The Fairfax R-3 School Board held a regular meeting Thursday, August 17, 2023. Miles Smith, vice-president, called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. Also in attendance were: Brett Johnson, Chance Clement, Crystal Woodring, Treyvor Umbarger and Theresa Larson, board members; Jeremy Burright, principal; Nick Kemerling, superintendent; and Karen Burke; secretary.
Ginny Smith spoke with the board about some concerns she had with the handbook changes.
The agenda was approved as presented.
Consent Agenda
Minutes of April 17, 2023, reorganization, regular, and executive sessions; and May 5, 2023, special executive session. were reviewed. The financial report was also reviewed. The 2023-24 fund balance report was $1,756,609, compared to $1,711,772 for the 2022-23 year.
The monthly bills in the amount of $72,425.37 were reviewed for payment.
Superintendent’s Report
Mr. Kemerling gave a facilities report. He also thanked volunteers who have helped with flower beds. Bud Simmons has been at the school this week checking all vehicles. The school is still looking at the possibility of upgrading to a newer mini van.
No applicants were received for the dual credit para position. Dr. Burright has developed an option for starting the year without that position.
Participation numbers from each school were discussed along with upcoming activities.
Principal’s Report
Registration was held Wednesday, August 9. Dr. Burright thanked Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Burke for their hard work.
Preliminary numbers for attendance are: Preschool, 8 students; K-6, 59 students; and grades 7-12, 68 students.
Dr. Burright also reported on teacher work days and staff meetings. Discussions included enforcing the cell phone policy (no cell phones during class time for anything), grade reporting (one grade per week), the evaluation process, flattened leadership, and shared decision making.
Consent Agenda Approval
The consent agenda was approved.
New Business
Board members voted unanimously to set the 2023 tax rate at $4.7848.
They also approved the bid from Anderson Erickson Dairy for milk for the 2023-24 school year. It was: ½ pint 1% milk, $.2967; and ½ pint chocolate skim milk, $.3075.
The bus routes were approved as presented. There are nine riders in the morning and nine in the afternoon.
Discussion was held concerning the contract with Get the Lead Out. The school is now required to have samples taken from all water outlets in the buildings that could be used for drinking. Milestone value is equal to $66.00 per sample for 49 or less initial draw samples, and $55.00 per sample for 50 or more initial draw samples. Diagnostic and post remediation testing are additional charges at the same rates. Board members voted unanimously to approve the service contract with Get the Lead Out.
Some of the items brought up during the meeting for the discussions on the athletic co-op were: the financial picture, participation numbers, location, equipment, concession, and gates.
Old Business
Fairfax R-3’s enrollment allows up to $50,000 to improve the safety of the buildings, and almost all of Midwest Data Center’s estimates could be covered by this grant. Board members voted to approve the facility plan as presented with the window replacement being placed at the bottom of the list.
The next regular board meeting will be September 21, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.
