December 13, 2021
Following each board of education meeting, the Director of Communications recaps the board meeting in the Board Digest. To view the full agenda, click here.
Learning Without Limits
Cary Stahly and Ryan Simpson were recognized for being named the 2021 NEKMEA High School and Middle School Band Directors of the Year. The two received the awards at the district mini-convention on Saturday, December 4, 2021.
Seaman Middle School science teacher Rob Jackson was selected as a National STEM Scholar in the National STEM Scholar Program, a unique professional development program that provides advanced STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) training, national network building, and project support for middle school science teachers nationwide.
Board Approves Employee Stipend
The board approved an MOU as presented, with a $1,000 stipend for all licensed staff (excluding directors and superintendent) and $500 for all classified staff disbursing into two equal payments - one in December 2021 and the second in March 2022 using ESSER funds to finance the stipend.
Superintendent Remarks
I want to thank the board for their commitment to our teachers and staff. We are fortunate to have a board that supports the work we are doing during difficult and trying times. COVID-19 has strained us in every way possible and the folks in this district have stepped up and kept our students their priority with extra hours, extra energy, and extra sacrifice.
This ESSER stipend recognizes our teachers and staff for their unwavering dedication to our district. During a time when educators are leaving the profession sooner than expected our teachers are showing up and giving their best to our students day in and day out, even during a pandemic.
Thank you to the board and thank you to our staff for your commitment to our students and families.
In other celebratory news, Seaman School District is one of only seven school districts in the state of Kansas to receive five Kansans Can Star Recognition awards. Only four districts in the state received more than five awards.
The Kansans Can Recognition program recognizes district success associated with the new Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA) model. Seaman received silvers in social-emotional growth and high school graduation and copper in individual plan of study, civic engagement, and academically prepared for postsecondary.
Dr. Steve Noble
Superintendent
President Remarks
Keith Griffin thanked the Seaman community for allowing him to serve on the board. Mr. Griffin challenged the district to come together in good times and in bad times with collaboration. Mr. Griffin said that he can't thank everyone enough for their support.
Mr. Griffin encouraged patrons to reach out to board members. "I support this group up here, I support the incoming, I support my community. I ask everybody that's listening to follow suit"
Keith Griffin
BOE President
Discussion Items
Teaching and Learning Report
Secondary Program Planning Guides
Special Services Report
Safe Return to School Plan
Board of Education Consent Agenda
The consent agenda contains items packaged into one agenda item. They are often routine and garner very little discussion. A full list of consent items can be found by visiting the BoardDocs website.
Action Items
With vaccinations now available for elementary students, the board voted to remove the mask requirement for kindergarten through sixth grade students and staff, beginning January 4, 2022. Masks will be recommended but not required for all students and staff in grades kindergarten through 12th grade when we return from winter break. Masks will still be required on buses per federal requirements. Preschool students and staff will continue to follow the mask requirement policy.
The board will review the Safe Return to School Plan again in January.
Board Member Recognition
Frank Henderson recognized Cherie Sage and Keith Griffin for their years of service on the board and their active role in the community over the last several years.
Cherie Sage has served on the KASB Governmental Relations Committee, Calendar Committee, and Capital Outlay Revenue and Expense Committee (CORE-5),
District Wellness Council, District Mental Health Committee, District Equity Council, Technology Advisory Committee, Professional Development Council (PDC), and Early Learning Task Force
Keith Griffin has served on the KASB Governmental Relations Committee, Calendar Committee, and Capital Outlay Revenue and Expense Committee (CORE-5), and District Site Council.
Mr. Griffin has also served as the USD 345 Board of Education President since July of 2022. Mr. Henderson presented Mr. Griffin with a commemorative gavel in honor of his leadership on the board.
Next 345 Board of Education Meeting
The next regularly scheduled board meeting will take place on January 10. It is scheduled to start at 6:00 pm.
Regular board meetings are scheduled on the second Monday of each month at 6:00 pm, with the exception of March, which will be held on the third Monday. Regular meetings may be adjourned to another time and place when necessary. Special meetings may also be scheduled on an as-needed basis.
Regular meetings typically take place at the Seaman Education Center. When meeting locations change, notice is sent out to the public and made available online. Board agendas go live on the Friday afternoon prior to the regular board meeting.
All regular meetings are streamed live and available on the district's YouTube Channel. A recap of the meeting is also made available through the Board Digest.
Both in-person and digital public comment are accepted at regular board meetings. The public comment agenda item may be found in the meeting agenda.
Remaining regular meetings for the 2021-22 school year:
January 10, 2022
February 14, 2022
March 21, 2022
April 11, 2022
May 9, 2022
June 13, 2022
Board of Education Agenda
To review previous board of education agendas, click here.
How Can I Watch a Previous Board of Education Meeting?
The video from the meeting will be available by the Tuesday at noon following the meeting. The video can be viewed by clicking here.
Seaman School District USD #345
901 NW Lyman Rd | Topeka, KS 66608