USD 410 board transfers Wiebe funds to Hillsboro Community Foundation

Unified School District 410 Board of Education?s decision to transfer its scholarship fund to Hillsboro Community Foundation will increase awards to deserving students, Superintendent Steve Noble said at its Dec. 12 meeting.

The $200,000 endowed John A. and Harriet Kizler Wiebe Good Citizenship Scholarship Fund has been held as certificates of deposit in USD 410 accounts at Hillsboro State and Emprise banks, where it?s earning 0.4 percent, he said.

Consequently, scholarship awards from the fund have been steadily decreasing, Noble said.

When transferred to HCF and managed through its investments, Noble said the fund?renamed the John A. and Harriet Kizler Wiebe Fund for Hillsboro High School?can earn 5 percent interest and will be matched up to 25 percent by the Kansas Health Foundation.

?This change keeps in tact the core purpose that the Wiebes intended,? Noble said.

Principals Evan Yoder and Max Heinrichs presented their building reports to the board.

Yoder reviewed a compilation of testing data from Hillsboro Elementary School students that provide feedback and guidance toward his faculty?s performance goals for students.

?I?m feeling pretty good about reading,? he said, adding his teachers are now focusing more on math with their students.

He commended the exemplary assistance from second-grade teacher aide Marilyn Ratzlaff and special-education teacher Kathy Koop in better meeting the needs of students.

One challenge, Yoder said, is dealing with behavior issues with high-need children.

?We?re still trying to find the best ways to deal with some of their behaviors,? he said.

Heinrichs reported Hillsboro High School students have adjusted to this fall?s changed schedule.

The faculty have been champions of excellence, he said, along with the support and maintenance staffs.

Heinrichs reviewed progress made in finalizing articulation agreements with vo-tech schools and community and four-year colleges that will transfer course credits earned at HHS if students attend their schools.

Noble and board member Joe Sechrist reported on their attendance at the Kansas Association of School Boards Delegate Assembly Dec. 3.

Among the KASB?resolutions approved were those dealing with curriculum, assessment, state aid, board member learning programs, changes in accreditation and several federal issues.

Noble also reported on the Kansas In Question symposium he attended with Linda Ogden, which dealt with critical issues and opportunities facing the state.

?It was a fascinating day,? he said about the presentations and discussions.

Other business

In other business, the board:

? approved a spring trip to Washington, D.C., for four seniors who are members of GAP??Going Adventurous Places?an organization funded by an anonymous donor that focuses on cultural activities for HHS girls. The trip will be funded by the anonymous donor. Sponsors Janet Whisenhunt and Jill Hein will accompany the students on the trip.

? approved a trip to Ponca City, Okla., for HHS students in the Robotics class to compete in the VEX Robotics Competition Jan. 28. Two vehicles and fuel will be provided at district expense.

? heard from board president Eddie Weber about his recent tour of the district?s schools.

?We?ve got some great teachers and some great kids,? Weber said.

? approved selling ITV equipment no longer in use.

? approved contracts for Terach Antoine as assistant middle school wrestling coach and Kady Albrecht as Paths to Adventure after-school assistant.

Noble informed the board that the district is conducting background checks for new classified hires.

? was updated by Noble on the district?s goals.

? was updated by business manager Jerry Hinerman regarding the mill levy and assessed valuation for USD 410.

? met in executive session for the superintendent?s evaluation.

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