USD 410 board delays vote on $118,480 alert system

The USD 410 Board of Education tabled approval of a P1 Groups proposal for installation of a new intercom, clock and bell system for Hillsboro Middle High School and Hillsboro Elementary School at a cost of $118,480.

Superintendent Max Heinrichs said several questions need to be addressed, including making sure the system “talks to USD 410 phones.”

Heinrichs said a vote will be taken at a special meeting later this week.

Janet Whisenhunt, who oversees the Wiebe Media Center at Hillsboro Middle High School, explained that MakerSpace, which began in fall, involves designing and completing hands-on projects by both middle and high school students.

Projects focus on a monthly challenge.

“For April, it’s make it move,” Whisenhunt said.

Students come to the library to work on projects after they complete their coursework.

“It’s a reward for them to finish their work,” she said.

As an example, she brought a completed LEGO project, led by senior Kaden Kleiner as project manager.

Students built a LEGO replica of Kansas State’s Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium, which Whisenhunt said she hopes to auction to “a K-State fan” so additional materials for projects can be purchased.

In other business, the board:

◼ approved purchase of 24 laptops for $23,640 from Twotree Technologies. The laptops will be used by HHS staff. Two of the laptops are designed for the Parents As Teachers and Family And Community Together directors, whose programs will fund purchase of those computers.

◼ approved fiscal year 2019 continued participation in the Marion County Parents as Teachers program at $43,000.

Heinrichs said the amount is based on the percentage of children living in the district who participate in the program.

◼ approved 2018 Prairie View summer program agreement for using USD 410 facilities and vehicles. Hein­richs said Prairie Views operates and pays all expenses related to the program.

◼ approved the TEEN interlocal agreement and resolution for the next five years beginning July 1.

◼ approved preschool 2018-19 calendar as presented.

◼ approved following the hires after meeting in executive session: Luke Moore and Tammy Ollenburger as summer painters; Connie Gauthier as summer carpet cleaner; Michelle Ediger as HES kindergarten teacher; and Tena Loewen as HES second-grade teacher.

Heinrichs said the search for an HES preschool teacher continues.

Board member Jim Paulus was absent from the meeting.

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