Board Members Kinnie Ledford, 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.'
Adoption of the Agenda with Amendments
Recognition of Visitors
Visitors introduced themselves.
Board Member Comments
Board Member Jalaine Richardson recognized the outstanding achievement of the Country View 5th grade students for earning first place in the worldwide Archimedes math facts competition. Country View won by a significant margin, scoring more than 70,000 points—over 12,000 points ahead of the second-place school. Graham Lawrence placed first nationally with 2,860 consecutive correct multiplication facts. It was noted that many students dedicated time outside of school to prepare for the competition.
Student athletic accomplishments were also highlighted. Two girls and five boys from Winfield High School will represent the district at the State Wrestling Tournament in Salina. In addition, the Winfield Middle School girls wrestling team was recognized for winning league, finishing undefeated in duals, capturing two tournament titles, and having two athletes remain undefeated for two consecutive years. Coaches Hill and Vargas were commended for their leadership.
It was also shared that FFA has kicked off its annual Blue and Gold sausage fundraiser.
2023–2024 Financial Audit Summary
BFR, CPA, LLC
The Board of Education received the district’s annual independent audit report for the 2023–2024 fiscal year. The auditor noted that the overall structure and language of the report remain consistent with prior years, with an update reflecting activity related to the 2023 bond issue.
The audit identified areas that continue to reflect the district’s recent operational and financial transitions. District leadership shared that these results were anticipated as part of the broader stabilization and system improvement efforts currently underway. Implementation of updated financial processes and the Skyward system are key components of these improvements.
While some transitional items may continue into FY2025 as processes are finalized, leadership expressed confidence that the district is moving in a positive direction and expects continued progress in future audit cycles. The Board approved the 2023–2024 audit report as presented with a unanimous 7–0 vote.
WMS/WHS Parking Lot Resurfacing Bid Approval
Director of Maintenance Thane Bailey requested authorization to solicit bids for resurfacing repairs to the parking lots at Winfield Middle School and Winfield High School as part of the district’s deferred maintenance plan. Andrea Ball moved to approve the request to seek bids, and Roy Andreas seconded the motion. The motion carried 7–0.
2027–2028 District Calendar Approval
The Board reviewed the proposed 2027–2028 district calendar. The Superintendent noted that last year the district approved two calendars to stay a year ahead in planning; therefore, only one calendar was presented this year.
The Board–Teacher Calendar Committee met in accordance with the negotiated agreement and recommended Option #3 for approval. A key change from the current and upcoming school years is that the 2027–2028 school year will begin one week later. This adjustment was discussed as beneficial for families and staff involved in the county fair. The Superintendent also shared that the district previously started at a similar time during the 2021–2022 school year.
The proposed calendar closely mirrors the current structure. Due to how holidays fall, students will have 160 contact days rather than 159, which aligns with past fluctuations. The traditional week-long Thanksgiving break remains included. Following discussion, the Board approved the 2027–2028 district calendar (Option #3) by a 7–0 vote.
Building Report
Winfield Middle School staff provided an overview of instructional initiatives, student supports, and upcoming changes designed to strengthen student success and ease transitions.
Professional Development & Staff Support
Staff highlighted the impact of professional development, including training with Clint Clifton, founder of Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH), and ongoing CKH implementation to strengthen relationships and school culture.
Professional development days are built around teacher voice and needs. A staff survey guided the January PD day, which focused on:
Confidentiality best practices
IEP accommodations consistency
Classroom management and discipline
MTSS strategies
Technology tools (e.g., GoGuardian)
Handling controversial topics
The middle school intentionally utilized in-house expertise to lead much of the training.
Math Curriculum Review
The middle school is piloting and adopting a new math curriculum (i-Ready) aligned more closely with Kansas standards.
The change moves away from CPM to a more structured, standards-aligned program with built-in assessments and diagnostics.
Staff reported a thoughtful review process and collaboration in selecting the new resource.
MTSS & WIN (What I Need) Time
WIN (What I Need) provides targeted interventions and enrichment during the school day.
Reading and math supports are tiered (Tier 1, 2, and 3) based on assessment data.
Reading interventions include phonics, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and writing practice.
Students participate in structured peer reading and enrichment through novel studies.
Staff credited WIN and standards alignment work as contributing factors to strong performance in 7th and 8th grade math.
Transition & Student Leadership Programs
The Navigators program supports incoming 6th graders, pairing them with trained 7th and 8th grade student ambassadors to build connections and ease transition.
Student Council continues to promote leadership and school improvement, including implementing a more equitable lunch dismissal system developed through student input.
Ongoing activities include Patriot Week, food drives, and spirit events.
Student Management & School Improvements
Cell phone procedures remain in place with progressive consequences and strong parent support.
Beginning next year (with fourth-quarter pilot):
Students will not carry backpacks during the day.
Locker access will be allowed between classes to reduce heavy loads and mirror high school expectations.
E-Hall Pass will be implemented to manage hallway and restroom usage electronically.
Student ID badges will be required to prepare students for high school expectations.
Staff acknowledged a transition period but anticipate smoother routines after implementation.
Overall, staff emphasized a focus on relationship-building, targeted academic support, consistent expectations, and preparing students for success in high school.
Consent Agenda
Board members approved the following items.
Personnel (See BOE minutes online for personnel list.)
Approval of Grants/Donations
The Board acknowledged the following donations:
Beth Anderson – $900 to the Irving School Reading Fund for 2nd grade classroom books.
Class of 1957 – $700.77 district donation.
Viking Booster Club – $2,000 donation for the purchase of a baseball pitching machine.