Topics discussed during USD 379’s monthly Board meeting on April 14th included: Teammates Program, financials, grant requests, Bond issue, principal reports, KASB membership, new courses, and more.
Linda Sleichter led a moment of silence for a CCCHS Student Teacher who unexpectedly passed away earlier in the month.
Lisa Last gave an update on the Teammates Program. As of April, there is a total of 70 Teammate matches across the district. There are currently 20 mentees ready to be matched, with 18 mentors still needed. Last reported that mentees showed a 46% improvement in academics, 92% had fewer disciplinary referrals, and 92% had fewer unexcused absences.
A Board request for writing a Patterson Family Grant for the High School Career and Technical Education program was presented. The grant would help fund expansion of the program to include bringing industry partners in to help support teachers and the community in high-demand professions, focusing specifically on construction, architecture, and agriculture. The grant would be written for 3 to 5 years of support.
District principal monthly Board reports were presented, which included attendance updates, cellphone policy updates, and more.
The Board reviewed the Kansas Association of School Board’s membership fees for 2025-2026. They also reviewed an assurance document from TLEC in reference to the IDEA grant.
Brett Nelson, Superintendent, presented the KSDE audit summary for fiscal year 2025. The summary gave a breakdown of grades and total enrollment summaries for the district. The summary showed a headcount of 1,235 students for the 2024-25 school year and a weighted enrollment of 1,836.4 students. Nelson also went over summer work to be completed, including new flooring, painting, and other needs still pending Board approval. CCCHS and WHS graduations are scheduled for May 10th.
Anita Breen reported that TLEC is currently working to determine the needs for each building for next year.
Jaclyn Pfizenmaier presented a report on a glimpse of next year’s District Action Plan. She also stated that State Assessments are currently in progress for grades 3 through 11. Grant updates were presented, with two grants being submitted. She also reported that an Expect Success Celebration will be held on May 14th in the Martyn Snodgrass Auditorium.
Superintendent Nelson gave an overview of the draft Capital Outlay/Bond plan. A special meeting will be held on May 5th for Bond planning.
Motions were carried on the approvals of Capital Outlay bids for various projects in the district. Motions included a bid for CCCHS Auditorium work, bathroom upgrades at CCCHS and Wakefield, and an addition of a Wakefield seclusion room, all passing. Motions were also made for the purchase of new technology and the addition of five new courses for next year, both passing.
The Board made a motion to replace American Fidelity with Benefits Direct for insurance needs for the district, passing. They also approved fundraiser requests for the next school year.
Superintendent Nelson presented the non-resident student enrollment capacity numbers for next year. The chart reviewed 2025-26 enrollment projections and the number of open seats available to non-resident students per grade. A move to approve the capacity numbers was presented, passing.
The Board reviewed the student handbooks of all buildings for next year. They will be presented for approval during the May Board meeting. The meeting finished with the approval of employment, resignation, and retirement of staff. Board minutes can be found on USD 379’s district page
