The recent death of Great Bend resident Bob Mead has created a vacancy on the Barton Community College Board of Trustees. The process for replacing a trustee after elections will be discussed at this month’s board study session, set for 4 p.m. Thursday, May 14, in the Seminar Room, F-30, on the lower level of the Fine Arts Building.
Mead was elected in April to fill one of three four-year terms, and would have been sworn in at a July meeting. However, Mead died on May 4.
Board members Mike Johnson and Mike Minton were reelected in April. Board member Brett Middleton did not seek reelection; he continues to serve through June.

No action is taken at board study sessions, but the process for filling the vacancy will be discussed. According to information in the study materials, the first step is for the board to approve a Notice of Board Vacancy at its next business meeting. This will include approving a public notice for publication in the Great Bend Tribune, as required by Kansas law.
The board clerk will keep a detailed log of names, addresses and phone numbers of individuals who request application packets prior to the cut-off date stated in the public notice. Application packs will provide information about the board and its meeting schedule, and they will include questions for the prospective trustee to answer.
Ultimately, the board of trustees will select a new trustee, who will be sworn in the month following his or her selection. The new trustee will serve out the existing term.

Other topics
The Barton swimming pool is also on the agenda for Thursday’s BCC Board of Trustees study session. The Great Bend USD 428 Superintendent mentioned the pool at Monday’s school board meeting, saying he and Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman have discussed the district’s continued use of the pool. According to the college’s calendar, Great Bend High School is scheduled to use the pool 13 times in the month of May, including a May 1 swim meet.

The trustees will also: review contracts for administrators, management staff and head coaches; continue to discuss possible wording for a proposed contingency planning policy; review the financial statement; hear an athletic report from Trevor Rolfs; learn more about the strategic planning process; and hear an update on plans to create a welding program on campus. Funding options for creating a welding program include the possibility of a $60,000 gift from an anonymous donor, but the donation offer will expire on Dec. 31 if not utilized.