UPDATE:

Geary USD 475 Superintendent of Schools Dr. Corbin Witt feels his 4-year stint as superintendent was a good run with a lot of accomplishments. “Bond issue, one-to-one initiative, with very positive things.”

The bond issue approved by voters will help provide state funding to pay for a portion of the new high school.

Witt’s resignation was accepted by the Board of Education Monday night. He has been absent from work in recent weeks while dealing with back illness. “It’s difficult that I had to resign but I think there is a plan and I’ll just wait to see what the Lord decides to do next.” Witt added, I’m proud of my time in Junction City and wish everybody well, and don’t really have anything besides having the disability with the back issue that I have to deal with.”

The Board voted 6-0 to accept Witt’s voluntary resignation subject to terms of a settlement agreement. He had been under a contract for the next school year. Witt confirmed under that agreement the school district would pay the difference between long term disability compensation and his salary.

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Geary USD 475 Superintendent of Schools Dr. Corbin Witt has resigned.

The Board of Education voted 6-0 Monday night to accept his voluntary resignation subject to the terms of a settlement agreement. They did not discuss the reason for the resignation. Their action followed a brief executive session at the Devin Center.

Witt has been out of the office for several weeks dealing with a back illness problem. and it was the second time since he began working in the district that he had to be absent for a substantial amount of time due to that problem. Witt was under contract for the current school year but had already announced that he was planning to retire at the end of this school year.

Tom Brungardt, Board of Education President, was asked about the settlement agreement in this case. “What I can say is that there’s an agreement in place. We will honor that agreement.” When asked if Witt is entitled to some funds, Brungardt stated, “He’s entitled to some funds, yes.”

Dr. Beth Hudson is serving as the Interim Superintendent for the school district while the Board of Education has already begun the process to search for the next superintendent. They plan to have one hired by the winter break in December, with the possibility that person might not begin work in the district until next summer.

The Geary County Commission Monday indicated their agreement for a proposal to have the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau to serve as the organizer, or coordinator for the annual Sundown Salute celebration in Junction City. They were agreeable to it on a one year trial basis.

During discussion at the county commission meeting it was noted by CVB staff that the city commission was in agreement with the idea. But one more important step is still necessary in the process, before it could become final. According to CVB Director Michelle Stimatze the Sundown Salute Committee must still consider the proposal. They have not yet taken any action.

During a report to the county governing body, Stimatze noted planners would looking at a three to four day Sundown Salute celebration next year, and not six days as was the case in 2018. There could be a possible soft opening the first night, activities could start later in the evening, and they could possibly move to bigger bands performing at the celebration in order to bring in more attendance. A need for more activities in the park was also cited in order to maintain attendance.

On a separate topic Stimatze reported that the blues festival in the downtown area this year will be a smaller event and the CVB may have to play a bigger part next year when they hope to return to Jammin in JC. The Jammin in JC event had to be called off this year, but the CVB has stepped in to help sponsor and coordinate a festival in September this year in the Heritage Park area downtown.

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On the subject of conventions, Stimatze reported that there are more conventions in Junction City this year. That’s an area where the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is involved.

The Geary County Sheriff’s Department community involvement unit is working on a project called Camp Shield.

Brian Hornaday, Captain, stated they have been fundraising with a need of about $25,000. “Thanks to members of the community we were able to raise a substantial amount of money.” Hornaday reported that the Geary County Commission gave approval for use of $25,000 from the alcohol fund. which involves money derived from a tax in Kansas on alcohol. “Everything’s in fast forward now with all the planning stages.”

Camp Shield will be designed to help children in the fifth or sixth grade age range come out of their shell, explained Hornaday. “Quiet kids, sit in the back of the class, really shy, maybe some that have been bullying victims or could potentially be bullying victims. “He added they are working with the school district during the upcoming school year to identify those children.

“We’re going to take 30. That’s our maximum capacity for this year starting off.”

Camp Shield will begin May 28, 2019. and will be an annual event.