Wellington Unified School District 353

The meeting began with the call to order and the pledge of allegiance, followed by a roll call. Key discussions included the adoption of the agenda and recognition of patrons. A public comment session featured two patrons: Joseph Ghoul, who raised concerns about the lack of clarity, accountability, and transparency regarding the 2014 bond expenditure and spoke against pursuing a new bond without addressing prior issues, and Joseph Staley, who also requested the board vote to waive fees for public records related to the 2014 bond. The primary agenda item was an education spotlight presentation on career readiness initiatives spanning kindergarten through 12th grade, involving students from various levels (elementary, middle, and high school). This segment detailed activities such as career exploration, personality style identification, visits to local businesses via a walking tour, mentorship between eighth and fifth graders, the creation of a collaborative quilt, and the use of the Zello career readiness program.

The meeting commenced with a roll call and adoption of the agenda. Initial proceedings included two executive sessions concerning non-elected personnel and legal matters, with specific individuals noted for discussion. Upon returning to open session, the board discussed the policy on public participation at board meetings. A patron requested a waiver of facility rental fees for an upcoming youth wrestling tournament, promising to cover janitorial costs; this request was subsequently approved. The board then recognized a first-year teacher for receiving a significant state award, the "RZ" award, which involves attending a Kansas exemplary educator network conference. Finally, the annual audit presentation was reviewed, detailing fund changes, including increases in At Risk and Capital Outlay funds, a decrease in Special Education funds due to transfers, and a temporary spike in Federal Grants funding that represented a catch-up of previously unreleased funds. The auditor confirmed a clean opinion on regulatory basis accounting but an adverse opinion based on Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Discussions also covered the proportionate share of the defined benefit pension liability and federal funding compliance requirements, including the single audit threshold increase to $1 million.

The meeting included executive sessions to discuss non-elected personnel and legal matters. Key discussions included adherence to the Public Participation at Board Meetings policy. The Board approved several fee waivers for facility rentals, including one for a wrestling tournament and another for The Wheat Capital Quilt Society's annual show. The Board received informational presentations on the Horizon Award winner, the 2024-25 audit results, progress of Instructional Strategists, and Bond Issue Information. Action items included the adoption of the 2026-27 WHS schedule, approval of December Policy Updates, establishment of BOE leadership and committees for 2026, and approval of the purchase of the Imagine Math curriculum. Discussions regarding Elementary Structure & Enrollment Trends and the Athletic Apparel Contract were tabled for future action in February. The Board also approved administration contracts as an amended consent item.

This document outlines a refined $17.85 million bond proposal for USD 353 Wellington, scheduled for a special election on March 3, 2026. The proposal, a scaled-back version of a previous measure, focuses exclusively on urgent facility needs and deferred maintenance. Key areas include roofing and structural integrity, HVAC and energy efficiency, career and technical education improvements, and safety and accessibility. The plan prioritizes keeping buildings dry, conditioned, and safe, aiming to minimize financial impact on taxpayers while addressing critical infrastructure failures.

Key discussions during the meeting included an Education Spotlight on the Career Fair presented by Eisenhower Elementary Principal and Middle School Business Teacher, along with several students. The Board discussed the WHS Finals Policy and potential changes to the WHS schedule for the next school year, deferring action on both items. An update on the district's KESA Accreditation process was provided. The board reviewed the December Policy Updates, which are scheduled for action in January, and continued discussions regarding the restructuring of Elementary Education, also set for further action in January. Action items included the approval to purchase a food steamer at WMS and the approval of the Bond Issue Resolution for March 2026. The session also included multiple executive sessions to discuss non-elected personnel, student matters, and negotiations. A final action item approved the 2025-2026 Negotiated Agreement. The consent agenda, which passed unanimously, covered the approval of payroll, bills, and personnel actions including new hires, resignations, and transfers.