January 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM - USD 417 BOE Regular Meeting

Call to Order 6:00 P.M.

Board Members Oath of Office 6:01 P.M

Additions/Approval of Agenda 6:06 P.M.

Appoint Member to the At-Large Board of Education Position 6:08 P.M.

Newly Appointed Board Member Oath of Office 6:23 P.M.

Open Forum: The board appreciates patrons taking the time to talk to us about our policies and procedures. We set aside every meeting this time to hear from the public. Your comments should be directed toward board policies or the procedures our administrators establish to carry out those policies. This is not an appropriate time or place for patrons to make comments of a personal nature about any district employee or student or try to sell a product or service. Persons interested in doing business with the district must make an appointment with the appropriate administrator. Persons making comments that violate the privacy rights of district employees will be asked to terminate their remarks. If a patron or parent is concerned about one or more employees, the board will refer that person to the appropriate administrator or superintendent. If the board refers your concern to an administrator for investigation, the board will follow up at a future meeting, and you can expect the superintendent or another district employee to make arrangements to meet with you at the appropriate time. Thanks again for taking the time to discuss district business with the board. 6:26 P.M.

CGES Student Spotlight 6:29 P.M.

A. Presentation by Mrs. Colleen Booker's 6th Grade Students - VFW Patriot's Pen Essays

B. Presentation by Mrs. Alicia Kelley's 3rd Grade Students - Social Studies Quest Project

Every Day Difference Maker 6:44 P.M.

Consent Agenda 6:47 P.M.

A. Approve Minutes of Previous Meetings - December 8, 2025

B. Financial Reports/Pay Bills in the amount of $194,162.60

C. Donations and Gifts

D. Adopt KASB Recommended Policy Changes December 2025: BCBK Executive Session (revised), BG Membership (revised), IHF Graduation Requirements (revised), IKB Controversial Issues (revised), IKCA Human Sexuality Education (revised) (Title change), IKCA Human Sexuality Education - FORM (revised) (Title change), IKD Religion in Curricular or School Sponsored Activities (revised), IKDA Activity Participation Opt-Out Form (revised), IKDA Religious Objections to Activities (revised), JBCC Enrollment of Nonresident Students (revised), JCAC Interrogation and Investigation (revised), JDDC Bullying Plan - FORM, JQI Adult Students (revised), KM Visitors to the School (revised)  
 

E. ESU Dual Credit Cooperative Agreement

Director Reports: Any further additions will be reported at this time. 6:49 P.M.

Director of Facilities/Grounds - Tom VanValkenburg

Director of Transportation - Matt Weaver

Director of Health Services - Dana Reddick

Director of Food Service - Becky Shearer

Technology Support Specialist - Jaxon Buchman

Administrative Reports: Any further additions will be reported at this time. 6:52 P.M.

Council Grove Elementary Principal - Kelcy Bremer

Prairie Heights Elementary Principal - Angela Harris

Council Grove Junior Senior High School Principal - Jay Doornbos

Council Grove Junior Senior High School Activities Director - Matt Fox

Director of Teaching and Learning - Valerie Gehrer

Superintendent - Tyson Eslinger

Board Member Items

Discussion Items

A. SPT Presentation and Bond Update (F&R) 7:02 P.M.

B. Discuss Policies: JRA Types of Records, JRB Release of Student Records, JRC Disposition of Records, JRD Hearing Request, and JS Student Fees and Charges  (SE&E) 7:32 P.M.

C. Director of Teaching and Learning - Student Success (SS) 7:35 P.M.

C.a. Winter Benchmark/Growth

D. School Board Recognition Month 7:50 P.M.

E. School Calendar (SE&E) 7:55 P.M.

Action Items

A. Monthly Policy Review:  JQKA Foreign Exchange Student, JQL Hearing Procedures for Exceptional Students, JQLA Class-size/Caseload Limits for Exceptional Students, and JR Student Records (SE&E) 8:05 P.M.

B. USD 417 Committees Board Representative - District Site Council, Wellness Committee, Negotiations, and KASB Governmental Relations BOE Contact 8:06 P.M.

C. Reaffirmation of Resolutions - Meeting Dates and Officer Elections 8:16 P.M.

D. Accept TCT Community Development Grant (F&R) 8:18 P.M.

E. Financial Literacy Credit through JAG-K  (SS) 8:21 P.M.

F. Updated Strategic Plan 8:24 P.M.

G. CGES HVAC (F&R) 8:34 P.M.

Executive Session - Personnel 8:40 P.M.

Employment Matters (R&R) 8:45 P.M.

A. Employment

A.a. Amanda McDonald - Substitute School Administrative Assistant

B. Resignations

B.a. Milo Butler - Head High School Volleyball Coach

Executive Session - Negotiations 8:46 P.M.

Executive Session, if needed

Good News by Board of Education Members 9:01 P.M.

Adjournment 9:11 P.M.

Next Regular BOE Meeting - February 9, 2026