The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

Frenchman Board of Education members voted on salary schedules for the coming year including those for certified teachers, classified staff and extra duty assignments. The board in Fleming also approved lists of teacher contracts in preparation for the upcoming school year.

Action items in the April 8 meeting began with the approval of the 2022-23 certified teacher salary schedule. In doing so, board members approved increasing the base salary for teachers to $37,000. Fleming’s base salary had been $35,405; total increasing the base pay nearly $1,600.

A second motion was approved to increase the classified salary schedule for next year. That approval also brought on increase in pay. According to Superintendent Steve McCracken, the classified scale now begins with a base $13 per hour rate.

In a third motion pertaining to staff wages, the Board approved the 2022-23 extra duty salary schedule. McCracken said the only changes to the schedule for next year includes the addition of a high school girls’ golf coach. That position was created this; that season is currently underway.

Once approving salary schedules for staff next year, board members went on to approve the list of teacher contracts, including both probationary and non-probationary teachers. Contracts approved by the Board last week include those for: Becky Harms, Laurianna May, Brittany Pierce, Rylie Salyards, Danielle Wernsman, Arika Lippstrew, Hailey Ruff, Cheri Bornhoft, Amy Brekel, Lisa Chintala, Karl Donnelson, Trish Etl, Derek Feather, Deron Feather, Jessica Japp, Cindy Johnson, Kelly Schmidt, Randy Stahley and Krystal Stone. Critical shortage contracts were approved for Denise King and Christy Stumpf.

Classified staff contracts were approved for Alexandra Bandy, Susan Dryer, Harry Harms, Sandy Kinzie, Ellen Lippstrew, Matt Monroe, Stephanie Monroe, Jennifer Muller, Grace Rosignol, Ashley Steward, Samantha Swan, Rebecca Williams, Samantha Nielson and Kendra Koehler.

With staffing contracts and wages for next year out of the way, board members moved onto other business including the purchase of a new van. The Board accepted a quote form Transwest to purchase a 12 passenger van in the amount of $34,297. The Chevrolet van will join the Fleming fleet and be used primarily for student activity transportation. The purchase also includes the cost of an extended warranty.

At the start of the meeting in early April, board members heard from third year teacher Becky Harms. Harms teaches sixth through 12th grade social studies, history, government and psychology. She talked to the Board about what each of her classes are focusing on and gave a report on a recent trip fifth through eighth grade students took to Rural AmeriTowne in Wray. She said AmeriTowne teaches students many skills including how to use a checkbook and other life skills.

Fourth grade teacher Jessica Japp also presented to board members. In addition to teaching, she also serves as the junior class sponsor. Japp reviewed State assessments and NEWA testing with the Board.

Principal Kortney Firme presented board members with results from a recent survey that asked teachers their opinion in regards to the study skills class. McCracken said the main objective of the studies skills class is to provide additional time for students to compete their homework assignments. “Students also get additional help from teachers if they need help during this time,” he said.

According to Firme, most teachers are in favor of continuing to offer the class.

Firme is currently working on the high school schedule for the coming year and presented the most recent draft.

In other business the Board:

• Approved the addition of Mike Gertner and Dan Torres to the substitute teacher list;

• Approved an invoice from Castle Plumbing for $15,480 for materials for the concession stand;

• Accepted a renewal proposal from CEBT. Starting next year, the Fleming District will offer employees who qualify for medical benefits a PPO plan, an EPO Plan and a high deductible plan to select from;

• Moved and approved to extended the wrestling MOU with Sedgwick County for the next five years, no changes were made.