Smith Center USD 237 board approves student trip transportation, academic calendar and personnel changes
February 14, 2026 | Smith Center, School Boards, Kansas
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The USD 237 Board of Education on Feb. 14 unanimously approved transportation and other routine items for extracurricular activities, accepted personnel notices and adopted the district's 2022–23 academic calendar.
President Theron Haresnape called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. After approving the agenda and consent items, the board heard two student-trip requests. Abigail Schlatter presented a request for four Suburbans for the Chansionairs trip to Branson, scheduled for March 10–13, saying the group planned to use previously raised funds and recent fundraising proceeds to cover costs. The motion to permit use of district vehicles and fuel passed 7-0 on a motion by Bob Dietz and a second from Steve Overmiller.
Later, Art Club representatives Christopher (Chris) Goedert and student Adalia Rego asked for two Suburbans for a possible Saturday day trip to Omaha and Lincoln for about 10–12 students to visit museums. Mr. Goedert said a day trip would allow broader student participation. Jessica Weltmer moved to approve use of vehicles for the art trip; the board voted 7-0 to authorize vehicle use.
On personnel matters, the board accepted a retirement letter from teacher Ann Rust and thanked her "for her 43 years in the district," noting she has taught multiple generations of local families. The board also accepted the resignation of Christopher (Chris) Goedert; both actions were approved 7-0.
Superintendent Dustin McEwen presented a revised 2022–23 academic calendar and the board discussed edits, including adding an 8:10 a.m. school start time and removing a couple of items the board identified. Jessica Weltmer's motion to approve the calendar with those changes passed unanimously.
The board also discussed a draft district application and agreement for public use of USD 237 facilities and equipment and directed McEwen to incorporate board edits into a revised agreement. Routine approvals and motions recorded during the meeting were all carried by 7-0 votes.
The meeting packet included a Board Member Code of Ethics and the district's nondiscrimination statement, with Dustin McEwen listed as Title IX coordinator.
President Theron Haresnape called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. After approving the agenda and consent items, the board heard two student-trip requests. Abigail Schlatter presented a request for four Suburbans for the Chansionairs trip to Branson, scheduled for March 10–13, saying the group planned to use previously raised funds and recent fundraising proceeds to cover costs. The motion to permit use of district vehicles and fuel passed 7-0 on a motion by Bob Dietz and a second from Steve Overmiller.
Later, Art Club representatives Christopher (Chris) Goedert and student Adalia Rego asked for two Suburbans for a possible Saturday day trip to Omaha and Lincoln for about 10–12 students to visit museums. Mr. Goedert said a day trip would allow broader student participation. Jessica Weltmer moved to approve use of vehicles for the art trip; the board voted 7-0 to authorize vehicle use.
On personnel matters, the board accepted a retirement letter from teacher Ann Rust and thanked her "for her 43 years in the district," noting she has taught multiple generations of local families. The board also accepted the resignation of Christopher (Chris) Goedert; both actions were approved 7-0.
Superintendent Dustin McEwen presented a revised 2022–23 academic calendar and the board discussed edits, including adding an 8:10 a.m. school start time and removing a couple of items the board identified. Jessica Weltmer's motion to approve the calendar with those changes passed unanimously.
The board also discussed a draft district application and agreement for public use of USD 237 facilities and equipment and directed McEwen to incorporate board edits into a revised agreement. Routine approvals and motions recorded during the meeting were all carried by 7-0 votes.
The meeting packet included a Board Member Code of Ethics and the district's nondiscrimination statement, with Dustin McEwen listed as Title IX coordinator.
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