After the public-forum portion of the meeting, during which Brian Simmonds spoke to the issue of volunteer coaches helping with junior and senior high basketball coaching, Superintendent Tom Alstrom addressed the issue during the regular agenda.

Alstrom reviewed information from the school attorney, the district's history and a letter regarding the use of certified staff assisting as volunteers.

The board favored board member Duke Eldridge's recommendation that before it made a decision, that Alstrom solicit a legal recommendation from the Kansas Association of School Boards.

In addition to hearing routine reports from the school principals and superintendent, the board:

-- unanimously approved a one-year contract extension for Alstrom that will last through the 2008-09 school year.

-- approved overnight trips for members of the high school chapter of Business Professionals of America to attend the state officers conference Jan. 9-10 in Topeka and the state leadership conference Feb. 14-17 in Wichita. The board will provide meals as requested, and lodging for the sponsor.

-- heard a report from Gary Nesser, the district's technology director, about the TEEN Technology Conference he attended Nov. 7-10 in Dallas, and thanked the board for the opportunity to participate.

-- accepted the resignation of Jack O. Coleman as vocal instructor for the junior high and high school.

-- took no action after meeting in four executive sessions totaling 55 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel.

-- agreed to call a special meeting for 5 p.m. Jan. 15 regarding non-elected personnel.

-- took no action after meeting in executive session for 10 minutes to discuss the acquisition of real property.

-- was reminded by Doe Ann Hague, USD 398 board president and its representative on the Marion County Special Education Cooperative board, of a joint meeting of school and MCSEC boards scheduled for 6 p.m., Feb. 19.

-- set March 6 as the date for a board retreat at The Hub.