By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The Hays school district's five-year capital outlay plan was reviewed by USD 489 board members during their meeting Monday.
"This is a working document," said Ron Wilson, superintendent, who presented the plan.
Large expenses for this academic year include adding four more tennis courts to the new high school and the addition of bathrooms and concessions on the field of what will be come the new middle school.
"It shows we're taking care of our property now and being good stewards of our buildings," said Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp, board member.
The board also approved a recommended bid from Network Computer Solutions, Manhattan, for $67,629 for additional computer equipment for the Roosevelt Elementary School addition and the new Hays High School.
An E-rate funding commitment from Universal Service Administration Company to assist with network and hardware infrastructure needed for the project will cover 70% of the cost.
Personnel transactions were approved, following an update on custodial staffing restructuring.
The school district is contracting with Clean-Rite of Hays for its evening housekeeping positions.
"We've had an extremely difficult time keeping night staff," said Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services.
Once the two bond projects are completed for the new high school and renovation of Roosevelt Elementary, there will be fewer managerial positions and more contracted people working housekeeping, primarily in classrooms.
Wilson said construction of the two projects is on schedule.
The 2024-25 student handbooks were unanimously adopted as presented.
Board member appointments to 2024-25 standing committees were also announced. Ken Brooks, Allen Park and Zampieri-Lillpopp will serve on the negotiations team.
An initial discussion about cell phone usage by students and the district's policies was held. Board member Ruth Ruder asked for input from students and staff. The discussion will resume late this fall after the district receives recommended guidelines from the Kansas Association of School Boards task force.
The public hearing for the 2024-25 draft budget is Sept. 9.