USD 480 Board Meets Approves Junior ROTC Program

The USD 480 Board of Education met on Monday evening and in new business approved to replace football equipment that does not meet safety standards due to damage or length of service and to replace uniforms that are damaged or do not meet KSHSAA regulations. Total cost is $51,908.20.

The Board approved the quote from Zoll in the amount of $19,537.20 for 12 AEDs to be used in the District, and the Board of Education dropped the mask requirement in the District effective February 22, 2022.

Also approved by the Board was the establishment of an Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) at Liberal High School and provide 50% of the salaries of two instructors, up to $80,000. The Board also approved the proposed 2022-23 district calendar.

Utilizing Esser Funds, the Board approved the Education Elements proposal in the amount of $508,000. An Education Elements team will observe the schools practice and will meet with teachers, students, and parents to provide guidance and support for transition out of the Kansas Can Redesign Program. The 15 month project will assist with aligning academic, operational, and technical structures district wide to meet student learning goals and to build capacity to achieve sustainable results.

USD 480 approved the bid from Pro-Tech Spraying Services in the amount of $22,196.63 for bare ground weed control services to be provided throughout the district, areas to be included are: fence lines, parking lot and side walk cracks, gravel lots, non grass playground areas, etc.

RML9 Investments Inc has made a counter offer to the District for the property at 425 S Pennsylvania of $200,000. The Board voted to make a counteroffer $275,000.00

The Board heard information regarding Unified Bowling which is a cooperative agreement between the KSHSAA and Special Olympics in which competing schools field co-ed teams combining student-athletes with significant special needs with athletic participants in competition using the Baker Format System of Bowling. All of the Western Athletic Conference opponents (Hays, Dodge City, and Great Bend) plan to field Unified Bowling programs for the 2022 season. Garden City implemented unified bowling in 2021. We hope that Liberal High School can also be a part of this endeavor. Total for Head and Assistant coaches: $6,076 – $7,033 per season based on experience. There would be an Annual Budget – $1600.