Board Members: President Kinnie Ledford was absent. Vice President Jalaine Richardson attended remotely and designated Ed Trimmer to chair the meeting. Board members Roy Andreas, Gregg Follmer, Sarah Morton, and Ed Trimmer were present in person. Andrea Ball joined the meeting remotely at 5:36 p.m. Sarah Morton seconded the motion.
Motion carried 5-0.
USD 465 Mission Statement
Board of Education members read the USD 465 mission statement: 'Developing Responsible Citizens for the Future’.
Adoption of Agenda
Prior to approval, Sarah Morton moved to approve the additional personnel item included on the consent agenda. Gregg Follmer seconded the motion to approve the agenda as amended. The motion carried 5–0.
Recognition of Visitors
Visitors introduced themselves.
Presentations
Justin Price, Driver Education Coordinator, provided the Board of Education with an update on the Winfield High School Driver Education program. He shared that the program expanded this year to serve more than 100 students through the addition of more driver education instructors, allowing the district to accommodate increased student participation. Mr. Price also responded to questions from Board members regarding the program.
2026–27 Transportation Handbook
Director of Transportation Cameron Groom and Assistant Superintendent Phil Bressler presented the revised 2026-2027 Transportation Handbook, highlighting updates made following Board feedback. After discussion, the Board approved the 2026-2027 Transportation Handbook. Greg
Follmer moved to approve the handbook, Roy Andreas seconded, and the motion carried 6-0.
Assistant Superintendent Report
Assistant Superintendent Phil Bressler provided updates on personnel, summer projects, and supplemental assignments. He reported that the district has successfully hired a number of new staff members and currently has one certified teaching vacancy in the district, along with several open positions within the Special Education Cooperative.
Mr. Bressler also shared progress on summer facility projects, including completion of parking lot striping at Winfield High School using the district's new line-painting robot, continued work on the high school roof, ventilation improvements, electrical upgrades, HVAC replacements, and renovations to the tennis courts. He noted that all major projects are either complete or nearing completion and that bond funds are covering the planned capital improvements.
The Board also received an overview of the district's supplemental assignments for the 2026- 2027 school year. Of the 246 supplemental positions available, 208 have been filled, with recruitment continuing for the remaining vacancies. Mr. Bressler reviewed the projected costs of supplemental assignments and emphasized the significant impact these positions have on student programs and extracurricular opportunities throughout the district.
Superintendent Report
Superintendent Tricia Reiser provided updates on summer professional development, summer school, the Skyward Qmlativ Student Information System implementation, the district needs assessment, onsite enrollment, the back-to-school schedule, and new teacher orientation.
Mrs. Reiser shared that the Board's discussion of the 2025-2026 State Assessment Review and the 2026-2027 Budget Considerations was incorporated into the district's Needs Assessment, which was included on the consent agenda for Board approval.
An update was provided on the district's summer school program. Mrs. Reiser reported that enrollment was significantly lower than in previous years and noted that district administration will evaluate the structure and organization of summer school for next year. She emphasized that the primary purpose of summer school is to support student learning, reduce summer learning loss, and provide high school students with opportunities to recover credits toward graduation. She also shared that participation in the summer meal program declined compared to previous years and that adjustments will be considered for future implementation.
Mrs. Reiser highlighted the district's summer professional learning opportunities, sharing that approximately 60 certified staff members participated in standards work during the summer. She recognized the commitment of nearly 60 teachers who invested part of their summer in standards work to strengthen curriculum and instruction for the upcoming school year.
The Board also received an overview of the district's beginning-of-the-year schedule, including onsite enrollment, implementation of the Skyward Qmlativ Student Information System, upcoming staff meetings, and plans for New Teacher Orientation designed to welcome and prepare new educators for a successful start to the school year.
Executive Sessions
Jalaine Richardson moved that the Board enter into executive session to discuss an individual employee's performance pursuant to the non-elected personnel exception under the Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA). Greg Follmer seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0. The Board entered executive session. The open meeting was scheduled to resume at 6:20 p.m. After approving a five-minute extension, the Board reconvened in open session at 6:25 p.m.
Consent Agenda
A. Personnel
B. Administrative/Directors Contracts
C. Needs Assessment
Roy Andreas moved to approve the consent agenda. Sarah Morton seconded. The motion carried 6-0.
Upcoming Events
• Back to School Convocation: Wednesday, August 5, 8:00-10:00 a.m. (Staff Breakfast 7:00-8:00 a.m.) – Winfield High School
• BOE Regular Meeting: The next BOE regular monthly meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 10, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at the District Office