Andover Unified School Dist. 385

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included approval of the agenda and consent items, such as the financial report, warrants, personnel report, donations, out-of-state travel, disposal of assets, an early graduation request, and capital outlay items for gym paint, rooftop unit replacement, cooler refurbish, gym floor maintenance, stage lighting replacement, and eRate bids for Wide Area Network/Internet and Cisco Hardware. Discussion items covered the Andover Data Dashboard, Science Instructional Materials Recommendations, and 2026-27 Staffing Recommendations. Action items addressed the 2026-27 Staffing Recommendation, which resulted in splitting the staffing into licensed and non-licensed personnel actions, and the approval of recommendations from the Cell Phone and Screen Time Task Force regarding Personal Electronic Devices in Schools policies. The board also entered and exited executive session to discuss an employee's performance.

Key discussions included recognizing a retiring board member, highlighting Veterans Day activities, and a presentation on a teacher's trip to Peru through the Fulbright Program. The Board reviewed proposed enrollment guides for the 2026-27 school year, noting minor changes to course offerings. Significant capital outlay expenditures were approved, totaling over $350,000 for parking lot maintenance, concrete repairs, equipment purchases (lawn mower, truck, van). Additionally, the Board authorized nearly $1 million for a device refresh, including Chromebooks, staff laptops, and lab desktops. The 2024-2025 audited financial report was approved. The Superintendent reported on the upcoming State of the Community Luncheon and announced a student received the Character Champion Award for founding a mentoring club.

The meeting featured several recognitions, including a bus driver for handling an emergency situation professionally after a bird struck the windshield, and 15 students named to the All-State high school choirs by the Kansas Music Educators Association. Three middle school students were also recognized for making the KMEA All-State Middle Level Choir. Discussions included highlights from student career exploration experiences through Andover CAPS and an overview of postsecondary transition services for special education students. The Board also reviewed recommendations from the Screen Time Task Force, including a proposal that high school students must keep personal electronic devices turned off and stowed during the school day. The Superintendent also expressed gratitude to the Board members for their service during Board of Education Appreciation Month.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions included reports on good news items such as a bus driver handling a difficult situation professionally and recognition for students named to All-State Choirs. The agenda included public comments. Numerous consent items were approved, covering the financial report for December 2025, warrants for the same period, personnel matters, donations, out-of-state travel, enrollment guides, an instrument purchase, the extension of Board Officer terms, the Driver's Education Fee Recommendation, a Food Service a la carte Pricing Change, a Technical Services Agreement, and the Board Committee List. Items removed from consent included action items 5.14. Reports highlighted learning spotlights on the Andover Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) and Butler County Special Education Interlocal's Postsecondary Preparation. Discussion focused on recommendations from the Andover Cell Phone and Screen Time Task Force, followed by the Superintendent's and Board Reports prior to adjournment.

The document outlines the mission of Andover Public Schools, which is to prepare learners for a changing world by creating meaningful educational opportunities that equip and empower students to lead successful and fulfilling lives. It also presents the "Portrait of a Graduate," which serves as the district's vision for student outcomes, defining what students should know and become by graduation, based on stakeholder discussions.