Board Members: Kinnie Ledford, president; Jalaine Richardson, vice-president; Andrea Ball; Roy Andreas; Gregg Follmer; Ed Trimmer; Sarah Morton, absent
Communications
USD 465 Mission Statement
Board members read the USD 465 mission statement: 'Developing Responsible Citizens for the Future’.
Adoption of Agenda
The agenda was presented with amendments to reflect additional items and adjustments to the order of business. Changes included adding an additional consent agenda item, incorporating additional personnel items, and adding an additional executive session for non-elected personnel. Jalaine Richardson moved to approve the agenda as amended. Ed Trimmer seconded the motion. The motion carried, 6–0.
Recognition of Visitors
Visitors introduced themselves.
Citizen Open Forum
Camille and Rheegyn Richert addressed the Board regarding the decision to discontinue Renaissance Cords at Winfield High School. They expressed concerns that the cords recognize academic achievement across a variety of subject areas, encourage students to pursue rigorous coursework, and provide meaningful recognition at graduation. They requested that the Board reconsider the decision and reinstate the Renaissance Cord program.
Board Member Comments
Board members were reminded of the upcoming work session scheduled for the second week of July. A meeting invitation and related communication had been distributed, and board members were asked to submit any agenda items to the Superintendent or Mrs. Reiser for consideration.
Recognitions
The Board recognized Winfield High School's spring state placers in tennis, girls swimming, and track and field for their outstanding accomplishments during the 2025–26 season. The Board congratulated the student-athletes and coaches on their success at state competition.
The Board recognized Country View, Irving, Lowell, Whittier, and Winfield Early Learning Center for earning designation as Capturing Kids’ Hearts Showcase Schools. Representatives from each building were recognized for their commitment to fostering positive school culture, strong relationships, and student-centered learning environments. The Board also noted that, as a result of multiple schools earning Showcase School status, USD 465 was recognized as a Capturing Kids’ Hearts Distinguished District. Board members expressed appreciation to building leaders and staff for their dedication to creating welcoming, relationship-focused school environments that are evident throughout the district.
Country View Elementary
Irving Elementary
Lowell Elementary
Winfield Early Learning Center
Whittier Elementary
Student and Staff Handbooks
The Board reviewed the 2026–27 student and staff handbooks presented by building administrators.
Ashley Schneider presented the Winfield Early Learning Center Student Handbook. Ed Trimmer moved to approve the handbook, and Roy Andreas seconded the motion. The motion carried 6–0.
Craig Thompson presented the Winfield Middle School Student Handbook. Jalaine Richardson moved to approve the handbook, and Gregg Follmer seconded the motion. The motion carried 6–0.
Rhonda Hockenbury presented the 2026–27 Winfield High School Student and Staff Handbooks. Following discussion regarding graduation recognition, Ed Trimmer moved to approve the handbooks with the continuation of the Renaissance Honor Cord program and the use of stoles to recognize Latin Honors distinctions. Roy Andreas seconded the motion. The motion carried 5–1.
John Kaufman presented the updated Winfield High School Athletics/Activities Handbook. Gregg Follmer moved to approve the handbook, and Roy Andreas seconded the motion. The motion carried 6–0.
2026–27 Support Staff Handbook – First Reading
Assistant Superintendent Phil Bressler presented the first reading of the 2026–27 Support Staff Handbook. The handbook underwent a comprehensive revision focused primarily on formatting, organization, and alignment with current board policies, negotiated agreement provisions, federal and state requirements, and district practices. Updates included the removal of redundant language, revisions to payroll and FMLA information, and other procedural updates to reflect current operations. No board action was required at this first reading.
H.L. Snyder Foundation Grant Application
Health Services Coordinator Felicia Mettling presented a grant application to the H.L. Snyder Foundation requesting $10,230 to replace six aging Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the district. The replacement units would address discontinued equipment and supplies, ensure compatibility with current AED models, and support ongoing emergency preparedness and safety for students, staff, and community members. Kinnie Ledford moved to approve the grant application. Ed Trimmer seconded the motion. The motion carried 6–0.
Approval of 2026-27 BOE Meeting Dates
Superintendent Reiser presented the proposed Board of Education meeting schedule for the 2026–27 school year, which had been reviewed by the Board at the previous meeting. Board members expressed support for continuing the practice of hosting meetings at district schools, noting the opportunity to observe school culture, student learning environments, and district programs firsthand. Administration recommended approval of the schedule to assist with planning and coordination for the upcoming year. Roy Andreas moved to approve the 2026–27 Board of Education meeting schedule. Jalaine Richardson seconded the motion. The motion carried 6–0.
Safe and Secure Grant Application
Assistant Superintendent Phil Bressler presented a request for Board authorization to apply for the KSDE Safe & Secure Schools Grant. The grant program, which requires a dollar-for-dollar district match, would fund camera system upgrades at Winfield Middle School and several elementary schools, as well as the installation of additional Zeptive occupancy and vape detection sensors in locker rooms and remaining restroom areas at Winfield Middle School and Winfield High School. The total estimated project cost is $86,000, with the grant covering 50 percent of the expense. Kinnie Ledford moved to authorize the district to apply for the KSDE Safe & Secure Schools Grant. Ed Trimmer seconded the motion. The motion carried 6–0.
HVAC Equipment Purchase
Assistant Superintendent Phil Bressler presented a recommendation to approve the purchase of HVAC equipment for Irving Elementary School, Lowell Elementary School, and the Winfield High School Auxiliary Gymnasium. Winfield Plumbing submitted the lowest responsible bid meeting equipment specifications and was recommended for approval. The Board considered a total project cost of $206,387, including $147,880 for equipment and $58,507 for installation. The project will be funded through remaining bond proceeds and is scheduled for completion during the summer. Ed Trimmer moved to approve the HVAC equipment purchase and installation through Winfield Plumbing. Jalaine Richardson seconded the motion. The motion carried 6–0.
Temporary Use of District Property Agreement
Administration requested Board approval to allow PSE Contractors, LLC to temporarily utilize a designated portion of district property near Winfield High School for equipment and material staging related to a Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) bridge guardrail replacement project. The temporary use is expected to last approximately four weeks during the summer of 2026. As part of the agreement, the district will receive $500 in compensation, and the contractor will restore the area to its original condition or better upon completion of the project. Gregg Follmer moved to approve the temporary use agreement. Ed Trimmer seconded the motion. The motion carried 6–0.
Recreation Board Appointment
The Board discussed the upcoming expiration of Joe Wood’s term on the Recreation Board, which concludes on June 30. In accordance with Board policy, members reviewed the process for filling the vacancy and agreed to open the position for applications. Applications will be advertised by the district, and a Board committee will review applicants and make a recommendation for appointment at a future meeting. The Board also discussed the importance of applicant availability to attend regularly scheduled Recreation Board meetings. Kinnie Ledford moved to accept applications for the vacancy. Roy Andreas seconded the motion. The motion carried 6–0.
Assistant Superintendent Report
Assistant Superintendent Phil Bressler provided updates on personnel, finances, summer projects, and operations. Mr. Bressler reported current certified and classified openings across the district and special education cooperative, including teaching, support staff, related services, and coaching positions. He also shared that the district is finalizing FY26 purchasing, completing required year-end transfers, reconciling FY25 financial records, and beginning preparation for the upcoming budget cycle.
Summer projects are underway, including the Winfield High School roof project, parking lot repairs at Winfield High School and Winfield Middle School, playground surface work at Irving, Lowell, and Whittier, tennis court improvements, and welding ventilation work at the high school.
Mr. Bressler and Elizabeth reviewed the need to establish an additional bank account to support implementation of SchoolCash, which will improve tracking, visibility, and internal controls for online payments, cash, checks, fundraisers, and activity accounts.
Teaching & Learning Report
Dr. Ray provided an update on the district’s KESA continuous improvement process and shared positive feedback received during a recent state review. She highlighted the development of a progress framework that clearly outlines expectations and milestones for staff as the district works toward its January 2027 goals. The framework is intended to provide greater clarity and accountability while helping staff monitor progress toward district objectives.
Dr. Ray also discussed upcoming KESA accountability measures, which will focus on graduation rates, English Language Arts achievement, and mathematics achievement. Building teams have already begun preparing for these measures and are positioned to establish goals and action steps aligned with state expectations.
In addition, Dr. Ray reported on the district’s May 20 Data Day, which brought together leadership teams from all district buildings. Participants reviewed FastBridge growth data, staff and family survey results, and building-specific data reports to identify strengths, areas for growth, and priorities for the upcoming school year. The session provided meaningful opportunities for data analysis and goal setting, and participants reported that the experience was highly valuable in guiding future planning efforts.
Needs Assessment
Superintendent Reiser presented the annual Building Needs Assessments completed by each school. The assessments are used to identify building-level priorities and inform district budgeting and resource allocation decisions. Board members were encouraged to review the assessments prior to the July meeting, when further discussion will occur. Superintendent Reiser noted that previous needs assessments have helped guide district decisions, including transportation services at Winfield Early Learning Center, demonstrating the district’s responsiveness to identified needs.
June 2026 KASB Board Policy Updates – First Reading
Superintendent Reiser presented the June 2026 KASB Board Policy updates for a first reading. The proposed updates include revisions to policies related to investment of funds, emergency drills, food services management, sex-based discrimination, Title I programs, graduation requirements, staff online activities, attendance records, enrollment, foster care students, nonresident students, absences and excuses, emergency medications, foreign exchange students, and release of student records.
Superintendent Reiser highlighted Policy IIBGC – Staff Online Activities, noting that the district’s current policy is more restrictive than state requirements but requires additional language to ensure full compliance. Proposed additions include definitions, clarification of approved communication platforms, expectations for district social media use, training and compliance requirements, administrator oversight, and disciplinary procedures.
Board members were asked to review the proposed policy updates prior to the next meeting, when the policies will be brought back for further consideration.
Grants and Donations
The Board acknowledged a donation of $1,728.50 from the Winfield FFA Alumni & Supporters organization. The donation will support FFA programs and activities for students in USD 465.
Executive Sessions
At 8:00 p.m., the Board entered into executive session to discuss Board of Education negotiation topics pursuant to the employer-employee negotiations exception under the Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA). Jalaine Richardson moved to enter executive session, and Gregg Follmer seconded the motion. The motion carried 6–0. The open meeting resumed at 8:20 p.m.
At 8:20 p.m., the Board entered a second executive session to discuss an individual employee's performance pursuant to the non-elected personnel exception under the Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA). Jalaine Richardson moved to enter executive session, and Andrea Ball seconded the motion. The motion carried 6–0. The Board extended the executive session twice for an additional five minutes each. The open meeting resumed at 8:50 p.m.
Consent Agenda
Ed Trimmer moved to approve the consent agenda as presented. Gregg Follmer seconded the motion. The motion carried 6–0.
A. Personnel
B. Approval of May, 2026 BOE Minutes
C. Acceptance of Bills and Financial Reports
D. Authorization to Establish Bank Account
Upcoming Events
• The next regular meeting of the USD 465 Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, June 22, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the District Office.