Board Members: Jalaine Richardson, vice-president; Sarah Morton; Andrea Ball; Ed Trimmer; Roy Andreas
Communications
USD 465 Mission Statement
Board members read the USD 465 mission statement: 'Developing Responsible Citizens for the Future.'
Adoption of the Agenda with Amendments
Recognition of Visitors
Visitors introduced themselves.
8th Grade FFA Membership
FFA Advisors propose allowing middle school students in exploratory agricultural courses the optional opportunity to join the FFA chapter, providing early access to leadership, career skills, and agricultural education. Participation will be structured and supervised with age-appropriate activities, promoting positive mentorship between older and younger members, while aligning with classroom learning. This option supports student growth, motivation through early recognition, and strengthens long-term engagement in agricultural education without any obligation to participate. The board voted 5-0 in favor of approval.
KASB Renewal of Legal Assistance Fund
This Adoption Agreement is made between the Kansas Association of School Boards Legal Assistance Fund Trust (“Fund”) and the Participating Board (District Name, USD No., County, Kansas) for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. In exchange for a fee of $2,750, the Fund will provide the Participating Board with legal assistance services, including access to legal counsel, research, analysis of court decisions, legal opinions, and resources. Additionally, the Fund will offer ongoing legal support such as representation at hearings, on-site services, and other assistance as requested, under the terms of the Trust Agreement. The board voted 5-0 in favor of approval.
Building Report
Principal Ashley Schneider presented an overview of the programming at the Winfield Early Learning Center (WELC). She reported that WELC currently operates eight classrooms, which include:
Two all-day Head Start classrooms serving 4-year-olds
One 4-year-old classroom located at Cumbernauld
Two half-day classrooms serving 3-year-olds
Two all-day classrooms for 4-year-olds
One half-day classroom for 4-year-olds
All students are screened using the DIAL-IV screener. Programming at WELC provides multiple pathways, including Special Education placement, Head Start placement, 3-year-old classrooms (which also serve USD 465 employees’ children as a staff benefit), and 4-year-old classrooms for both typically developing children and students with identified special needs.
Mrs. Schneider also shared FastBridge screening data and outlined goals in both reading and math. She emphasized that in addition to academics, WELC places a strong focus on play-based learning. The center has embraced the Parents as Partners model, scheduling monthly family events and incorporating goal-setting with parents during conferences.
Consent Agenda
Board members approved the following items.
Donation – Irving Elementary received a generous donation from the PTO to enhance student safety on the campus. The donation will be used to build a fence around the south end of the playground. The cost of the fence will be $7280.00
Personnel (See BOE minutes online for personnel list.)