Infinite Campus Software, Tablets and Other Items Charged by Contractors, Geothermal  Answers, Construction Trades Teacher
Cole McCullum Resigns

BOE Regular Meeting
—January 15, 2019
McKenzie Huffman,
Education Reporter

Given that many of the committees did not hold meetings during the winter break, Tuesday’s meeting was short and sweet. Items that were discussed in addition to, or beyond approval included the NV5 Update. Again, no NV5 representative was present. Director Lee brought up that it has been two months since he requested further information regarding some of the contractors charging for their leasing of iPads, trucks, etc. Superintendent Payler reported that he too had sent correspondence asking for clarification regarding those types of charges, concluding that he would follow up on the topic.
In the District Financial Report, Amy Perschbacher mentioned that there was one odd item included in the report in the form of –$16,788.53. This amount was funds from local tax, that had been labeled incorrectly during the last fiscal year, and was paid to the school in error, and had to be reimbursed. On a positive note there was an increase in the State Equalization payment, due to an increase in per student funding. The amount was $93,501, when it is
usually in the $80k range.
Board Committee Reports were few, as many have not met yet this year. FFA news was shared by both the Principal and Assistant Principals, the students are in the planning stage for the Oyster Fry and State Fair. New Ag Teacher Kyle  Evans has arrived and has hit the ground running getting his program schedule, etc. figured out. In Legislative, Director Lee shared that he will be meeting with others on Friday to go over the 100 plus bills to be presented, and then in February they will travel to meet with the Representatives regarding those bills. The main area of concern is funding. There may be a many a great idea, but finding the money to put them into play is the area he is very interested in. Preschool Advisory news shared by Director Newcomb included goals for this new year. The committee is looking into more ways to share with the community all the resources that are available as well as new resources such as dental, immunizations, and other wellness supplementation.
When Check Vouchers and Financial Reports were motioned to be approved, Director Lee added during discussion that he wanted the public to know that the cost for “At Large” ballot issue was only $1,624.16, not $10,000, as was the highest quoted range. He stated that the costs to now redefine the District lines will be well over that.
Enthusiastically discussed by Lisa Guarnere, was the Student Management System (SMS). She shared many reasons to making the change from the current numerous systems that do not communicate or carry over, requiring multiple entries and additional cost for each of those separate programs/systems. The SMS selection team has spent two years going over different options to see which program not only works best with how the school currently functions, but also works best for a Colorado school, as each State requires different formatting for reports, etc. The BOE passed the motion to purchase and implement the Infinite Campus student management system software for the 2019-2020 school year. This software will also make it much easier for parents to pay for school lunches and late fees for books. Also approved was the Cooperative Agreement of Concurrent Enrollment with Pueblo Community College (PCC). The agreement lasts for five years and allows Custer County Schools to offer courses that qualify as high school and college credits. Most courses are held on the PCC campus unless Custer County determines a need or desire for course work and an instructor who meets the qualifications and can teach it in Custer.
In his report, Superintendent Payler addressed some of the questions posed by Mr. Ron Rodriguez at the last board meeting regarding the Geothermal aspect of the BEST grant project. Engineers and architects all came to tour the school and look at the needs and determined which route to go that would best benefit the school and be the most cost effective. While there is a solar aspect to the project, the geothermal heating and cooling system by the calculations provided, will have a simple payback in 10 years, the heat exchanger has a lifespan of at least 25 years, and the well field and components have a warranty of 50 years. With the addition of LED lighting, the elimination of supplemental electric heaters, the 25 KW solar system and the decrease in propane costs, the school will be saving a substantial amount of money. The engineers have received the last couple months’ worth of utilities bills and will be giving the school a more accurate picture of just how much that savings will be. Payler noted that in discussing solar with the vendors and contractors, that other schools with large systems are most of the time leasing those systems, and our schools roofing system would require more adjustments than would be cost effective to house such a large system. The closed loop geothermal system for the school will have no effect on water as it is self-contained, and there will be a backup generator that will be able to serve for five days without power. Payler also shared that there will be rebate(s) from Black Hills Energy for around $100,000 for the LED and geothermal conversion.
Resignation of Construction Trades Teacher Cole McCullum was approved. Bruce May has come out of retirement to cover the position for the second semester. Shannon Palmer was approved for Middle School Assistant Wrestling Coach and High School Volunteer Wrestling positions. The Salad Bar has returned and has been a hit. Payler mentioned that they will change it up a couple times a year to feature a baked potato bar, and a taco bar. Principle Christensen received an award from the Sheriff’s Office for aiding in Spanish translation for those individuals brought into the station that only speak Spanish. Lee also wanted to make the announcement that on Saturday, January 19th, at 10 a.m. in the West Gym, there will be the Memorial Service for Custer County High School Graduate, LeBrea Jackson, daughter of Dick and Barb Jones. For past BOE minutes, policies, and school information visit CusterCountySchools.org.