Winfield Unified School District 465 -

Communications

• USD 465 Mission Statement
  Board members read the USD 465 mission statement: 'Developing Responsible Citizens for the Future.'

• Recognition of Visitors
  Visitors introduced themselves, including FFA chapter officers.

• Board Member Comments and Convocation
  Board members praised the recent Convocation event and inspirational speaker, noting positive energy and momentum.

• Booster Club Drive
  Announcement that the Booster Club's big drive is ongoing, with a major kickoff on August 28, 2025. Encouragement for participation.

Presentation - FFA National Convention Trip Request

FFA officers presented their plan to attend the 98th National Convention in Indianapolis from October 27 to November. Six officers and two advisors will attend, participate in educational sessions, workshops, Career Expo, and tours. Winfield FFA will be recognized on stage in the Gold Division National Chapter, an honor given to only 24 Kansas chapters out of over 220. Two pairs placed first in the agro-science fair at the state level and will compete nationally.

Recreation Board Vacancy

Discussion of the Recreation Board vacancy. Only Wendy Burton expressed interest and was recommended to continue her term. Motion made and seconded.

Beverly DeWater Scholarship

Proposal for a scholarship funded by a $198,000 donation from Beverly DeWaters to support staff seeking certification. Criteria include being a current staff member, pursuing a degree/licensure, employment for the following year, application, goal statement, two recommendation letters, and a plan. Grant amount is $2,500 per semester, with two grants per semester. Recipients must work for the district for one year per year of grant received.

WHS Athletics/Activities Handbook

WHS Athletic Director John Kaufman summarized updates to the WHS Athletic and Activities Handbook, including language clean-up, listing staff, and major changes such as the high school eligibility policy moving to 1-F probation and the formalization of the travel policy.

Travel Expense: Meal Rate

In reference to BOE Policy GAN, the maximum allowance per meal is recommended by the superintendent for approval by the BOE. The recommendation is to authorize $15 for breakfast and $20 for lunch/supper. 

Second Reading BOE Policies

Second reading of Board of Education policies included in the board packet. Motion to approve was made and carried.

Personnel Report

Updates on filling coaching and teaching positions for high school and middle school, with most positions filled and contracts issued before payroll. Some positions remain open, but progress is being made.

Bond and Bond Budget Update

• Bond Projects and Deferred Maintenance
  Bond projects at Whittier and Irving schools are nearly complete, with a punch list remaining. The district is about $100,000 ahead of projections. Country View Elementary construction may start in September, with completion expected in 12 weeks, possibly by Thanksgiving or Christmas.

• Kitchen Renovations
  All kitchen equipment has arrived, with installation underway. Ovens include unexpected water and drain connections, which will be capped for now. Kitchen staff are prepared for the new facilities.

• Budget Preparation and Audit
  Budget preparation for FY 26 is ongoing, with AGH assisting on-site to reconcile 2023-24 books. Final numbers are expected within a month and a half. The 2023-24 audit will follow, with the 2024-25 audit scheduled in the spring.

• Revenue Neutral and Budget Hearings
  Revenue neutral hearing scheduled for September 8, 2025, at 5:30 PM, followed by the budget hearing for FY 26 at 5:45 PM and regular board meeting at 6:00 PM. The district plans to exceed revenue neutral, with a projected increase in mill rate.

• Mill Rate and Tax Impact
  Explanation of mill rates and their impact on homeowners: last year, a $150,000 home paid $619.55 in school district tax. If the mill rate goes to 27, the increase would be $18.70 for a $150,000 home and $31.06 for a $250,000 home.

Budget Dates/Special BOE Meeting

September 8, 2025 – 5:30 pm Revenue Neutral Hearing

September 8, 2025 – 5:45 pm Meeting FY 2026 Budget Hearing

Professional Development 

• Professional Development Plan for 2025-2026
  Dr. Jennifer Ray, Director of Teaching & Learning, presented a snapshot of the professional development plan, including orientation, mentor training, and 'Capturing Kids' Hearts.' Dr. Anderson will conduct standards alignment training on September 3, 2025, and follow-up sessions later. October 6, 2025, is a professional development day focused on math with Keri Heide.

• Math and Standards Alignment Focus
  Dr. Ray detailed that math will be the focus for professional development, with Keri Heide leading sessions for math teachers and aides. Dr. Anderson will return in January 2026 for further standards alignment work.

Professional Learning Advisory Board

• Professional Learning Advisory Board Membership Changes
  Dr. Ray updated on membership changes: Breanna Minton stepped down, replaced by Elizabeth Wall for Whittier; Charlotte Cherico is now the administrator representative.

• Building Presentations and Goal Setting
  Dr. Ray reported that building reps presented to all buildings, ensuring consistent messaging. Staff are actively setting goals and earning points as required.

Mentoring Program for New Teachers
Update on the mentoring program, including the number of new teachers with mentors (19) and details of mentor training and activities

Back-to-School Report and Enrollment Numbers
Superintendent Reiser provided updated enrollment numbers, noting a slight decrease. School starts in two days, with ongoing enrollment expected until Labor Day.

KASB Conference Registration
Announcement of the Kansas School Boards Association conference on November 14th, 15th, and 16th in Wichita, with options for in-person and virtual attendance.

KESA Compliance and Data Reporting
Update on KESA compliance, including student achievement and other accountability reports. Data quality and reporting are transitioning to new staff, with an upgrade to KEDS underway. State assessment scores will be presented and approved at the September State Board of Education meeting, after which local boards will be updated.

Consent Agenda

Board members approved the following items.

1. Personnel 

2. Approval of July, 2025 BOE Minutes

3. Third Party Food Service Agreements – Little Builders Preschool

4. Approval of FFA National Convention – Out of District Travel

5. Administrative and Director Salaries

6. Winfield Early Learning Center Donation

7. $3000 Rural Champion Grant for Irving Outdoor Classroom

8. KanPak – Arkansas City GSFF Backpacks and shoe vouchers

Upcoming Events

BOE Regular Meeting:  The next BOE regular monthly meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at Country View Elementary – 16300 151st Road.