Board Members Kinnie Ledford, president; Jalaine Richardson, vice-president; Sarah Morton (virtual); Andrea Ball; Ed Trimmer; Roy Andreas (virtual)
Citizens Open Forum
Four patrons addressed the Board of Education to express their opposition to the Club America club at Winfield High School during the Citizens Forum. No further action was taken at this time.
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.
Recognitions
Fall Cross Country Post Season Recognition
USD 465 Horizon Award Winner – Sally Pipes
USD 465 – 2027 KTOY Nominees - Amanda Murphy and Jennifer Everett
Second Reading Maintenance Job Descriptions
Mr. Bressler presented the updated maintenance job descriptions — including the Maintenance Worker, Maintenance Supervisor, and Groundskeeper/Maintenance positions — for second reading. The Board had previously reviewed the proposed revisions and discussed them at the October 29 meeting. Administration recommended approval, and the Board approved the updates by a 6–0 vote.
Skyward Qmlative Student Management Suite
Administration presented, as a second reading, a proposal to purchase the Skyward Qmlativ Student Management System to replace the district’s current PowerSchool platform. The proposed transition offered comparable long-term costs while providing enhanced data security and seamless integration with the district’s existing Skyward business suite. Skyward’s real-time dashboard provides principals, teachers, and district staff immediate access to key information on student achievement, attendance, and behavior, offering a clearer and more comprehensive view of school performance.
Implementation is scheduled to begin in January, with full transition to Skyward completed by July 1. The rollout plan includes professional development for all impacted staff—principals, technology staff, teachers, secretaries, nurses, and food service personnel—to ensure a smooth and well-supported transition. Training will be introduced in stages throughout the spring while PowerSchool remains active through June 30 to maintain continuity.
Administration recommended approval as presented, and the Board approved the proposal by a 6–0 vote.
First Reading Job Description – Payroll Clerk, Special Education Director
Mr. Bressler presented the updated job descriptions for the Payroll Clerk and Special Education Director positions for first reading. One outcome of negotiations over the summer was the updating of job descriptions, along with refined applicant and hiring procedures through the applicant tracking software, which Phil discussed later in the meeting. This effort was intended to ensure job descriptions were current and properly communicated to all staff. The process requires that any time a job description is updated, it must go through the payroll clerk.
Administration also noted that Leisa Potts and Dr. Sarnacki, two long-time USD 465 employees, had submitted their retirements. While their departures were understood and respected, it was acknowledged that they leave big shoes to fill. The job descriptions have been revised and updated accordingly.
Deferred Maintenance List Discussion
Assistant Superintendent Bressler presented the Deferred Maintenance list (BOND) to the Board of Education. The list had been created prior to the bond and was categorized according to the order of need. It has since been prioritized and updated for the Board’s review.
Winfield High School Roof Project
Administration requested Board approval to solicit bids for repairs to the Winfield High School roof. This project had been identified through facility evaluations and was included on the deferred maintenance list associated with the bond. Approval to seek bids allowed the district to obtain cost estimates and options for repair. A recommendation for vendor selection will be brought back to the Board for consideration once bids were received and reviewed. Administration recommended approval, and the Board approved the request.
Personnel Report
Mr. Bressler presented a personnel update noting six new hires, two retirements, eleven resignations, and four transfers.
Bond and Bond Budget Update
The Board reviewed expenditures related to the USD 465 General Obligation Bonds and received an update on the progress of the Country View Elementary controlled entrance.
October Financials and Updates
Mr. Bressler presented the October check register to the Board of Education and shared that the AGH accounting firm had completed the 2023–24 financial books. The records were then sent to the BFR accounting group for the audit, with John Regier continuing to assist in overseeing the process.
Chromebook Data Update
At the previous Board of Education meeting, it was requested that the district provide data on Chromebook damages and repairs. Mr. Bressler presented the information, noting that last year there were 101 screen repairs totaling $9,595, 11 keyboard repairs totaling $275, and 6 repairs in other categories totaling $450, for a combined total of $10,320.
For this year, the district has recorded 41 screen repairs totaling $3,850, 1 keyboard repair totaling $25, and 5 repairs in other categories totaling $105, for a combined total of $3,980.
Applicant Tracking
Mr. Bressler provided information to the Board about the Skyward extension software package, Applicant Tracking, and demonstrated the new process on the district website. While the system is not yet fully functional, a rollout is anticipated in January. This process is designed to streamline the hiring and onboarding procedures.
Bus Cameras
Assistant Superintendent Bressler informed the Board of Education that the district had purchased cameras for use on several buses this fall. The cameras are being used on a trial basis to work out any issues before seeking Board approval at a later date to purchase cameras and software for all buses.
Curriculum Council and Standards Work Coalition
Director of Teaching and Learning Dr. Ray shared with the Board of Education the outcomes of the first Curriculum Council meeting and the Standards Work Coalition, which is leading the district’s KESA initiative on standards alignment and professional development.
Grants and Donations
For November 2025, the district received several grants and donations, including a $29.31 donation from Kroger to the Whittier Elementary Activity Fund, a $9,250 grant from the H.L. Snyder Medical Foundation for five new AEDs for Winfield Public Schools, a $250 donation from the David Norris Memorial for the WHS Golf Program, a $100 donation from Nancy Martin to the WELC PTO, and a $216.73 donation from Wal-Mart for gift baskets. Additionally, Kacie Lockyear is requesting Board approval to submit a $500 grant application through the National Ag in the Classroom Foundation, and administration recommends approval.
Winfield High School Graduation Data
Superintendent Reiser shared with the Board of Education that the district’s graduation rate has increased to 92%, surpassing the goal of 88% originally set in the June 2024 KESA redetermination plan. This represents the highest graduation rate in recent history for the district. While the state average is not yet available for comparison, it is anticipated to be in the high 80s.
Superintendent Reiser recognized the high school staff for their hard work and intense focus, noting that several factors contributed to the growth, including the downsizing of the virtual program, improved record-keeping, and increased on-site attendance following COVID-related challenges. She emphasized that this achievement reflects a significant step forward in the district’s efforts to improve student outcomes.
Strategic Plan
Superintendent Reiser shared Phase II of the Strategic Plan with the Board of Education, noting that final approval is scheduled for the December meeting after extensive discussions with numerous school and community groups. She explained that the draft document, developed with assistance from Chad Higgins of ESSDACK, builds on the work from Phase I and outlines eight goals organized into four key focus areas - Culture & Communication, Student Programming, Student Support, and Infrastructure & Resources.
Superintendent Reiser described the rollout process, noting that input would be gathered from various stakeholders in meeting sessions from mid-November through December. The plan will return to the Board on December 8 for final approval. Implementation will begin in January, with committees formed to address each focus area, define their charges, and establish accountability measures. By July 1, the district aims to have a fully operational plan in place for the new school year, with progress on components reported at each Board meeting. Superintendent Reiser expressed enthusiasm for beginning Phase II of the Strategic Plan and continuing the work initiated in Phase I.
Consent Agenda
Board members approved the following items.
Personnel (See BOE minutes online for personnel list.)
Approval of October, 2025 BOE Minutes
Approval of Grants/ Donations
Approval of October Financials
Upcoming Events
Annual KASB Convention: November 14-16, in Wichita, KS
Chamber Coffee hosted by USD 465: November 20, 10:00am – Irving Elementary
Thanksgiving Break: November 24-28, 2025
BOE Meeting – Monday, December 8, 2025 – 5:30 at the District Office.