Board Briefs - July Meeting 2018

Regular Open Meeting Brief – July 19, 2018

The entire meeting agenda can be viewed at: July 19, 2018 BOE Meeting

Agreements with MARC and PrepKC 

The Board of Education approved entering into an agreement with Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) to provide funding for Head Start and Early Head Start programming for the 2018-19 school year, and approved a Memorandum of Understanding with PrepKC to support benchmarking and college/career readiness activities.

 Purchase of Band Instruments

In support of fine arts programming for students, the Board approved nearly $50,000 for the purchase of musical instruments.  Bonds approved by voters in 2017 included an allocation for this purpose. 

 Mental Health Screenings

In April, Cornerstones of Care conducted universal social and emotional wellness screenings at each elementary school for 3rd, 4th and 4th graders.  This screening system is utilized for measuring behavioral and emotional strengths and weaknesses and to provide follow-up services for those students whose scores indicate an elevated risk of future difficulty in school as a result of social/emotional challenges.  The Board received a comprehensive report on the screenings, findings and follow-up services. 

Student Assistance Program

The Board reviewed a utilization summary for the Student Assistance Program (SAP) which was initiated last year through the same company that provides assistance to district employees.  In the first year of SAP, there were 75 participants, nearly two thirds of which were males. 

Board Work Session

On Saturday, June 21, the Board of Education held a work session where the Board established the following priorities for the 2018/19 school year: 

  • Improving Cultural Competency for staff and students
  • Strengthening student Career Opportunities and Awareness
  • Enhancing College Preparation for students
  • Increasing Parent and Community Involvement