De Soto Unified School District 232

The board meeting addressed several key business items, including the authorization and issuance of general obligation bonds for bond projects and the approval of an architectural pre-cast concrete bid for the Monosella Trails Middle School expansion. The student fees task force presented recommendations to increase various fees to align with current costs, specifically for early childhood education, K-5 and secondary instructional fees, and driver's education, while recommending the elimination of a science course fee. The board also discussed the district's bond rating and conducted a review of the fee structure relative to other area school districts.

The Board of Education meeting included staff recognitions for elementary and secondary teachers of the year and the Kansas Horizon Award nominee. Patron input was received regarding the elimination of a summer learning program. Action items approved included the renewal of school resource officer programs with the cities of Shawnee and Lenexa, the purchase of two replacement passenger vans, and a review of resources for the adoption of secondary ELA reading interventions and secondary world languages.

The board conducted organizational business, including the election of a new President and Vice President. Key agenda items included the approval of various personnel recommendations, financial transfers, and donations. The board approved the 2019-2020 professional negotiated agreement between the district and the local teachers' association, along with compensation packages for staff not covered by the agreement. Furthermore, the board authorized the publication of the notice of hearing for the upcoming budget, established MacBook initiative policies and a technology use fee for students, and reviewed long-range district goals regarding achievement, facilities, and community engagement.

The Board meeting included staff and student recognitions. Action items discussed and approved included a Notice of Non-Discrimination policy update, modifications to the school year calendar due to inclement weather, playground renovation projects for three elementary schools, and a classroom audio-visual update. Furthermore, the Board authorized the installation of a mass notification system and the replacement of security cameras at all schools. The Board also received a progress report on Mill Valley High School projects and held an executive session to discuss individual employee performance.

The board conducted appointments for the positions of Board President and Vice President. Public input sessions addressed concerns regarding masking policies, vaccination exclusion, and curriculum concerns. Key actions included the approval of personnel recommendations, transfer of funds, adoption of municipal investment pool resolutions, and various facility-related projects including the installation of hitting tunnels and concrete work. Additionally, the board reviewed and approved new communicable disease mitigation protocols and a school calendar for the upcoming academic year. Discussions were also held on new budgeting procedures following state legislative changes and an overview of federal emergency relief funding allocations.