5 takeaways from USD 489 school board meeting

1. New Board Leadership Elected in Close Vote

The board held its annual reorganization and elected new leadership for a shortened term that will last until January 2026. In a competitive election for president, Curt Vajnar defeated Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp with a 4-3 vote. Following that, Ken Brooks was elected to serve as Vice President. The board had previously restructured the length of officer duties, leading to this shortened term.  

2. Board Rejects High School Handbook in Split Vote

In a rare move, the USD 489 Board of Education voted 4-3 to reject the proposed 2025-2026 Hays High School student handbook. The vote came after board member Jayme Goetz expressed frustration that requested changes were not made and that the handbook lacked specific operational definitions for disciplinary processes. She argued that clear definitions are necessary to ensure consistent consequences for all students, regardless of which administrator handles the situation. Other board members defended the administration’s work, cautioning the board against micromanagement. The rejection means the high school administration must go back and revise the handbook before bringing it back to the board for approval. The handbooks for the elementary, middle, and virtual schools were approved unanimously in a separate vote.  

3. Attorney Contract Renewed After Contentious Debate and Failed Motion to Table

The board voted 6-1 to renew its contract with the district’s long-time attorney, Bill Jeter, but only after a significant debate and a failed motion to table the item for further review. Board member Allen Park pulled the contract from the consent agenda, arguing that the agreement, which was developed years ago when the board held more meetings, should be reviewed to align with the current, less frequent meeting schedule. A motion to table the contract failed in a 5-2 vote. Supporters of the renewal praised the attorney’s value, local knowledge, and constant availability to the district outside of meetings. The approved contract retains the attorney for an annual retainer.  

4. District Faces Potential $172,000 Cut in Federal Funding

Superintendent Ron Wilson reported that the district faces a potential loss of approximately $172,000 in annual federal Title funds due to a presidential freeze on their release. These funds, which have already been approved for distribution, support programs for migrant students, classroom size reduction, and professional development for teachers. The superintendent noted that the state has also cut professional development funding, making the potential federal loss more impactful. According to the superintendent’s understanding, the funds should be released after a 45-day waiting period unless Congress acts to rescind them.

5. Board Approves $1.9 Million Middle School Renovation Contract

The board unanimously approved a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) of $1,925,604 for the renovation of the current high school building into the new Hays Middle School. The project came in more than $300,000 under the $2.25 million that had been budgeted. The renovation work includes “right-sizing” classrooms by converting sets of three smaller rooms into two larger ones, replacing flooring and painting corridors, and installing new exterior storefronts and doors. According to the construction firm, 37 percent of the project’s overall value will be handled by local Hays contractors.

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