Board Members: Kinnie Ledford (virtual), president; Jalaine Richardson, vice-president; Sarah Morton; Andrea Ball; Ed Trimmer; Roy Andreas; Gregg Follmer
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
Irving Elementary’s Sally Pipes Honored with 2026 Kansas Horizon Award
USD 465 is proud to announce that Irving Elementary fifth-grade teacher Sally Pipes has been named a recipient of the 2026 Kansas Horizon Award, honoring outstanding new educators for excellence in the classroom. Mrs. Pipes is one of only 32 novice teachers selected statewide and will be recognized at the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network (KEEN) State Education Conference in February.
School Board Recognition
USD 465 Administration recognizes school board members for an elected official’s crucial role in our community and schools. These extraordinary people voluntarily tackle the enormous job of governing the district. Their actions and decisions affect the present and future lives of our children. Thank you, USD 465 Board of Education, for your time and commitment to our schools!
Approval to Extend Officer Term to July
The S.B. 130 law passed in April 2019 changed the month that school
boards elect the board president and vice-president to January instead of
July. USD 465 wishes to extend the term of the current president and vice-
president for the remainder of the current school year and, with the adoption of this resolution, elect new officers at the July organizational meeting. Furthermore, reaffirming the meeting dates and times for the remainder of the current school year is requested.
2026-27 Winfield High School Curriculum Guide
The WHS Curriculum Guide describes all the courses available at Winfield High School. Rhonda Hockenbury, WHS Principal, will discuss the updates and changes.The Administration requests approval to adopt the WHS Curriculum Guide.
2026-27 Winfield Middle School Curriculum Guide
The WMS Curriculum Guide describes all the courses available at Winfield Middle School. Craig Thompson, WMS Principal, will discuss the updates and changes.The Administration requests approval to adopt the WMS Curriculum Guide.
1-Ton Truck Bid Approval
Administration recommends approval of the purchase of one truck from Kline Ford in the amount of $58,900. The vehicle was procured in accordance with applicable district purchasing requirements and will be used to support district operations. Approval authorizes the administration to proceed with the purchase and execute any necessary documents
Winfield High School Bleachers
The administration requests Board approval to solicit bids for repairs to the WHS bleachers in the main gym as a deferred maintenance project.
Winter Benchmark Data and KESA
Dr. Ray presented to the board the Winter Fastbridge Data and an update of the district’s KESA plan.
Personnel Report
Mr. Bressler presented a personnel update noting 3 new certified hires, 6 new classified staff hires, 4 classified staff resignations, and 2 certified resignations. (See BOE minutes online for personnel list)
December Financials and Updates
Mr. Bressler presented the December check register to the Board of Education. Administration also reported that the BFR accounting firm is completing the audit of the 2024-25 financial books.
Grants and Donations
USD 465 is grateful to receive generous donations in support of our Lunch Fairy program. Andrea Jones contributed $20 and Krystyna Clift contributed $80, and the district also received a very generous gift of $15,000 to help cover outstanding lunch balances. We sincerely appreciate this kindness and support for our students and families.
Consent Agenda
Board members approved the following items.
A. Personnel
B. Approval of December, 2025 BOE Minutes
C. Approval of Grants / Donations
D. Acceptance of Bills and Financial Reports
Upcoming Events
No School: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – January 19, 2026
BOE Meeting: The next BOE meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 12:00 PM at Winfield High School.