March 2025 BOE Meeting Highlights
Good afternoon, Blu-Jay Family,
Below is a recap of Monday night’s Board of Education meeting and the actions taken by the USD 344 Board.
Reports
Ray Scholarship Report – Rob Bonham
The Ray Scholarship currently has three past PHS recipients completing their four-year cycle, making the scholarship available to three students from the PHS Class of 2025. Due to increased funding, an additional scholarship will be awarded, bringing the total to four scholarships for this year.
Superintendent’s Report – Mr. Epps
Strategic Plan Progress
The Board reviewed updates from the District Strategic Plan Team. The first step in implementation is to educate and engage stakeholders about the plan’s vision and key components. Every member of our community plays a vital role in bringing this plan to life.
Community Communication Survey
Mr. Epps provided a brief update on current communication initiatives. The district’s communication survey remains open until March 24, 2025.
Discussion Items
Snow Make-Up Days
To ensure USD 344 meets the state’s required instructional hours (1,116 for K-11 students and 1,086 for seniors), the following make-up days have been scheduled:
K-11 Make-Up Days:
Monday, April 21
Tuesday, May 13 (Full Day, originally scheduled as an early-release last day)
Wednesday, May 14 (Full Day)
Thursday, May 15 (Official Last Day, 11:15 AM release)
Senior Make-Up Days:
Monday, April 21
Wednesday, May 7
Virtual School Initiative
The Board approved moving forward with the development of a virtual program, which is now pending official approval from the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE). A draft handbook and framework are currently in development.
Bright Thinker Virtual Curriculum
The Board approved the purchase of Bright Thinker Virtual Curriculum to replace Edgenuity. This curriculum will be used for both current students and the new virtual program. The cost is $32,000 for a three-year contract.
Four-Day School Week Feedback
USD 344 certified staff recently voted on their preference for a four-day versus five-day school week. Results are attached for review. The next steps include gathering input from additional stakeholders and forming a negotiation team consisting of representatives from both the Pleasanton NEA and the USD 344 Board.
Chromebook Purchase for 2025-2026
Due to anticipated price increases and limited availability, the Board approved the purchase of 100 new Chromebooks at a cost of $259.91 each, totaling $29,091.
Transportation for After-Prom Event
The Board approved the use of USD 344 transportation to shuttle students to and from the after-prom event at AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk in Overland Park.
Executive Session – Personnel
The Board extended Nathan Meik’s contract as Elementary Principal through the 2026-2027 school year. His contract will run from August 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
Due to increased participation, the Board approved the addition of 1-2 assistant track coaching positions. These positions are now open for applicants.
Thank you for staying informed and engaged with USD 344. If you have any questions, please reach out to the district office.
USD 344 Board of Education