Regular Open Meeting Brief – August 19, 2021
The entire meeting agenda can be viewed at: August 2021 BOE Meeting
Board of Education Vacancy
The Board of Education declared that a vacancy on the Board exists effective August 19, 2021, creating a position on the Board to complete a term that ends April 5, 2022. Persons interested in applying to fill the vacancy on the Board until April 5, 2022, can find information here: Board Vacancy.
Curriculum and Instruction (C & I) Update
The Board heard a presentation on the 2021 Summer Explorations program which provided an expanded global academic program to increase academic progress as well as for credit recovery. In-person and virtual learning opportunities were provided. The Summer Enrichment program, utilized to reinforce attendance at Summer Explorations, provided students with an opportunity to attend a week at Barstow School Summer Camp for grades K-2, and for grades 3-12 a week of exploring Kansas City’s Best which included trips to Worlds of Fun, Oceans of Fun, Top Golf, Dave & Busters, and the KC Zoo.
Caring for Kids
The District has partnered with Caring for Kids since 2018. Their mission is to mobilize community organizations – churches, businesses, and civic groups – to serve collaboratively around neighborhood schools, helping them achieve the goal of equipping students to reach their highest potential. The Caring for Kids district liaison shared that 30 community partners (10 faith organizations, 12 businesses, 8 civic/nonprofit groups) have engaged with the District’s 9 schools to assist students and families.
Kelly Educational Services
In 2018, the Board approved contracting with Kelly Educational Services (KES) for obtaining substitutes for teachers/counselors and instructional paraprofessionals. The Board annually reviews KES data regarding absences and the number of substitutes found to fill those absences (fill rate). The 2020-21 fill rate was 83%, down 3% from the previous year. Data showed November as the month with the greatest need for substitutes.
2021-22 Calendar Revision
The Board approved a revision to the calendar adding Juneteenth, as a holiday. June 19th was established as a federal holiday this summer after the 2021-22 calendar was adopted. Juneteenth will be observed on Monday, June 20, 2022. District offices will be closed.