School board accepts resignations from Kayla Hockett and Deb Carsten

After two executive sessions were held near the end of the Stockton USD No. 271 Board of Education meeting held on Monday, April 6th, the board members voted to accept the resignation of band instructor Kayla Hockett at the end of the 2019-2020 school year. They also accepted the resignation of elementary secretary Deb Carsten, effective July 1st, 2020.

The two principals updated the board members on how the Continuous Learning plan is doing after the first day with the students. Grade school principal Stacey Green noted there were some difficulties, but nothing she didn’t expect. She felt it was a lot like Redesign and asked the board members who have students how they felt the first day of online school went. Aftan Tso stated that she was very impressed, noting that instructions were clear and concise for her grade school daughter. Dix said the high school classes went great for her daughter though she felt her junior high students were going to need a little time getting used to it. Green noted that they will be asking for feedback from the community as they move forward with the online courses.

High school principal Gary McCown said he had a Zoom meeting with the teachers and students before the first day started to answer any questions they might have. He felt it went well, though he will have to adjust the number of people he can have on a Zoom meeting so everyone can be present for one big meeting instead of the two meetings he had to conduct. McCown said they went over the protocol for the remainder of the year. He also noted that he was getting good feedback. Both Green and McCown stated that there will be community group checkins every Monday and Friday so all the teachers are aware of what the students are doing each day. Parent surveys will go out every week for feedback.

Superintendent Bill Lowry then presented the board members with the custodial assessment review, showing what repairs are needed in the schools. He also gave them information about costs of supplies, cleaning processes, etc. to review so they can discuss it in more detail at the next monthly meeting.

Green then reported on the takehome school lunches. Earlier in the day, there were 190 lunches served. Green wanted to note that the school is in it for the long haul and wants to get that message out to the community.

McCown said that Hoxie will host the MCL Volleyball tournament next fall. He also stated that the league is now in the process of nominating cheerleaders, athletes and coaches for the sportsmanship awards for the league.

It was then announced that Jennifer Kesler (grade school) and Shane Austin (high school) have been chosen by the District for the Kansas Teacher of the Year nominations.

During Board Member Reports, Stephanie Niblock said they are working on a Continuous Learning Plan for Special Education. LeAnn Dix had attended the high school Site Council meeting and those present were given updates about the District’s Continuous Learning Plan.

Then after the executive sessions and the announcement of the resignations, the board members voted to renew the certified staff for the 2020/2021 school year as presented before they adjourned for the evening.

Those present at the District Conference room for the early evening meeting were board president Linda Conyac and superintendent Bill Lowry. Board members Daphne Plumer, Aftan Tso, Mark Billinger and LeAnn Dix were present via Zoom, and Jesse Stithem and Stephanie Niblock were present via telephone. Grade school principal Stacey Green and Gary McCown were also present via Zoom.