Summer school at Great Bend USD 428 wrapped up at the end of June, Assistant Superintendent JoAnn Blevins reported at Monday’s school board meeting, adding many teachers also wrapped up “summer school” by completing continuing education.

Superintendent Khris Thexton reported on the summer meal program.

“For the month of June, we served 16,616 meals, which was about 1,200 less than last year,” he said. “That averaged about 791 meals per day." Participation drops off in July when there is no summer school and the district operates three meal sites instead of five. So far this month, the schools have averaged 691 meals a day.

Personnel report

Thexton also reported on personnel. This year there were 70 position changes, including movement within the district. There were:

• 8 retirements

• 28 resignations

• 16 transfers

• 30 new-to-district hires

• 3 position reductions (technology coaches)

• 0 positions added

There are 13 not fully licensed staff who are working toward their teaching licenses.

There are two positions yet to be filled, both at Great Bend High School. One is for an English teacher. The second open position, a journalism/audio video teacher, is one the district will not be able to fill this year. Thexton said they are looking at hiring a long-term substitute.

Three new licensed appointments were approved Monday:

• Mariana Heatwole will teach orchestra at Great Bend Middle School

• Jody Beckham will teach math at Great Bend High School

• Dr. Sherri Brantley will teach sixth grade at Riley Elementary School. Dr. Brantley has agreed to take the position but she is also a State Representative representing the 112th District. A substitute teacher will fill in when her duties take her to Topeka.