Board of Directors’ Minutes

August 20, 2026

7:00 PM

 

611	Alexa Beltz	Director	214	Diana Nuñez	BOD
611	Mark Dierking	Asst. Director	611	Marlene Dodge	Asst. Director
611	Grace Gomez	Clerk	476	Evan Guenther	BOD
611	Flor Galindo	Treasurer	452	Paige German	BOD
214	Joel Applegate	Supt	RSC	Kim Mauk	Guest
611	Kim Cruz	Asst. Director	215	Michael Pepper	BOD
371/476	Jay Zehr	Supt.	467	Bruce Loy	BOD
	Via Zoom
507	Kerston Meyer	BOD	363	Lucas Sullivan	Supt.
452	Christy Hammer	Supt.	217	Kimberly Hull	BOD
507	Karen Burrows	Supt.	218	Crystal Fleming	BOD
466	Deb Drohman	BOD	200	Shea Stewart	BOD

             

1.         Call to Order   

Michael Pepper, Board President, called the meeting to order at 7:01 P.M. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 

 

2.          Approve Consent Agenda 

Michael Pepper moved to approve the consent agenda as presented in the board packet.  Diana Nuñez seconded the motion.  Motion carries 9 yes.

 

3.         Comments from the Public

There were none in writing.

 

4.         Committee Reports

1. RSC

Kim Mauk gave the report.

2. Superintendents Council

Karen Burrows spoke about upcoming opportunities for Superintendents.

 

5.         Board Orientation

Alexa shared information regarding the history of High Plains Educational Cooperative and special education.  Information was on the screen.

 

Kimberly Hull joined the meeting at 7:13 P.M.

6.          Review of Teachers on Alternate Pathways

Kim Cruz shared several alternative pathways that teachers can take to become fully certified Special Education teachers.

 

7.         Contracts/Resignations

Diana Nuñez moved to accept contracts with the following:  USD 480 Dr. Jami Harris, Audiologist, for audiology services; WebKIDSS; eLuma for occupational therapy; Manuela Melendez for cleaning services; Megan Sullivan for physical therapy; and Rehab Visions for occupational therapy.  Bruce Loy seconded the motion.  Motion carries 10 yes.

 

8.         HPEC All Staff Follow Up

Alexa shared information regarding HPEC’s recent All Staff Inservice held on August 5^th at the Grant County civic center.

             

9.         Staff Development

The Administrative team shared recent HPEC inservice opportunities, including an LEA training, new teacher and mentor training, AIT meeting, and school psychologist categorical. 

 

10.       Paraeducator Numbers

Alexa shared para numbers with the board.

 

11.       HPEC Administrator Responsibilities

Alexa spoke to the Board about the responsibilities of the High Plains Administrative team.  She also shared with the Board the districts that each Administrator covers and a list of the teachers each Administrator supervises.

 

12.       Director’s Report     

1. Board Committee for 2026-2027

Alexa spoke about the board committees.She also informed the board what each committee is involved in.The list will be in the September board packet for approval.

2. SPR

Alexa reviewed information regarding previous KSDE communication regarding corrective action.This communication was sent in error.

3. HPEC Superintendents Meetings

HPEC will resume Superintendents meetings this fall.Alexa will send superintendents the dates.

 

13.       Other – para retirement

Linda Schleman, who worked as a para for HPEC in Scott City, recently retired.  She worked for HPEC in Scott City for 45 years.

 

15.       Adjourn

Michael Pepper moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:37 P.M.  Diana Nuñez seconded the motion. Motion carries 10 yes.

 

 

 

 

____________________________

HPEC Board President

 

 

 

____________________________

HPEC Board Clerk