5 takeaways from Wellington USD 353 school board meetings
July 2025
Board Fills Vacancy After Split Votes and a Declined Appointment
Divided Board Approves Bond Resolution
Board Amends Agenda to Discuss School Closure Requirements
Plans for Potential Indoor Pool Move Forward
Officer Leslie Allen Honored as DARE Officer of the Year
1. Board Fills Vacancy After Split Votes and a Declined Appointment
WELLINGTON - The USD 353 Board of Education has appointed Jim Yates to fill a vacant seat, concluding a multi-step process marked by division and an unexpected refusal. The board initially appointed Dean Kern to the position during a special meeting on July 9th. However, Mr. Kern later declined the appointment, reopening the matter. At the July 14th regular meeting, the board was deadlocked on a motion to appoint Deanna Garver, which failed with a 3-3 vote. Immediately following the failed motion, the board voted 5-1 to appoint Mr. Yates to fill the remainder of the term. Mr. Yates was present for the July 28th special meeting.
2. Divided Board Approves Bond Resolution
In a significant financial move, the Board of Education approved a bond resolution during its July 14th meeting, though the decision was not unanimous. The approval, which passed on a 5-1 vote, followed three recent work sessions dedicated to developing the topic. Board members reviewed the specific document, Resolution 071425, before casting their votes. The resolution’s passage signals a step forward on a major district project, though the split vote indicates some dissent among board members regarding the plan.
3. Board Amends Agenda to Discuss School Closure Requirements
The Board of Education made a pointed change to its July 14th agenda, signaling a focused discussion on the future of district facilities. A motion was unanimously approved to change a discussion item from “Elementary Enrollment Trends” to “State Requirements to Close a Building”. The topic had been previously discussed at a recent work session and was brought back for further discussion alongside relevant statutes and policies. While no action was taken, the deliberate agenda change suggests the board is seriously considering the logistics of potential school consolidation.
4. Plans for Potential Indoor Pool Move Forward
The prospect of a new indoor swimming pool in Wellington is taking shape. At the July 14th board meeting, the district’s Indoor Pool Committee presented an architect who is scouting locations for the potential facility. The architect has reportedly examined different sites on the Wellington High School property for possible future construction. The presentation was for informational purposes, and no action was taken by the board.
5. Officer Leslie Allen Honored as DARE Officer of the Year
The Board of Education took time during its July 14th meeting to celebrate a significant achievement by a local law enforcement officer. Officer Leslie Allen was formally recognized by the board for receiving the Kansas DARE Officer of the Year award. The recognition was part of the “Education Spotlight” portion of the meeting, highlighting positive contributions to the school community.
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