Maloney resigns, Hutson hired as new vo-ag teacher

South Barber USD 255's Board of Education had a full agenda Monday night for their regular April meeting. After spending over one hour in executive session, the board acted on numerous items.

One of those was accepting the resignation of Adam Maloney who is the Pre-K-6 Building Coordinator. He wrote an eloquent, heartfelt, complimentary, lengthy letter explaining why he is leaving the district and included it in his monthly report to the board.

An excerpt from the letter said, "I am very much aware of and grateful for the opportunity(ies) USD 255 has made available to me. Quite frankly, the board and each of you in turn, took a leap of faith welcoming me into your district and have shown me nothing but the utmost support." He wrote, "I have a great staff," and added, "Additionally, I love every single child in this building. Being the cause of disappointment for even one of them certainly adds to the difficulty of leaving. Yet, ironically, children are the very reason for my leaving. My children."

From Medicine Lodge, Maloney has children in school and is missing their activities and his wife Ashley works there as he will.

Hutson Hired as Ag Teacher, FFA Advisor

The board hired Tommy Hutson as the agriculture education teacher and FFA adviser. He is no stranger to the Kiowa area. His wife is Erica (Harbaugh) from Kiowa and their two children are Hayden who will be in kindergarten next fall and Grady, age two.

Hutson comes to the job from Cherokee School where he's taught one year. He said the people at Cherokee have been "super" to him, but when the opening at South Barber came along he couldn't not take it.

"This fits our family the best," he said.

Hutson said he views this job for the "long term." He mentioned his respect for the history of South Barber's FFA program under Fred Gillig.

Hutson is a 1994 graduate of Woodward High School and earned his bachelor's degree at OSU in 1998. He has 28 hours toward his master's degree. This year marks his eighth year of teaching. He laid out of education 12 years to pursue other business.

"I want to build a well-rounded program at South Barber, Hutson said. "We're excited to get moved up there this summer."

The board also accepted the resignation of teacher Brenda Beecher as head Lady Chieftains basketball coach.

Grade 7-12 Principal Brent Shaffer and teacher Danielle Jewell received board approval to split the coaching duties for high school boys tennis.

Other Board Business

Board President Mark Pollock called the meeting to order with all members present including: Mariah Doherty, Deb Helfrich, Bryan Quick, Melissa Simpson, Ryan Molz and Mike Miller. Superintendent Dr. Mylo Miller sat at the board tables as did Board Clerk Julie Johnson.

Current bills were approved to be paid, totaling $295,388.17.

The board also approved entering a contract agreement with KASB adoption agreement and legal assistance fund.

The FFA Senior Agriculture Education Business Class made a presentation to the board. Team members are Cody Jahay, Neal Gugelmeyer, Nick Malone, ReAnna Dunlap and Briaan Duncan. Using their initials, the group formed and named their "advertising agency" BNNRC. The team showed a PowerPoint presentation that highlighted their website, flyers, ads, etc.

"Our goal is to make a sale," Malone said.

The group received 6th place at the district contest after making their presentation before three judges and hope to make it to the state CDE's. They told the board this project taught them it takes lots of teamwork and smiles.

Superintendent Comments

Superintendent Miller congratulated senior Taylor Pollock on being accepted to the US Naval Academy.

He announced that SBHS and the elementary are recipients of the 2019 Kansas Challenge Award. The Challenge Award recognizes schools for outstanding achievement and uncommon accomplishments based on Kansas math and reading assessment results and other qualifying factors, specifically the sample size, ethnicity, and social-economic status of those taking the test. Miller said they now include graduation rates when calculating high school results along with chronic absenteeism rates for middle and elementary schools.

The superintendent congratulated South Barber's Awesome Students of the Month for March who were Gage Cantrell, Breckynn Behee, Reignie Coggins, and Janda Goodno! He takes the winners, who were selected by their teachers for random acts of kindness and leadership, for an off-campus lunch.

Principals Report on Students Accomplishments and More

Maloney told the board he recommends having all classrooms on the main floor to improve supervision and safety during transition times and to combat feelings of isolation for any staff member. Furthermore, his aim is to do this in a way that doesn't disrupt custodial duties during the summer. He and teachers have volunteered to do the moving. This will not change teaching assignments, just classroom location for music, first, fourth, and sixth grades, he said.

Maloney and Miller thanked teacher Deb Hitchcock for making the new gravel in the playground area possible. They also thanked her for the Redwheel fundraisers.

Maloney congratulated Students of the month for March as they exemplified individuality each and every day. They are: Lexus Bridwell (grade 6). He said, "Lexus has continued to break down barriers and put herself in situations that set her up for success." The other is JC Broils (grade 1). "JC has had an outstanding three weeks of school. His behaviors and academic efforts are at a personal best.," Maloney said.

Principal Shaffer reported on many student achievements – several that are running in separate articles throughout the Newsgram.

At high school regional music solo's and small ensembles at El Dorado, March 30, the following vocal students earned a I rating which qualifies them for state: Mercedes Rogge, Lacee Wolf, Clare Pollock, and Women's Ensemble. The state music contest is at Hesston College April 27.

At the HOPL JH Music Festival at Cunningham South Barber students had the following results:

• Vocal – Aydan Bryan 7th grader (I), Autumn Drake 7th grader (I), Camron Dorsey 7th grader (II), Lukas Dunham 7th grader (II), Max Quinlan 8th grader (I), James Wilson 8th grader (I), Cole Howland 7th grader (I), Jayden Michel 8th grader (I).

• JH Choir (II) – JH Mixed Ensemble (I): Brent Duncan, Max Quinlan, Cole Howland, Autumn Drake, Jayden Michel, Jessica Jahay, Aydan Bryan, Grace Leone.

• Instrumental – I Rating: Autumn Drake, flute; Jayden Michel, flute; Grace Leone, alto sax; Jessica Jahay, alto sax; Aydan Bryan, trumpet. Earning II ratings were: Jacob Hughes, alto sax; Arrington Allen, trombone; Max Quinlan, baritone; Bryce Duvall, baritone.

Shaffer reminded that the Junior/Senior Prom is Saturday. The school calendar is full of upcoming activities. Check it out at southbarber.com. The elementary spring music program is next Monday April 15 at 7 p.m. The junior/senior high band and vocal program is April 23 at 7 p.m.

High School Graduation is Saturday, May 11, at 2 p.m. Miss South Barber is May 13 at 2 p.m.