HOISINGTON — USD 431 school district has been awarded a grant for up to $36,000 for the purchase of a new school bus for the upcoming school year, the school board accepted at its regular meeting on Monday.
The six schools that received the award were USD 480  Liberal, USD 361 Anthony-Harper, USD 247 Cherokee-Crawford, USD 320 Wamego, USD 333 Concordia and USD 431 Hoisington. The grant was given by the Kansas Clean Diesel Program through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The new diesel bus will use clean and efficient newer technology.
The district will also pay a portion of the cost, which will be approximately $80,000. The grant was written by Clelia McCrory, ESSDECK.
In other business, the board approved new meal prices, increasing the cost by 10 cents. Elementary school lunches will be $2 and middle and high school will be $2.20.
The board approved several changes to the student handbook.
The major change at the high school level deals with substance abuse. Next school year, the first offence of substance abuse will be that the student will miss 10 percent of the games or meets and pass a UA. The cost of the UA will be borne by the student, approximately $50.
The second offense includes suspension of all extracurricular activities for the remainder of the school year.
“This is supposed to be a deterrent,” said Joel Mason, activities director. He reported that there had been 13 violations last year and two were repeats. The board approved the changes.
Principal Meg Wilson reported on the iPad initiative. The high school will no longer have morning announcements, but have the announcements sent through email. The students will have a set time to check their iPad email.
In addition, Progress Reports will no longer be mailed out unless the parent requests it. The reports can be accessed through Power School, which the board approved.
Wilson also reported that she will be working with Barton Community College on e books and usage in the classroom.
In other business, the board approved:
•Retaining membership in the Kansas Association of School Boards at a cost of $7055 and KASB Legal Assistance for $1400.
•A special meeting for final expenditures and year end transfers at on June. 27.
•Accepting a bid from Color Clinic for $25,129 to replace tile and carpeting at the middle school and high school. The bid includes removing all carpet and tile down to the concrete.
•Accepting  the resignations of Phyllis Doze, Betty Steiner, Miriam Bolyard and Darlene Stoss.
•Hiring Jason Ingram as summer weight coordinator, Cindy Wilborn for MTSS Help, Hope Michaelis for preschool aide and Andrea Willesden as an aide.