Board Members Kinnie Ledford, president; Sarah Morton; Andrea Ball; Roy Andreas; Gregg Follmer; Ed Trimmer; Jalaine Richardson (absent)
Communications
• USD 465 Mission Statement
Board members read the USD 465 mission statement: 'Developing Responsible Citizens for the Future’.
• Adoption of Agenda
Adoption of the Agenda was presented with amendments to reflect additional items and adjustments to the order of business, including adding the HOSA presentation to the agenda and adding an additional consent agenda item. Morton made a motion to approve the agenda as amended, and Ball seconded the motion. With no further discussion, the motion carried on a 6-0 vote.
• Recognition of Visitors
Visitors introduced themselves.
• Board Member Comments
The Board President reported that the district negotiations team, including Board and administrative representatives, has been meeting in preparation for upcoming negotiations and anticipates additional planning meetings prior to the start of negotiations in early June. An executive session is planned for the June 8 Board meeting to discuss negotiations and provide updates to the Board. The Board President also commented on the district’s retirement reception, expressing appreciation to district staff for organizing the event and noting that it was a meaningful opportunity to honor retirees and learn more about their years of service and personal experiences.
Presentation – HOSA Trip
Winfield HOSA is preparing for the HOSA International Leadership Conference (ILC) National Convention in Indianapolis this summer. Five chapter members qualified to compete at the national level in various competitions after placing in the top three at the Kansas HOSA Spring Leadership Conference, and two chapter officers will also attend conference sessions and assist as needed. The Assistant Superintendent presented information regarding the upcoming trip, and the Board discussed district practices related to out-of-state travel expenses, student supervision, and communication procedures during travel. Discussion also included the possible use of communication and location-sharing applications for safety and accountability purposes while maintaining consistency with district policies and practices.
Middle School Algebra I Eligibility Criteria
WHS Instructional Coach Allison Branine and Director of Teaching and Learning Dr. Ray presented a proposal to revise the eligibility criteria for 8th grade students enrolling in Algebra I at the middle school. The recommendation was based on a review of historical student performance data by middle school and high school math teachers, which indicated that some students who qualified under the current criteria later struggled in higher-level high school math courses. The proposed revision raises the required performance threshold from 80% to 85% and requires students to meet at least three of the following criteria: scoring at or above the 85th percentile on Fastbridge, earning a 3 or 4 on the KAP math assessment, maintaining at least an 85% in their previous math course, and receiving a teacher recommendation. Administrators also clarified that students earning Algebra I credit in middle school are still required to complete three additional math credits during high school, as required for graduation. Following discussion, the Board approved the revised Algebra I eligibility criteria on a 6-0 vote; Andreas made the motion and Follmer made the second.
Director of Technology Report
Director of Technology Aaron Armstrong presented the Technology Department update, highlighting the department’s continued focus on safety, infrastructure, reliability, and long-term technology planning across the district. The report outlined completed projects during the current school year, including upgrades to wireless access points, network switches, internet speed, bus camera systems, and the addition of technology support vehicles and staff.
Mr. Armstrong also shared information regarding the district’s Student Tech Leadership program, current work related to the PowerSchool to Skyward transition, Chromebook check-in and redeployment, AI policy review, and ongoing infrastructure cleanup and planning efforts. In addition, the report reviewed planned Summer 2026 projects involving district security systems, connectivity upgrades, network reliability improvements, and multi-year student and staff device rotation plans designed to support sustainable budgeting and reliable classroom technology.
IT Bid Approval
The administration requested Board approval of bids for the replacement of district computers and Chromebooks in order to maintain updated and reliable technology equipment to support instructional and operational needs across the district. Board discussion focused on device reliability, repair history, vendor support, long-term replacement planning, and overall value comparisons among the submitted bids. Technology staff provided information regarding device durability, repair timelines, compatibility, available replacement parts, and the impact equipment reliability has on student access and staff support time. The Board also discussed the importance of maintaining the district’s established device rotation schedule to avoid deferred replacement costs in future years. Ball moved to approve the purchase of the ASUS touchscreen Chromebooks, HP Fortis G1M clamshell Chromebooks, staff laptops, and lab devices as presented, with Morton providing the second. The motion carried on a 6-0 vote.
WHS Intercom Bid Approval
The administration presented the results of the bid process for the Winfield High School intercom system replacement and reviewed the evaluation of proposals received. Discussion centered on the limitations of the existing intercom system, which dates back to the original construction of the building, and the need for updated communication and safety features while utilizing as much of the existing infrastructure as possible.
The proposed project includes replacing the main head unit with a modern system that will allow staff to manage bells and schedules through a tablet interface while continuing to use the existing wiring and call buttons. The Board also discussed future scalability, including the ability to support wireless devices and integrate with the district network, as well as the importance of maintaining reliable emergency communication throughout the building. Administration noted that the selected proposal provided a cost-effective solution compared to a full system replacement while still allowing for future upgrades and replacement of non-functioning components as needed.
Ball moved to approve the intercom project recommendation, with Morton providing the second. The motion carried on a 6-0 vote.
Board Policy JGFGA-R – CPR, AED, and Emergency Response Training
The administration presented a proposed revision to Board Policy JGFGA-R regarding student safety, First Aid, CPR, AED, and emergency response training requirements. The updated policy replaces language from the 2007 version that identified specific staff positions with broader language focused on members of the district’s Crisis/Emergency Response (CERP) Teams, coaches and activity sponsors, school nurses and health staff, bus drivers and transportation personnel, and any additional staff designated by district administration. The revision also clarifies that the district will provide and pay for required training and certification for employees whose positions require the training, while still offering optional training opportunities for other interested staff members. Administration noted that the policy reflects current district practices, updated state requirements related to emergency response teams, and the increased presence of school nurses in district buildings. Trimmer made the motion to approve the revised policy, with Morton providing the second. The motion carried on a 6-0 vote.
Assistant Superintendent Report
Assistant Superintendent Phil Bressler provided the Board with the May bond and financial summary update, including information on ongoing construction and demolition work at the high school ag shop related to the welding shop project. He reported that current bond balances remain favorable, with sufficient funds projected to complete the remaining bond projects while maintaining a small financial cushion. Mr. Bressler also shared that construction has begun on the district tennis courts, with the project currently targeted for completion in August. In addition, he addressed Board questions and presented the personnel report.
Recognition of Teachers Participating in LETRS Training
Director of Teaching and Learning Dr. Ray shared information regarding the state of Kansas requirements related to elementary teacher training and certification, noting the significant commitment staff members have made to complete the required professional learning. The training process included extensive coursework, readings, videos, and virtual sessions totaling more than 150 hours over a two-year period. Dr. Ray recognized the dedication of teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators who participated in the program and thanked the Board for its continued support through stipends and compensation for training time. It was also noted that the district’s investment in staff development has contributed to improved instructional practices and student achievement, while also ensuring participating teachers have obtained required certifications without additional personal expense.
Grants and Donations
The May 2026 grants and donations report included contributions from the Winfield American Legion Auxiliary #10 totaling $542 in support of the Irving Elementary Lunch Fairy program.
2026-27 BOE Meeting Dates
The administration presented the proposed 2026–2027 Board of Education meeting dates for discussion and preliminary review, with final approval to occur at a future meeting. The proposed schedule closely follows the current year’s calendar, including the sequence of building visits, which Board members noted has worked well throughout the year.
Elementary Enrollment Guidelines
The administration reviewed updated elementary enrollment guidelines originally presented in 2018 and provided an overview of the district’s transfer request process. Administration explained that students are expected to attend the school within their attendance boundary, with transfer requests considered based on priorities including sibling placement, staff member requests, and building capacity. A committee consisting of elementary principals and the Superintendent reviews all transfer requests following summer enrollment. Summer enrollment is scheduled to open July 22.
Safe Routes to School
The Superintendent provided the Board with an update regarding the district’s Safe Routes to School efforts. Administration reported that the addition of crossing guards near the middle school and high school has been well received and will continue moving forward to support student safety and traffic flow. The Board was also informed that the City of Winfield is preparing to submit a grant application for new sidewalk improvements extending from College Street east along Simpson Avenue and connecting to Viking Boulevard and the high school area. District administration and community partners submitted letters of support for the grant application. Additional discussion included pedestrian safety, possible crossing signal improvements, monitoring of student crossing patterns near the highway, and continued collaboration with the city regarding future safety enhancements.
Consent Agenda
Morton made a motion to approve the following consent agenda items, with Trimmer providing the second. The motion carried on a 6-0 vote.
A. Personnel
B. Approval of April 2026 BOE Minutes
C. Approval of Grants/Donations
D. Acceptance of Bills and Financial Reports
E. HOSA Trip
Upcoming Events
• BOE Meeting: The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 8, 2026.
• May 14 – Last Day of School
• May 15 – Staff Breakfast
• May 17 – WHS Graduation