Board Approvals:
  • minutes of July 14, 2021
  • treasurer's report for June 2021 and for year-end FY 21
  • Household Economic Survey data access list
  • 2021-2022 Memorandum of Understanding for the concurrent enrollment partnership between Flint Hills Technical College and Emporia Public Schools
  • 2021-2022 Memorandum of Understanding between USD 253 and Fifth Judicial District Community Corrections for Spartan Explorers after school program
  • disposal of district surplus via internet auctions
  • donation of $3,000 from EHS Band Boosters to offset the cost of drumline equipment
  • the COVID Advisory committee's recommendation of requiring masks for students 11 years old and younger (because they cannot be vaccinated at this time); optional masking for students 12 years and older and all adults within a district building; requiring masks for all individuals on all bus or school transportation; optional masking for outdoor activities; maintaining at least 3 feet distance and frequent handwashing/sanitization; no masks are required for sports (inside or outside)
  • 2021 District Emergency Operations Plan 
  • the After School Program provided by the Emporia Recreation Commission, Boys and Girls Club of South Central Kansas, and the Emporia Arts Council as submitted

Board Updates:
COVID-19:
Dr. Allison Anderson-Harder provided a summary of the COVID Advisory Committee meeting that was held on Monday afternoon and shared the committee’s recommendations for the upcoming school year. Additionally, Jennifer Millbern and Dr. Oyenuga from Lyon County Public Health answered questions and provided local COVID statistics as well as information regarding the COVID variants.
Approved recommendations include:
  • masks are required for students 11 years old and younger
  • masks are optional for students 12 and older and all adults within a district building
  • masks are required for all individuals on bus and school transportation
  • masks are optional for outdoor 
  • masks are not required for sports (inside or outside)
  • maintain at least 3 feet distance and frequent handwashing and sanitization

Legislative Post Audit Information Technology Report:
Paul Beadles, Director of Information Technology shared information to the board regarding the free Information Technology security legislative audit that was recently completed by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE). In December of 2020, pilot sites were sought to help districts increase technology security. During the audit, KSDE reviewed 8 technology control areas that can be found in the post-audit report. The audit revealed areas where the district is performing well and also areas where the district can make improvements. This information will be beneficial and has had an immediate impact on processes that have been implemented to increase technology security. Click here to review the Legislative Post Audit Information Technology Report

After School Care Program:
Rob Scheib, Assistant Superintendent of Business provided updates regarding the district’s plans for an elementary after-school childcare program for the 2021-2022 school year. The district is working with the Emporia Recreation Commission and the Emporia Arts Council to organize afterschool care that is anticipated to begin on September 7th. The program will address student learning loss as well as having social emotional and recreational activities.

Future Board Calendar Dates:
  • Monday, August 9, 2021, 7:30 a.m., Convocation, White Auditorium
  • Wednesday, August 11, 2021, 7:00 p.m., Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center
  • Wednesday, August 25, 2021, 7:00 p.m., Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center
  • Wednesday, September 8, 2021, 7:00 p.m., Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center