Board Approvals:
  • minutes of June 9, 2021
  • treasurer’s report for May 2021
  • Memorandum of Understanding between USD 253 and JAG-Kansas for 2021-2022
  • annual Teaching and Learning software agreements for 2021-2022
  • donation of $750 from the Flint Hills Technical College to Emporia High School football for help with moving and clean up
  • purchase of 16 cafeteria tables for Emporia Middle School
  • 2021-2022 fee schedule and waiving the 2021-2022 technology fee for students that complete the Household Economic Survey
  • increase adult lunch price by ten cents for the 2021-2022 school year
  • submit to the Emergency Connectivity Fund for student and staff devices
  • changes to the classified, administrator, and substitute teacher handbooks
  • classified employee handbook summary of changes
  • administrator handbook summary of changes
  • substitute teacher handbook summary of changes
  • terms of the Waiver of Conflict of Interest which may arise due to David Cunningham’s representation of multiple clients in drafting the Memorandum of Understanding between USD 253 and Flint Hills Technical College
  • Memorandum of Understanding for use of the Jones Education Center due to the transfer of ownership of the campus to the Flint Hills Technical College Board of Trustees
  • fluid milk and juice product bids from EVCO for the 2021-2022 school year

Board Updates:
COVID-19:
Dr. Allison Anderson-Harder, Superintendent, provided updates and recommendations from the COVID Advisory committee which met earlier this week. As numbers continue to be stable and trend downward, the committee will not hold further meetings until August 2, unless there is a spike in cases or other concerns. Additionally, the operations plan for the district will be updated in July and closer to the start of school.  

Kelly Bolin, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources reported that the district will be working with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to pilot a device that will test air samples for COVID-19 and influenza in the EHS weight room. If the air sample tests positive two days in a row, then a sign will be placed on the door encouraging students and staff to wear masks while inside.

Budget/Funding:
Rob Scheib, Assistant Superintendent of Business reported that according to state statutes, the Board of Education will be required to exceed the revenue-neutral rate for the coming fiscal year. The neutral rate is the difference between the current and past year valuations. This is due in part to state statute KSA 72-5142 which requires that 20 mills each year go to the state which will be returned to school districts in state aid. Even though there is a difference in valuations district taxpayers will not see a tax increase. 

Recruitment and Retention:
Kelly Bolin, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, reported on the teacher turnover rate data which is very similar to years past. The end of the 2020-2021 school year saw 55 certified staff members leave the district, compared to 53 certified staff members averaged over the past 6 years. Bolin also discussed information regarding district recruitment. This year the district has hired 34 new teachers for the 2021-2022 school year. The majority of those new hires are from Emporia State University.   

Future Board Calendar Dates:
  • Wednesday, July 14, 2021, 7:00 p.m., Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center
  • Wednesday, July 28, 2021, 7:00 p.m., Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center
  • Wednesday, August 11, 2021, 7:00 p.m., Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center