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Staff cuts being considered in the Bonner Springs-Edwardsville school district included two part-time accompanists at Bonner Springs High School, a BSHS counselor and several nurses.

But at Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, a unanimous vote was made in favor of saving these positions. Superintendent Robert Van Maren said there was still a tough road ahead, but because of Gov. Mark Parkinson’s announcement last Thursday that he would approve no further cuts to education, Monday’s outlook wasn’t as gloomy as expected.

In addition to the accompanists, counselor and nurses, the board approved the “add back” of a part-time secretary at Delaware Ridge Elementary and a media center resource position. Summer school for next school year was also brought back to the table, as well as the forensics and academic decathlon programs at BSHS.

Other additions to staff were approved, including one social studies position and three aides in the areas of math, reading and in-school suspension.

The night wasn’t without its downside, however. The board unanimously approved several reductions, including the part-time accompanist at Clark Middle School and two positions in the custodial and maintenance departments. Fifth-grade band will be eliminated, as well as one administrator at BSHS. Teachers were also included in the reduction package, but Van Maren said all of these positions would come from either retirements or resignations.

Though the board was able to save several positions, Van Maren said he didn’t want to downplay the seriousness of the cuts made.

“We’re trying to make those cuts as painless as possible, but they’re never painless,” he said. “I want you to know that this is just as hard on us as you can believe.”

Four out of five of the district’s schools will still maintain full-time nurses, and this news was especially poignant to district parents Jeff and Becky Barger. They have been two of the biggest proponents for keeping nurses in schools during the past several months, showing up to meetings and voicing their opinions during the public comments portion. Still, with the high school only receiving the capabilities of a part-time nurse next school year, Jeff Barger’s feelings were mixed following Monday night’s meeting.

“I’m happy that we got all but half of a nurse back, but I’m not content,” Barger said. “I think every school needs a full-time nurse straight up. Accidents happen everywhere, not just in our elementary and junior high (schools).”

In other action Monday night, the board:

• Unanimously approved the adoption of the agenda.

• Unanimously approved the minutes from the April 26 meeting.

• Approved, with Lewis Wood opposed, the treasurer and clerk’s report. Though somewhat vague as to why he opposed the item, Wood said he had reservations about where money was being spent.

• Approved, with Wood abstaining, warrants totaling $434,622.31.

• Heard a presentation from the Clark Middle School sixth-grade class about the value of nutritious meals and snacks in school. The sixth-graders did an investigation about how a nutritious snack eaten before the adequate yearly progress exams improved their performance. Test scores, they said, were more than 10 percent greater in math and reading than last year’s AYP test scores.

The sixth-graders provided information about good “brain food” and bad, and tips for getting healthier lunches in the school.

• Unanimously approved the sale of the 2000-A bonds. The refinancing of the bonds will save the district $638,306 or 13.4 percent present value interest.

• Discussed $220,760-worth of summer capital outlay projects, which include track repairs, the installation of microphones in the Bonner Springs High School gymnasium and an exterior door replacement at Clark Middle School.

• Broke for executive session to discuss negotiations and the appeal of an expulsion. No action was taken on negotiations, but a unanimous vote was cast to uphold the expulsion of a student.

• Unanimously approved new contracts for Tim Ney, Frances Schaber, Brian White and Ron Wray and resignations for Megan Blake, Jill Cavanaugh, BJ Congleton, Trent Dean and Joyce Fletcher.

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