By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

USD 408 school board members during Monday’s meeting passed a resolution that lays the groundwork for an 8-mill tax levy for capital outlay projects if the extra money is needed.

Expenses the money could be used for include purchasing computer software, performance uniforms, architectural expenses, purchases of school buses and the like.

Superintendent Lee Leiker told board members that 266 school districts in Kansas already have the tax levy and only 20 districts do not.

The levy would not go into effect unless the board decides to publish the resolution, and then taxpayers would have the opportunity to raise a petition signed by 10 percent of voters calling for an election.

Board members also reviewed proposed business management software program that would be shared with other county districts. The initial purchase price for USD 408 would be $17,544 and annual costs would be $7,695. No decision was made Monday night. Superintendent Lee Leiker said he would bring more information to the December meeting.

Board members voted to change the district’s aquatics director to an hourly position instead of a salaried position. The change is to comply with new Fair Labor Standard Act rules on payment of overtime. If a salaried employee makes less than $47,476 a year, they must be paid overtime or compensatory time at a rate of one-and-a-half times their hourly rate.

Board members also got a progress report on new elementary playground equipment. The new playground will have equipment friendly to children with disabilities and musical instruments on the edge of the play area.

Equipment will be ordered this week and the manufacturer will begin construction. Final installation will be done by community volunteers, saving more than $13,000.

Grants and fundraising shaved the price from $120,919 to $42,688.