Approvals:

• minutes of February 7, 2024
• renewal of the Interagency Agreement between USD 253 and the Department for Children and Families for a Student Support Specialist
• Memorandum of Understanding between the Flint Hills Special Education Cooperative, USD 253 Emporia Preschool Programs, and ECKAN Head Start
• donation of $1,000 from Volunteers for Newman Regional Hospital to cover student meal debt
• donation of $5,829.66 from the Village PTO for a Drapte set with pipe and a storage cart for materials
• donation of $532.00 from the Village PTO for a field trip to the Capital Building for 4th-grade students
• donation of $1,000.00 from Prairieland Partners LLC to Emporia High School Track & Field for team expenses
• Let bids for Food Service for the 2024-2025 school year
• updated job description for PK-12 Behavior Specialist 
• dispose of district technology surplus via internet auctions and/or AG Parts Bulk buyback program
• Emporia High School graduation credits beginning with the class of 2028 
• appoint Jami Reever and Dr. Anna LaSota to the Emporia Recreation Steering Committee and ex-officio members Tell Kirk, Lee Baldwin, and Randy Wells
• JR & Co., Inc. as the contractor for Bid No. 283 Emporia High School roof replacement

Board Discussions and Information:

Affective Services Presentation:

Dr. Erica Mickelson, Director of Teaching and Learning; Mrs. Heather Wagner, Student and Family Resource Specialist; Mrs. Christy Dragonas, Emporia Middle School Counselor; Mrs. Roxana Peraza, Emporia High School Counselor; Ms. Emely Magana, Walnut Elementary Student Support Specialist; Mrs. Jessica Kellison, William Allen White Elementary Student Support Specialist presented an overview of the districts Affective Services. The presentation team highlighted supports available for students across the district and the success occurring at each academic level. The group also shared data regarding student behavior and the number of incidents that have occurred this school year. 

Learn more here.

Changes to Emporia High School Graduation Credits:

Mr. Dathan Fischer, Emporia High School Principal, and Ms. Roxana Peraza, Emporia High School Counselor, reviewed the proposed changes in graduation requirements that would be in place for the class of 2028. Emporia High School is proposing changes that align with the recommended requirements of the Kansas State Department of Education. The changes will not increase the number of credits to what is currently required for graduation. Changes that were proposed include grouping 3.5 units of English Language Arts and half a unit of Communications to a total of four units. Another addition includes one unit of a STEM elective. Health and physical education will be split into half-unit requirements of each. Also, a half unit of financial literacy will be required, along with a total of 7.5 units worth of electives. There are no changes for Science, Math, Government, and Fine Arts. The state also requires at least two units of postsecondary assets and the requirement to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA. The postsecondary assets include academic, career, and real-world experiences. Examples of those experiences include 40 or more hours of community service, 21 or higher ACT composite, nine or more college hours, 90% attendance, and many others. After hearing the presentation the Board voted to approve the change in graduation requirements.

Learn more here.

District Infrastructure Update:

Mr. Cory Nicolet, Director of Maintenance and Grounds, reviewed the immediate infrastructure needs for each of the buildings that are maintained by the district. Each of the buildings has a significant amount of deferred maintenance that has been neglected prior to the current district-level leadership. The repairs, which total over $5 million, will have an important impact on the facilities and provide long-term solutions by properly addressing the current concerns and infrastructure needs. The reports support the district's commitment to taking care of the district facilities and keeping our students and staff safe.

Learn more here.

Safety and Security Committee Update:

Ms. Erica Fianu, Instructional Coach at Riverside and Walnut; Mrs. Jennifer Arndt, Director of Nursing; Mr. Brad Jones, Assistant Principal at Emporia Middle School; Mr. Jared Giffin, Director of Human Resources, all members of the district’s Safety and Security Committee shared updates on their goals and initiatives to provide a safe and secure environment for the district’s students and staff. The Safety and Security Committee is comprised of dedicated staff members and administrators who meet regularly to assess, review, and enhance safety protocols and measures within our schools. The committee continues to develop professional development opportunities and review plans that will help prepare staff for all types of emergencies. Highlights of the presentation included an overview of the District Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and a review of the training and professional development that is provided to staff. 

Learn more here.

Future Board Calendar Dates:

• Wednesday, March 27, 2024, 6:00 p.m., Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center 
• Wednesday, April 10, 2024, 6:00 p.m., Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center 
• Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 6:00 p.m., Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center