PC School Board discusses facility updates, bussing, recent review of the facility, among other things at Monday, Jan. 19 meeting
BY BECKY UEHLING
GRANT TRIBUNE
The Perkins County School Board covered a wide range of topics during its recent meeting on Monday, Jan. 19, including budget updates, facilities improvements, transportation safety, and upcoming district initiatives. The next meeting of the Perkins County School board will be on Monday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. at the high school.
Budget and Financial Updates
Board members reviewed and approved payment of more than $727,000 in general fund claims and $31,000 in lunch fund claims, noting that the district is currently operating at approximately 58 percent of its annual budget, a level administrators described as appropriate for this point in the fiscal year.
Several budget areas drawing attention included higher-than-expected costs for bus and van inspections and repairs. Technology support expenses were also elevated due to system repairs, security upgrades, and copier overage charges, which district staff said they are actively reviewing to reduce future costs.
Despite these increases, Superintendent Mark Jolliffe emphasized that the district remains financially stable and within budget across major accounts.
Facilities Improvements Underway
The board received updates on multiple facilities projects, including new fencing at the elementary school, upgraded intercom system at the grade school, new classroom carpeting, and replacement of aging doors. Additional summer projects may include repainting the welding and wood shops at the Jr./Sr. high school, remodeling the unused multi-purpose room kitchen at the Jr./Sr. high school into instructional space, storage and restrooms.
ADA/Civil Right Review
Administrators also reported that the district recently completed its ADA and civil rights compliance review, with only minor issues identified.
Transportation and Safety Discussions
Public comment came from citizen Megan Apolius who asked questions about the continued efforts by the school to research and act upon student transportation policies. Board President Chris Fryzek suggested Apolius direct her questions to the administration and board members who have been assigned to the task of gather information on the subject for further discussion.
Security Cameras Proposed for Busses
The board also discussed adding new security cameras on school buses to improve student safety and liability protection. Administrators noted that the cameras would be motion-activated, GPS-enabled, and accessible to school officials.
Academic and Student Activities Highlights
Administrators highlighted professional development efforts, including district participation in regional professional learning days for teachers, and in-house training focused on curriculum alignment. The elementary school’s team will present its work to other districts this spring.
At the Jr/Sr. High School, students recently received instruction on social media safety, and plans were announced for prom to be held at an off-site venue in Ogallala, with district-provided transportation and supervision.
The activities department reported progress on a new scheduling and ticketing system that allows for digital ticket sales and cashless payments at events.
Policy Actions
The board approved an update to tuition rates for out-of-state, part-time students, increasing the amount to better reflect current educational costs. Additional policy reviews, including immunization record procedures, are expected at future meetings.
Legislative Outlook
Board members briefly discussed pending state legislation related to school funding and tax policy. While no immediate action is required, administrators said they are monitoring proposals that could affect district finances.
The meeting concluded with reminders about upcoming election filing deadlines for board seats and continued encouragement for community engagement.
Editor’s Note: This article was written with the assistance of AI, with oversight and editing provided by Tribune-Sentinel staff.