The Gardner Edgerton Board of Education approved several routine and personnel items during Tuesday’s meeting and took action on a statutory expansion to award honorary high-school diplomas to veterans.

The board approved the consent agenda (minutes, financial statements, claims and routine contracts) and then approved the personnel report after executive-session review. One trustee voiced opposition during the personnel vote but the motion carried. The board also unanimously approved a motion to extend eligibility for honorary diplomas to Kansas veterans, including those whose service interrupted schooling during the Vietnam War; speakers noted the change followed a governor-approved action dated Jan. 15, 2025.

Board members later returned from executive session to consider the superintendent’s confidential evaluation and approved the evaluation. No contract change was reported at the meeting; board members confirmed the agenda item was the evaluation itself.

On transportation, staff reported the district ran a request for proposals for student transportation as the five-year contract with First Student expires. Two vendors submitted responsive bids; First Student scored highest with the district selection committee and pricing reflected an expected increase of about 18 percent. The board was not asked to approve a contract at the meeting; district counsel had redlined the draft contract and staff said the final contract would be presented for formal approval next month.

Several executive sessions were held during the meeting for attorney–client communications, confidential student information, negotiations and personnel; the board invited relevant staff to portions of those sessions as allowed under state law.