HOISINGTON — At its regular meeting last night, the USD 431 School Board heard a presentation from teacher Jennifer Steinert about adding a Future Business Leaders of America organization to the school next year.
“A little over 20 students are interested in joining,” Steinert told the board. The organization is a leadership organization that would fall into to a career Pathway. Students can continue in the club into college through Phi Beta Lambda.
Members pay $9 each. Several members of the board thought it was a good idea, and they will consider it again at the next board meeting.
In other business, the board approved the use of a school bus by Special Olympics track team. This is the third year the team has used the bus. They will reimburse the school for fuel and driver cost.
The board approved paying half the cost of transportation for Kayla Reisner, sponsor, and two members of the FCCLA club to attend the national conference out of state. They also approved the use of a bus in the fall to take the club to Omaha. The club from Stockton will ride the bus on a cost share basis.
Student Parent-Teacher Conferences for 5th-12th will change dramatically next year when they will be student led. The student will produce a portfolio. The goal is to have the students become more accountable for their education.
The HHS football camp will be in helmets only.  But for those students who attend full contact camp, they will be allowed to use gear that belongs to HHS.
Bill Lowry, superintendent, informed the board that the cost of health insurance will be going up, and the district will have to increase the amount they pay for the individuals who participate.
He estimates the annual increased cost to the school will be $23,000-$28,000.
In other business, the board approved:
•Carrie Bitter as a non-staff bus driver.
•Approved replacing the engine in the 2006 bus. Lowry will get bids.
The board accepted the resignation of: Patrick Cowan, HHS assistant tennis coach; Tammy Steinert as HHS Cardinal Crew co-sponsor; Eric Hoffman, HMS basketball coach; Bobby Brungardt, HHS volleyball assistant; Rex Kern, HHS wrestling assistant; and Denise Zink, HMS assistant track coach.
They hired Jason Ingram, summer weight coordinator for $3,000 and Zach Baird as assistant for $2,000. Also approved were contracts for certified staff, supplemental contracts and classified staff.