School board appoints Klein to fill vacancy

By OLIVER GOOD

Staff writer

The Hillsboro school board appointed Kim Klein on Monday to represent the eastern part of the school district. She will fill the vacancy in position 6 left by former board member Gary Andrews.

Klein said board members recently contacted her because they knew she was interested.

“I was a write-in vote,” she said.

Klein ran a couple of years ago but when the vote happened, her name wasn’t on the ballot, she said.

Klein has been active in the school district since her oldest daughter, who is now a junior at Hillsboro High School, was in kindergarten.

She has clocked time at USD 410 volunteering for Site Council. She spent about 6 years as a para aide, and until she was voted in, she worked as a substitute teacher.

Klein recently learned that she can’t substitute teach in USD 410 while serving on the school board. However, she is excited about becoming more directly involved in school district.

“It’s a little intimidating,” she said.

She has had positive experiences as a volunteer, district employee, and a parent.

“I have a kid in each school,” Klein said. “I hope it will help to have my perspective.”

Budget approved with slight tax hike

The board approved the 2013-14 budget of $10,592,875. The budget includes a property tax increase of about 0.2 percent. Taxes on a typical $85,000 home would be $612.33, up $1.38 from 2012-13.

The budget was set at the maximum it can be without a special referendum and approved unanimously.

Fuel contract and adult breakfast prices

The board approved a fuel purchase contract of $62,107. The contract is with Cooperative Grain & Supply. It includes both diesel fuel and gasoline.

Adult breakfast prices will be increased this year. Last year’s price was $1.80. This year’s recommend price was $1.90. However, board member Rod Koons made a motion to raise the total adult breakfast price to $2. The motion passed unanimously.

Student laptop insurance and copier usage policy

The board unanimously approved a new vendor, the Worth Avenue Group of Stillwater, Okla., for student laptop insurance. They voted on it because the total of $23,240 just exceeds the set limit at which board action is required.

The board voted to amend a copier usage policy definition. The district will not charge a fee to individuals or groups that make copies for purposes of USD 410 sponsored activities. Sponsored activities fall under the authority of the board.

Personnel and various reports

The board met in closed session to discuss personnel from 7:36 p.m. to 8:20 p.m.

The resignations of bus driver Sarah Simington and HHS accompanist Tiffiney Harms were unanimously accepted.

Approved work agreements were:

• Patricia Traxson, Parents as Teachers, parent educator.
• Nikki Jones, lunchroom aide.
• Becky Suderman, Parents as Teachers, parent educator (adjusted from 24 to 26 hours a week).

A supplemental contract for Demetrius Cox, assistant middle school football coach, also was approved.

Superintendent Steve Noble gave reports on college and career readiness, the McREL teacher evaluation system, and facilities.

USD 410 will now be doing its own air-conditioning maintenance. Noble said they estimate $8,000 to $10,000 in savings.

Maintenance is also repairing about 20 roof leaks identified during the recent rainy weather.