services gave a district audit review update.
"There's no change in our tax levy but we are generating more in the general fund," Hipp said.
At the April meeting, school board members will be asked to approve an upcoming republished budget and budget hearing "giving us the authority to spend what we generate," he said.
A 10-minute executive session was held towards the end of the work session to discuss employer-employee negotiations. No action was taken.
Ken Brooks, board president, was absent from the meeting.