District News:
Flu Shots:
Once again flu shots will be available throughout the district. Contact the school secretary or school nurse at the location of where you would like to receive your shot.
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Technology Acceptable Use Policy:
On Wednesday, the board approved a new Acceptable Use Policy that will need to be reviewed and signed off on each year by all staff members. Please read the full Acceptable Use Policy and complete the Google Form. A link to the AUP is also embedded in the form.
Early Resignation/Retirement Notification Incentive:
Any licensed teacher who has worked greater than two years in USD 253 who is planning to resign or retire at the end of the school year is eligible to receive an early notification stipend.
A written resignation or retirement notice must be submitted to the assistant superintendent of Human Resources. Stipends will be awarded according to the timetable below at the end of the contract year.
Written notification received by:
- October 1st would receive $1,000
- November 1st would receive $750
- December 1st would receive $500
- January 1st would receive $250
See the master contract for more information.
United Way:
Now more than ever, your neighbors need you. The issues facing our community are bigger than any one individual or organization. The tough work that will be needed to help our community recover is the very work that the United Way of the Flint Hills does every day – feed those facing food insecurity, prepare children for success, and connect those in financial distress with resources. The fight is not over. Help us as we continue to reimagine and rebuild our communities. Through the United Way of the Flint Hills, you can help. Your donation, when combined with donations from thousands of others, could make a long-term impact on the Flint Hills community. 100% of your gift stays local. Click here to donate to the USD 253 Emporia Schools United Way Campaign
KPERS Optional Life Insurance:
KPERS Optional Life Insurance open enrollment is September 1-30. As part of your KPERS benefits, you have the opportunity to purchase additional coverage beyond KPERS basic life insurance. You can decide how much you need and pay your premiums through payroll deduction. For additional information please review the KPERS handout Open Enrollment Handout and KPERS optional life insurance website
Personal Illness Pool:
The deadline to start your involvement in the Personal Illness Pool is Friday, October 1. All employees on contract or work agreement are eligible to participate. Please take a minute to check your status in Skyward. If you are already participating in the pool, it will remain in effect as long as you are with USD 253, unless you inform the Payroll Office that you no longer wish to participate. New staff for the 2021-2022 school year had the opportunity to enroll in the Personal Illness Pool as part of their new employee paperwork. If you did so, you will not yet be able to see the Personal Illness Pool box displaying "yes" in your Skyward Employee Access.
Anyone not participating and wanting to join should notify Payroll before October 1.
Salary Movement:
September 1st is the deadline for certified staff to submit paperwork for salary movement for the 2021-22 school year. If you have any questions please contact Megan Rahe megan.rahe@usd253.net.
October 1 Early Retirement:
October 1st is the deadline for certified staff to submit to the Board of Education early notification for resignation or retirement and receive the $1,000 bonus.
District Event:
Logan Avenue 5K Fun Run & Virtual Run:
Logan Avenue is hosting their 3rd Annual Running with the Lions 5k on Saturday, October 23. In person and virtual options are available. To guarantee a t-shirt, registrations must be in by October 4. Any questions can be sent to Emily Joplin emily.joplin@usd253.net
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Congratulations to Village Physical Education teacher Andy Battenfield for being recognized Wednesday afternoon as the Emporia Master Teacher and the Kansas Master Teacher Nominee.
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Board Approvals:
- minutes of September 8, 2021
- minutes of September 15, 2021, special meeting
- treasurer’s report for August 2021
- donation of approximately $931 for dictionaries for all district third-grade students
- lease agreement with Flint Hills Mall LLC for 2021-2022 for $34,014.00
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USD 253 Technology Acceptable Use Policy for staff, click here to review the policy
- adopt the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas Option #5, plans include the January premium holiday for a net increase of 7.3% and Blue Cross Blue Shield dental plan
- provided list of students receiving remote instruction exceeding 40 hours due to COVID-19 and/or extraordinary circumstances
Board Discussions:
COVID-19 Update:
Dr. Allison Anderson-Harder, Superintendent, and Dr. Brad Kempf, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, provided the board with updated information regarding the latest community COVID-19 trends and reviewed the district COVID-19 dashboard. Based on the slight decreases occurring, the COVID Advisory Committee recommended continuing with the current Board of Education approved protocols. Click here to view the COVID-19 update.
District Health Insurance:
Rob Schieb, Assistant Superintendent of Business, and Bob Charlesworth, Charlesworth Consulting, shared and reviewed health insurance renewal plans for the 2022 plan year. Options had been discussed with the district Health Insurance Committee who provided input to determine the best option for employees. Several different plans were examined in detail including a model which would be self-funded by employees.
After a review of all plans, the board agreed that Blue Cross Blue Shield option #5 would provide coverage comparable to that of previous years with the smallest premium increase. An additional highlight of this plan includes a premium holiday for January 2022, meaning employees would not pay a premium for that month.
Future Board Calendar Dates:
- Wednesday, October 13, 2021, 7:00 p.m., Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center
- Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 5:15 p.m., Strategic Planning Meeting, Bowyer Building, Lyon County Fairgrounds
- Wednesday, October 27, 2021, 7:00 p.m., Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center
- Wednesday, November 3, 2021, 5:15 p.m., Strategic Planning Meeting, Bowyer Building, Lyon County Fairgrounds
- Wednesday, November 10, 2021, 7:00 p.m., Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center
- Wednesday, December 8, 2021, 7:00 p.m., Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center
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Appointments:
Jacqueline Alanis
paraeducator/teacher Aide, Logan Avenue
Tonya Smith
bus driver, transportation
Diana Montalvo
AVID Tutor, Emporia High School
Daniel Rios
temporary interpreter, as needed
Walter Fernandini
temporary interpreter, as needed
Marina Zeller
temporary interpreter, as needed
Lauren Bond
paraeducator/teacher, 417 Council Grove Elementary
Richard Munoz
custodian, Emporia High School
Shyanne Ledford
paraeducator, 252 Olpe Elementary
Rachel Prieb
paraeducator, 252 to be determined
Gracie Nelson
paraeducator, 417 Council Grove Elementary
Sissy Negret
sub bus paraeducator, Transportation
Paul Rangel
bus driver, Transportation
Rebekah Charboneau
bus paraeducator, Transportation
Jennifer Arndt
director of health care services, to be determined
Resignations:
Taylor Morstorf
teacher aide, Timmerman Elementary
Michelle Wilkes
grade 1, Riverside Elementary
Madisyn Delmer
paraeducator, Emporia Middle School
Virgina Pizana
custodian, Willam Allen White
Jennifer Freeman
paraeducator/teacher aide, William Allen White
Isabel Portillo
paraeducator, Maynard Early Childhood Center
Tessa Rossillon
paraeducator, 284 Chase County Jr/Sr High School
Prisciliano Pardo
custodian, Emporia High School
Termination:
Emeline Fuller
paraeducator, 252 Olpe Jr/Sr High School
Retirement:
Lorraine Klump
special education, USD 252/FHSEC
Cheryl Wagner
library media specialist, Logan Avenue Elementary
Jackie Boesche
kindergarten, Riverside Elementary
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