One item of priority is an update of our school library.  This will include the infusion of cutting edge technology to be used in transforming the library into a media center setting.  This means that students will be able to access and utilize various kinds of technology for many different tasks.  The “Bowling for Butch” Foundation, coordinated by Chambre Breuer, has committed to donating the funds raised at this year’s event to the Bucklin school library refurbish project.  The board has agreed to match funds donated by the “Bowling for Butch” Foundation up to a maximum of $20,000.  We are also awaiting word on a couple of grants we have applied for that will potentially provide significant funding as well.

Possible agenda items at future board meetings include:  The next board meeting will be April 9th.

  -A drug testing policy that will test on a random basis student’s at various times of the year.  

  -The institution of a softball and baseball program.  

  -An eSports club program as an extra-curricular activity.  This is a technology based program that involves competitive interaction with other schools in   

  simulated activities digitally via the internet.  

  -OPAA food service. This is a company that provides the food service program for hundreds of school’s in the Midwest.  Volume purchasing power helps

  them provide at reduced prices.  They also design meals which includes two to three entrée choices, a salad bar, a fruit bar and possible ala cart choices.

  -This program if instituted, will still have Federally regulated portion sizes as mandated by The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act instituted in 2010.    

  -The purchase of a school vehicle. The decision will be between a 15 seat handicap accessible mini bus or a 8 seat suburban.  

  -A technology update of the basic infrastructure (wiring, cabling, access points etc…).  This will address the issue of slow internet connection that students

  and teachers are currently dealing with on a regular basis.  The cost of this project will be supplemented by the assistance of a federal grant (Erate).

Financial update:                               17-18                        16-17

Budget                                       2,980,000                    2,850,000

    Spending to 3-1-18                      1,349,000                    1,402,000

    Capital Outlay balance                   403,000                       420,000

Capital Outlay spent to 3-1-18     167,000                        80,000

Contingency balance                   370,000                      126,000

Debt                                          300,000/7 yrs

Capital outlay is money a school spends to purchase a fixed asset. Fixed assets are, property, plant and equipment. Contingency is basically our savings account.  The debt that we are carrying stems from last year’s HVAC/windows project in the elementary wing.

Major items for upcoming consideration: (5 yr plan)

    New windows and HVAC replacement in rest of original brick building.

    School/Community fitness facility.

Eventually a new track.

On April 3rd a team of trained experts chosen by us will visit our school to analyze our progress on the new KESA (Kansas Education Systems Accreditation) educational plan put forth by the Kansas State Department of Education.  Our DLT (District Leadership Team) will present our progress made this year and get input from this team of experts (Outside Validation Team) as to how we are doing and point us in the proper direction if needed.  The goal of the KESA program is to help schools provide a more all-encompassing education designed to help students become more successful in their real world after high school.