Board Approvals:
  • minutes of February 23, 2022
  • minutes of February 28, 2022, special meeting
  • fiscal payments
  • donation of $1,000 from the Emporia Christian School to the Spartan Stop donation of $750 from the Flint Hills Optimist Club to EHS wrestling for helping at the tree lot
  • let bids for Food Service for the 2022-2023 school year
  • Memorandum of Understanding with Communities in Schools to provide a site coordinator at Logan Avenue, Walnut, William Allen White, and Emporia High School for $40,000
  • Discovery Education Streaming contract renewal for all k-12 schools for 24 months and $28,000
  • solicit bids for 1 route bus, and 1 special education bus and accept the EPA Clean Diesel Rebate of $40,000, ($20,000 per bus)
  • dispose of district surplus property vis internet auctions
  • Guaranteed Maximum Price for the Village Elementary additions and renovations from McCownGordon Construction for $5,878,877 and that the Build for the Future Executive Committee (BFEC) be allowed to apply funds for architectural and engineering costs, soft costs associated with the construction phase, and USD 253 furniture, fixtures, and equipment up to the Maximum Master Budget Value of $6,828,103, click here for the Village GMP presentation
  • explore refinancing opportunities for the 2019 General Obligation Bonds
  • Reemployment of administrators 
  • Master Contract and Tentative Agreement for certified staff and salary packages for all staff including classified, classified exempt, and administrators for 2021-2022retire current board policies DC, GAAC, GAACA, GAF, IDAA, JDD, JGEC, JGECA, DFAC, and JDDC and approve updated policies DC, GAAC, GAF, IDAA, JDD, JGEC, JGECA, DFAC, and JDDC.

Board Information/Updates:
Theatre in Schools Month:
Ms. Kacie Hastings, EHS theatre teacher, and several theatre students shared highlights and testimonials from the EHS theatre program. The program has been very successful and has received numerous state accolades in recent months. The theatre program has close to 100 students who participate in as many as seven productions a year. The group also shared the value and skills learned by students who participate in theatre and expressed their excitement in celebrating March as Theatre in Our Schools Month. Click here to view the theatre presentation. 

Construction Update:
Mr. Eric Woltje, McCownGordon Senior Project Manager, provided an update on the three current district construction projects and highlighted the next project in line which is Village Elementary. The Village school upgrades will include a new multi-purpose room, a new main entrance, office additions, and other remodeling projects. The board voted unanimously to accept the Village Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) of $6,828,103. Currently, the GMP is just over $200,000 above budget, however, cost savings on the overall bond status remains positive with 70% of the master budget being complete. Construction at Village is scheduled to begin in July of 2022 with the majority of construction being completed by September of 2023 Click here to view the construction presentation.

Refinancing of 2019 General Obligation Bonds:
Mr. Dustin Avery of Piper Sandler, discussed refinancing opportunities for the 2019 General Obligation Bonds with the board. There is a potential to save as much as $2 million dollars in interest cost by refinancing a portion of the bonds. The current rate of interest is at 4% and could be reduced to as low as 2.23%. The Board voted to allow Avery to explore options and if there is a favorable scenario, then he will return to the board for specific refinancing options.

Strategic Plan Review:
Dr. Allison Anderson-Harder, Superintendent, and members of the District Support Team provided a second review of the Strategic Plan including priorities and goals. Following the first reading, the group worked to refine and narrow the scope of the goal measures. Upon completion of the presentation, the Board voted to accept the recommendations as presented. Click here to view the Strategic Plan.

Future Board Calendar Dates:
  • Wednesday, April 13, 2022, 5:30 p.m., Board Training & Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center
  • Wednesday, April 27, 2022, 6:30 p.m., Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center
  • Wednesday, May 11, 2022, 6:30 p.m., Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center
  • Wednesday, May 18, 2022, 5:30 p.m., Staff Recognition, W.L. White Auditorium
  • Sunday, May 22, 2022, 3:00 p.m., Emporia High School Graduation, W.L. White Auditorium