Board members approved the measure, 7-0.

“We needed this,” said Feldkamp.

2025-26 calendar still being decided

The 2025-26 district calendar still is being determined due to ongoing discussions about whether to build late starts into the schedule for faculty collaboration.

The district currently has early release on certain days, but administrators would like to replace those early releases with late starts next school year.

Administrators provided some information on the benefits of early release/late starts and that late starts worked better. For example, those early releases can leave students at the high school or middle school with after-school activities in limbo as they wait for those extracurricular practices or activities to start.

Board members also voiced concern about the impact the schedules might have on district families.

Administrators provided information about learning benefits that come from the allotted time earlier in the day. Board members asked for more time to delve into the information before making a decision.

District hears results of audit

Gordon CPA gave a presentation on Tonganoxie USD 464’s 2024-25 audit.

The presentation showed the district’s accounting was done well for 2024-25.

Personnel recommendations OK’d

Tonganoxie USD 464 board members approved several personnel recommendations at Monday’s regular meeting.

Contracts and work agreements were approved for Kreyton Bauerle, Tonganoxie High School assistant girls basketball coach; and Jaden Goellnitz, Tonganoxie Elementary School special education paraprofessional.

Resignations were approved for Michael Eckert, THS girls basketball assistant coach; Nanako Hallier, THS girls assistant soccer coach; Becky Nasalroad, director of communications and engagement (effective Jan. 5); and Loren Feldkamp, district superintendent (effective June 30).

Retirement was approved for Deanna Sittner, TES technology teacher (effective May 26) and a termination was approved for Valerie Robare – TES special education paraprofessional.

Donations approved

The board approved acceptance of these donations during the meeting: Tonganoxie High School FFA grant from National FFA, $500; THS student lunch accounts from First Baptist Church for $100; and Mrs. Bradley’s Kids Christmas from Patrick and Deniece Wakeman for $100.

Board meets in executive session

Board members met in executive session for 40 minutes Monday to discuss nonelected personnel. The board did not take any action during the closed-door meeting. Joining the board in the meeting were Superintendent Loren Feldkamp and Assistant Superintendent Tonya Phillips.

Board honors outgoing member

Monday’s meeting marked the final one for outgoing Board Member Karen Bottary.

Bottary served two terms on the board and opted not to seek another in November.

Board president Justin Sturgeon presented her with a plaque and thanked her for her service and how much he “appreciated her time and effort.”