During Monday’s regular USD 506 Board of Education meeting, the board recognized the Future Farmers of America’s Parliamentary team, who will be attending the national competition in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the end of the month.
Kyle Zwahlen, FFA adviser said the six-member team’s competition will include a model meeting over an agricultural topic. Students must complete certain actions using parliamentary procedure, a written test, a problem solving test, and an exam over how to keep proper meeting minutes and records.
Zwahlen noted that to prepare, students are working with Mark Johnson, a Labette County High School alum and Professor at Pittsburg State University.
One student will be taking time out of her college schedule to compete with her team; Anna Cantrell, who graduated from LCHS earlier this year.
“That just shows the dedication and commitment that she has for her team and our school,” Superintendent John Wyrick said.
The other members of the team are: Sierra Hill, chairman, Pyper White, secretary, Alexis Spencer, Taylor Gudde, and Jaci Falkenstien.
Wyrick said Spencer was named Student of the Month by the Altamont Lions Club for October.
In business, the board reviewed and discussed potential policy changes.
The cell phone policy for all schools was reviewed.
“We as a board feel like it was our responsibility to do our due diligence to have the discussion,” Wyrick said.
He noted that in 34 states there are currently partial restrictions or bans on cell phones in public schools. In USD 506, the restriction level depends on the school. According to Wyrick, the K-8 building does not allow students to have or use their devices during the day. Students must turn in their phone to the office at the beginning of the day, and receive it at the end of the day.
Wyrick said this procedure worked well according to the building administrators.
At the high school, students may use thor phones during passing periods and lunch time, but may not have them out during class. Based on administration observation, students still socialized during lunch, with many not using their phones at all during the time.
A cell phone policy for field trips, and the general cell phone policies are to be discussed further during a school site council.
“This will be an ongoing conversation,” Wyrick said. “We will continuously monitor what is happening in our buildings and make our decisions based upon data and observation.”
Transportation concerns were also discussed. Currently, there is a shortage of bus drivers, which has led to many members of building and district administration and the maintenance crew to obtain their CDL in order to maintain activity transportation.
Wyrick said this conversation was had to be proactive. Further discussions and a policy decision is expected in the future. The board also began discussions regarding the potential of a naloxone machine on the district’s campuses. Wyrick said the type of machine, and the level of access to the naloxone is still being discussed among the board. Further discussions and a policy decision is expected at the November or December meeting.
The next USD 506 Board of Education meeting will be held on Monday, Nov. 10, at 6 p.m. at the Curran Administrative Center. Agenda packets and meeting minutes can be found at https://www.usd506. org/district-54/board-of-education/ board-minutes-agendas.
