Parsons USD 503 Maintenance Director Eric Bortz laid out for the Board of Education a long list of work items his department has scheduled now through this summer.
Bortz said he is moving to a new scheduling program called FMX to help keep track of all that needs done and has been done.
QR codes will be put on various pieces of equipment in the district allowing a quick look up of everything, such as when something was purchased or when a part was last replaced on an air-conditioning unit.
Some work has been completed on the soccer fields to ensure proper drainage. Students were not able to play on the fields this last year.
“LaForge came out and helped tremendously,” Bortz said, of working to correct the issues with the drainage system installed when the field was originally built.
Weather permitting, a company will be out in March to add more drainage. The work should be done in time to seed the fields so students are able to play on them this year.
The list of summer work includes re-sanding the gym floor at the high school, a task that is supposed to be done every 15 to 20 years. Work was done recently to repair a damaged area of the floor, but the re-sanding is still due.
A few other jobs at the high school will include replacing stair treads and repairing concrete at the entrance to the cafeteria.
Bortz and his crew will be working jobs of all sizes at every school, from re-caulking the gym windows at Lincoln to working on the gym entrance at Parsons Middle School.
The largest maintenance projects that need addressed in the short-term are roof replacements. Bortz said Lincoln School’s roof is foremost on the list. That school roof was done in three separate sections at three different times. One portion is 24-years-old, one is 22-years-old and one is 21-years-old.
Superintendent Lori Ray said the Lincoln roof must be replaced soon as EMC, the only company still offering to insure schools in Kansas, will not insure any school buildings with roofs over 25-years-old.
“We want to stay ahead of all that if possible,” Ray said.
Board of Education
District administration honored the Parsons USD 503 Board of Education members Monday night as a part of National School Board Appreciation Month.
Each board member was presented with a certificate noting their years of service to the board, their favorite drink in a Parsons koozie, and a special cookie.
Julie Legler has served on the board since 2021, Dr. Jeff Quirin since 2009, Lee Ann Hunter since 2024, David Ray since 2015, Lou Martino since 2011, Kala Green since 2024, and Olivia Lyons served two stints, one from 1999-2003 and another from 2017 until now.
Members are elected to the Board of Education. Their service is completely voluntary, so their willingness to dedicate their time and service to this unpaid position speaks to their commitment and dedication to the district, schools, staff, students, parents, and the community.
The board reorganized Monday, appointing individuals to new positions. Martino was nominated to serve as president of the board for 2025. Quirin was also nominated to serve again, but declined given there was a nomination for Martino. Martino was voted in as the new president. Green was elected as first vice president and Legler as second vice president.
Hunter will again serve as the representative for the Tri-County Special Education. Lyons was elected to serve on the 202526 Calendar Committee. Legler and Green were appointed as the board members to serve on the negotiations team.
IN OTHER BUSINESS, the board:
Heard from Emily Franks with Jarred, Gilmore and Phillips P.A. that there were no issues with financial statements in the districts audit of last year, through June, 30, 2024
Heard there will be no school Jan. 20 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
Heard the professional development cancelled this month due to weather, was rescheduled for Feb. 10. Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson is scheduled to speak that morning,
Approved donations to schools for the month of November valued at $4,615.15.
Discussed the first reading of the 2024-26 high school course handbook.
Approved Kansas Association of School Board policies presented to the board last month.
Approved job descriptions for director of maintenance; groundskeeper; custodian; general maintenance worker, head custodian; director of technology; assistant director of technology; technology support technician; S.I.S. data coordinator; elementary school technology assistant; and secondary school technology aide.
Approved the termination of employment for Garfield custodian LaRae Hickerson.
Accepted the resignation for retirement of PHS/Garfield librarian Robie Martin.
Accepted the resignation of PHS secretary Nicohle Hickman.
Approved the transfer of employment for Karen Myers from part-time middle school custodian to Garfield full-time custodian.
Approved employment for Tanner Smith as transportation driver.