Chris Rumsey

This plan outlines how Pawhuska Public Schools will utilize Federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ARP-ESSER) allocations over a three-year period. The strategic objectives include safely returning students to in-person instruction, maximizing in-person instruction time, operating schools effectively, acquiring educational technology, and addressing the multifaceted impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on all students, including learning loss and specific needs of vulnerable populations. It also focuses on implementing evidence-based strategies for students' social, emotional, mental health, and academic needs, offering extended learning opportunities, supporting early childhood education, and retaining highly qualified staff.

The board meeting included the reorganization of board leadership, the swearing in of a new board member, and the approval of the student activity account, financial appropriations, and various school-related contracts and agreements, such as a natural gas sales agreement and a teacher evaluation contract. The board also authorized the sale of General Obligation Building Bonds, approved temporary budget appropriations for the upcoming school year, updated travel and expense policies, and sanctioned several booster clubs. Additionally, the board conducted an executive session to address personnel matters, including the rehiring of staff and the hiring of coaching and teaching positions for the upcoming school year.

The board discussed the superintendent's report covering ad valorem revenue, state aid projections, athletic program updates, and facility projects. Key actions included the approval of encumbrances, change orders, a professional development contract with Hogan Equine, and the establishment of an online store for school gear. The board also approved a memorandum of understanding for speech services, the 2025-2026 school calendar, and a professional development plan. In executive session, the board addressed contract renewals for the superintendent and assistant superintendent, extra duty list amendments, retirement and resignation matters, and new staffing appointments. Additionally, the board approved updated substitute lists and purchase orders.

The Board of Education discussed and approved several items, including a one-time stipend for district certified and support staff, various student activity account approvals, appropriations, change orders, and encumbrances. Key approvals included a Memorandum of Understanding with Grand Mental Health, an updated policy regarding travel and expenses, the 2025 board meeting schedule, an updated substitute list, and the merging of Boys and Girls Track activity fund accounts. Additionally, the Board authorized several facility use requests for district events and activities.

The board approved several financial items including encumbrances, change orders, and the treasurer's report. Key actions included the approval of the student handbook, an updated Return to Learn plan, and an application for a pilot cooperative activities program. Additionally, the board approved the substitute list, the extra duty list, and the negotiated agreement for the upcoming school year. Personnel actions included the hiring of a band and choir teacher, an alternative education teacher, and the acceptance of a staff resignation. Finally, the board approved reimbursement for administrative dues and held an executive session for personnel discussions.