During a March 5 school board meeting, Chanute Public Schools Board of Education members began discussing how to proceed with a vacancy. Matthew Godinez resigned from his post at the end of February, citing increasing duties in his work at the Kansas Department of Commerce.
“Serving on the school board has been a rewarding experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our district’s growth and success,” Godinez wrote in his resignation letter. “I have great respect for the dedication and passion of my fellow board members, administrators and staff, and I am confident that the district will continue to thrive under their collective leadership.”
This resignation was recognized during the March 5 meeting.
Board Heather Guernsey extended gratitude to Godinez for his time spent on the board. “I would like to publicly thank Matt Godinez for his service to the district,” Guernsey said.
A special meeting was held Monday, March 10, where the board voted to approve a resolution, stating their intention to fill the vacancy no sooner than 15 days following publication in a newspaper. Such a notice was published in the Friday, March 14 edition of the Chanute Tribune. According to the notice, the appointee will serve on the board until the next general school board election this summer.
The board also voted to adopt a new math curriculum at Royster Middle School and Chanute High School. Math educators of those schools collaborated to pick a curriculum that would work in both schools. RMS Teacher Brad Winder said the process of finding this curriculum was enjoyable.
“We were looking for a lot of things. We wanted something high quality, and we wanted something good enough to last,” Winder said.
Savvas was the chosen curriculum and will be implemented next year for grades 6-12.
“We all teach differently, have a different style, and this allows us to do that,” CHS Teacher Beth Jackett said.
Guernsey said it was a benefit that the teachers chose the curriculum. In addition to the Savvas system, the district also voted to purchase materials for the Business Math elective, materials for precalculus, and AP Calculus. These curriculums will last for six years, beginning during the 20252026 school year, at a total cost of $173,583.98 The board also heard a proposal from C & C Group on an energy savings plan within the district. The district would not have to pay upfront to implement the changes necessary to optimize various systems such as lighting, or HVAC for energy efficiency. No action was taken regarding such an agreement. Further discussion on this matter will take place during the April meeting.
The board voted to approve a carpet bid for RMS while discussing new business. The carpet will be replaced in hall 100, in the library, and throughout the first floor. Labor will be completed by E and S Floor. Materials will come from Caldwell Flooring and Pentz Flooring for a total cost of $64,537.71. This project will be completed over the summer.
The five inclement weather days seen so far have been forgiven by a board vote. Any additional days will be required to be made up to maintain the minimum hours of education required each school year.
In other news, the school board will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 2, at 6 p.m. to consider adopting a Neighborhood Revitalization Plan within the district. Superintendent Matt Koester said that the district has always approved the plan in previous years. This plan offers a total of $3 million in tax rebates.
“That rebated money goes back to the taxpayer and does not go into our valuation,” Koester said.
