The You Make A Difference Award is presented to staff members whose exemplary actions support students, colleagues and the mission of Salina Public Schools. Recipients of these awards receive a lapel pin and a handwritten note personally delivered by a board of education member.

Daniel Green, JD Garber, Katrina Paradis

Central High School Educators

The kindness of these three educators repeatedly help make Central a special place. Most recently they collaborated to assist a student who is also a young mother, making sure some important needs were met. Their actions show that faculty care and that school is more than just academics. Thank you for making a difference!

Vickie Johnson

Lakewood Counseling Department Secretary

Always maintaining a professional demeanor, Vickie keeps her cool when times are intense and stressful. As the front line to Lakewood's counseling, she manages to complete daily work while developing supportive relationships with students needing a caring ear. Thank you Vickie, for making a difference!

Trina Chitty and Angela Reese

Lakewood Reading Teachers

Trina and Angela helped make Lakewood a great place to work by creating opportunities for connection and genuine camaraderie. They hosted snacks, lunches and contests that brought staff together, reminding everyone how much they enjoy the people they work with. Thank you Trina and Angela!

Sharon Wisdom, Mike Rassette, Kaysie Chrisman

South Middle School Teachers

When a colleague faced a health situation that kept him from his classroom and resulted in a backlog of grading, these three coordinated efforts to help. Thanks to Sharon, Mike and Kaysie for pitching in. You not only helped with grading but also alleviated stress on a fellow teacher - thank you!

Cindy Morrison

Oakdale Instructional Assistant

Beyond her regular work in Oakdale's computer lab, Cindy's flexibility and accommodating attitude result in great benefits for students. She is integral to testing procedures and helps with primary and make-up tests. Her work on the social committee helps improve staff morale. Thank you Cindy for making a difference!

Tina Layton

Meadowlark 4th Grade Teacher

Having trained for a new student test, Tina surprised her colleagues as they transitioned by ordering assessment packets for the entire building. When a substitute teacher was unexpectedly asked to work a second day, Tina put in extra time to help with class preparations. Thank you!

Superintendent Excellence Awards

Certificates were presented to the following students who qualified for state and national academic competitions:

South High School Forensics: Alvaro Escobedo, Alexcis Barnes, Andres Mata, Shea McAllister, Tyler Ross, Maddison Teschke and Pierce Carey. Jody Eves, coach.

Central High School Forensics: Candy Dao, Bobby Tech, Noah Beery, Akiyaa Hagen, Jamie Hawley, Hannah Janzen, Aaron Dix, Tristan Spicer, Josh Goble, Daniel Lorentz and Tre'Von Cooper. Nicholas Owen, coach.

South High School Journalism: Cassidy Sweet, Hailey Chapman, Kasey Renshaw, Morgan Ayotte, Iestyn Hurtig, Shaylee Arpin, Reagan Hughes, Nathan Endreshak, Tiffany Bowers and Cheyenne Burns. Kim Warren, coach.

Central High School Journalism: Casey Campbell, Jera Richardson, Caroline Holgerson, Abbi Schroeder, Grant DeMars, Hannah Schroeder, Conner Martens, Bailey Driver, Riley Miller, Riley Gates, Lindsey Wood, Olivia Johnson, Chloe Guillot, Morgan Dolton, Emma Norris, Sarah Brown, Hanna Leiker, Grace Truelove, Jake Bellerive and Sydney Koch. JD Garber, coach.

Central High School FFA: Dawn Heighton, Megan Morrow, Katlynn Rystad, Abigail Sherrill, Kuta Thompson, Sunshine Gadson, Kanyon Illingworth, Lauren Rice, Travis Bigler, Daniel Lorentz, Andrew Rutherford, Westley Jennings, Kyle True, Airiana Wilkins and James Michel. Kelsie Davis, coach.

Renaissance Teachers of the Month

Certificates were presented to secondary teachers honored as Renaissance Teachers of the Month from January through May. Teachers included Anita Strecker, Anissa Bigler, Geoff Andrews, Julie Opat, Claire Miller, Central High School; Nathan Breeden, Susie Nulton, Linda Edson, Jenifer Wolters, Annie Wyssmann, South High School; Lexi Gebhardt, James Lumley, Jocelyn Adams, Michelle Smith, Cynthia Bray, Lakewood Middle School; and Julie Reddig, Jeff Platt, Stu Kersting, Sue Watson, Susie Winslow, South Middle School.

Communities in Schools (CIS)

Victoria Partridge presented information about CIS programs in Lakewood Middle School and Central High School.

Personnel Report

Classified Appointment(s) for 2014-2015

• Anderson, Barbara, food service worker II, Coronado Elementary
• Doonan, Sandra, paraeducator III, CKCIE/St. Mary's Elementary
• Springer, Charlotte, paraeducator III, South Middle School/CKCIE

 Classified Resignation(s) for 2014-2015

• Adams, Erika, paraeducator I, Meadowlark Elementary/CKCIE
• Goudey, Ashley, paraeducator I, Central Plains Elementary/CKCIE
• Johnson, William, night custodian, South Middle School
• Keene, Carolyn, food service worker I, South Middle School
• Matteson, Margaret, paraeducator II, South Middle School/CKCIE
• Russell, Rebecca, paraeducator II, South Middle School/CKCIE
• Silhan, Cynthia, paraeducator I, Stewart Elementary/CKCIE
• Sparks, Tracey, food service worker I, South Middle School
• Steiner, Heather, pre-K educator, Heartland Programs
• Taylor, Cindy, food service worker I, Lakewood Elementary

 Classified Transfer(s) for 2014-2015

• Baize, Alicia, paraeducator I/Cottonwood Elementary, instructional assistant II/Cottonwood Elementary

 Classified Transfer(s) for 2015-2016

• Peterson, Kristine, lunchroom aide/Schilling Elementary, elementary bookkeeper/Coronado Elementary
• Ritter, Alora, paraeducator I/CKCIE/Chapman, paraeducator III/CKCIE

 Certified Appointment(s) at the beginning of 2015-2016

• Ahlquist, Jeanne, adaptive special education, Coronado Elementary/CKCIE
• Ayers, Meagan, .5 FTE Title I, Heusner Elementary
• Eshleman, Jenna, music, Meadowlark Elementary
• Figgs, Paula, reading coach, Lakewood Middle School
• Hedberg, Jennifer, FACS, Central High School
• Neuburger, Nick, grade 4, Coronado Elementary
• Petty, Brooke, industrial arts, Central High School
• Post, Tyffani, nurse, Cottonwood Elementary
• Resley, Madison, grade 2, Oakdale Elementary
• Savage, Heidi, grade 1, Heusner Elementary
• Stoss, Marie, grade 1, Heusner Elementary
• Swanson, Donell, business, Central High School

 Certified to Administrative Transfer(s) at the beginning of 2015-2016

• Akers, Tina, reading coach/Central High School, assistant principal/Lakewood Middle School

 Certified Resignation(s) at the end of 2014-2015

• Anderson, Cara, English language arts, Salina West
• Boldra, Bryna, grade 6 mathematics/reading, South Middle School
• Dibbini, Trina, lead teacher, Meadowlark Elementary
• Crouse, Kristen, .5 FTE Art/.5 FTE/Title I, Cottonwood Elementary
• McDonald, Jeff, adaptive special education, Lakewood Middle School/CKCIE
• McFadden, Lisa, grade 3, Heusner Elementary
• Raile, Darla, grade 3, Cottonwood Elementary
• Smith, Dan, physical education/health, South High School
• Valdez, Shane, physical education/health, Heusner Elementary
• Watson, Melanie, adaptive special education, CKCIE/Ell-Saline

 Certified Transfer(s) at the beginning of 2015-2016

• Briley, Rob, grade 4/Sunset Elementary, grade 5/Sunset Elementary
• Chrisman, Kaysie, grade 8 mathematics/South Middle School, grade 6 mathematics/reading/South Middle School
• McVay, Patricia, grade 2/Sunset Elementary, grade 4/Sunset Elementary
• Prockish, Jamie, grade 7 science/South Middle School, grade 8 mathematics/South Middle School
• Robben, Patti, grade 2/Heusner Elementary, grade 3/Heusner Elementary
• Werth, Cheryl, lead teacher/Stewart Elementary, lead teacher/Schilling Elementary

 Appointment of Supplemental Contract(s) at the beginning of 2015-2016

• Gamberg, Nikki, head dance, South High School
• Graff, Jill, grade 7 volleyball assistant, South Middle School
• Ladenburger, Megan, STUCO sponsor, South Middle School
• Lowe, Tiffany, head volleyball, South High School
• McCary, Samantha, grade 7 girls assistant basketball, South Middle School
• Ritter, Corey, ELA department chair, South Middle School

 Resignation of Supplemental Contract(s) at the end of 2014-2015

• Livengood, Barbara, STUCO sponsor, South Middle School
• Smith, Dan, head golf boys, South High School
• Smith, Dan, assistant football, South High School
• Stueve, David, head boys tennis, South High School
• Winslow, Susan, ELA department chair, South Middle School

Professional Development

The board of education approved individual development plans, college credit, and district staff development plans.

Encumbrance Listings

The board of education approved the following encumbrances: (1) National Geographic/Cengage Learning, $19,224, Inside resources for English as a Second Language (ESL) for the middle schools; (2) Safari Montage, $25,840, annual renewal for digital video content; (3) Weidenhammer, $27,329.94, annual maintenance renewal; and (4) Alexander Open Systems, $147,096.30, Cisco FirePower Firewall with AMP and URL licenses.

Salina Adult Basic Education Continuation Grant

The board of education approved the Salina Adult Education Center (SAEC)'s intent to apply for a continuation renewal grant for Workforce Investment Act, Title II (Adult and Family Literacy Act) funds from the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR). The grant provides for programs and staff development expenditures for the SAEC.

2016 Commencement Date

The board of education set Sunday, May 15, 2016 as the 2016 Commencement date. The event will be held at the Bicentennial Center in Salina. Central High's commencement will begin at 2 p.m. South High's commencement will begin at 5 p.m.

2016 GED Graduation Date

The board of education set May 19, 2016, 7 p.m., for the 2016 Salina Adult Education Center's GED Graduation Ceremony. The ceremony's location will be determined during the school year based on the number of graduates.

Purchase of School Meals

The board of education approved the contract for purchase of school meals by Salina Christian Academy for the 2015-2016 school year.

Support Buildings Construction Bid

The board of education rejected the base bid of Ponton Construction, Inc. for the renovation and addition to CKCIE, Opportunity Now and SAEC.

Four-Year Technology Plan

The board of education approved the four-year technology plan.

Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan

The board of education approved the five-year capital improvement, equipment and vehicle replacement lists.

Teacher's Contract

The board of education approved the non-renewal of non-tenured teacher's contract.

School Board Committee Reports

• Nedra Elbl, board member, attended the Salina Education Foundation Executive Committee meeting.
• Brett Cooper, board vice president, attended the NEA-Salina Executive Board meeting.
• Johnna Vosseller, board president, attended the South Middle School groundbreaking.

 Upcoming Dates of Importance

• Wednesday, May 13, Heusner Groundbreaking, 10:00 a.m.
• Saturday, May 16, Chamber Legislative Meeting, 8:30 a.m.
• Sunday, May 17, Graduations, Bicentennial Center
  • South High School - 2:00 p.m.
  • Central High School - 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday, May 28, SAEC Graduation Ceremony, District Office, 7:00 p.m.

Superintendent's Report

Mr. William D. Hall, superintendent of schools, reported that the legislature is still working on a revenue package and that different options have been presented. One recent legislative development is that school board elections will now be moved to the fall of odd-numbered years and that they will remain nonpartisan. Mr. Hall reported that out of eight school districts requesting additional state aid, only five had been approved by the governor and legislature. He added that the revenue package for the block grants has not been determined by the legislature and that the Gannon case has not been resolved. Mr. Hall encouraged everyone to attend the final legislative forum in the Salina Chamber Annex on May 16 at 8:30 a.m.

Executive Session