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E-rate funding saves USD 428 nearly $400,000
January school board meeting at a glance
GB USD 428

Meeting at a glance


Here’s a quick look at the Jan. 12 board of education meeting for Great Bend Public Schools:

• There was one personnel change. The board approved the retirement of Shelly Post, Early Childhood Special Education Specialist, effective June 1.

• Policy updates suggested by the Kansas Association of School Boards were approved. Most of the revisions were first presented to the board in December.

The one revision added this month was to the policy on "use of school facilities by community groups." Assistant Superintendent John Popp said it adds a statement that proof of liability may be required prior to approval of facility use. It also increases the per-hour fee schedule for practices at gyms and auditoriums from $5 an hour to $8 an hour, with a minimum of $24. USD 428 reserves the right to use the gym for school purposes first at all times.

• Delaney Smith, CPA with AdamsBrown LLC, presented the audit report for 2024-2025. The district received a “clean” audit.

• Three items presented for “first readings” were approved on the spot instead of waiting until next month. The first was the purchase of supplemental materials for the K-12 Art Department, followed by the Great Bend Middle School Program of Studies and the Great Bend High School Program of Studies for the 2026-2027 school year.

• The board approved the purchase of English Language Arts literacy materials for grades K-2. “Reading Decodables” by publisher HMH will reinforce foundational skills. The original cost was $86,000 but Assistant Superintendent JoAnn Blevins negotiated a price of $26,018.01. The district can use its “at-risk” funding instead of drawing from the general budget, Blevins said.

• Use of E-rate funding was approved. These federal funds are awarded from phone fees charged to consumers and can be used for the Wide Area Network, internet service, network switches, access points and licenses. The cost for these items would be close to half a million dollars but with the E-rate funds the cost to USD 428 next year will be under $100,000.

• Roof specifications for three projects were approved for release, and there was an update on the HVAC project approved last month.