Emporia School Board members, along with teachers and administrators gathered for an in-depth study session focused on kindergarten readiness at their meeting Wednesday.
The group discussions included looks into what early learning experiences are provided to children in the district and community. The discussion encouraged engagement with participants identifying what parents in the district want for their children and how to eliminate opportunity gaps for children from birth to age 5. Vicki Schweinler, Executive Director of Elementary Education explains how the district’s Mobilizing Literacy grant is supporting early childhood education.
Schweinler says she believes the study session was successful because there were many ideas generated that will affect future opportunities the district may, in fact, look into.
Separately, the school board approved all but one contract for the upcoming school year. After a 20-minute executive session, the board unanimously decided to wait on hiring a new high school wrestling coach pending more information after a concern was raised during public comment period by Emporia resident Charles Tucker.
Board President Doug Epp advised Tucker that they would visit with him individually about his concern.
In other business, a dishwashing machine purchase totalling nearly $143,000 was approved for food services at Emporia High School.
A request to republish the budget for the driver’s ed fund and for food services was also approved. Assistant Superintendent of Business Rob Scheib said they anticipate needing budget authority for $25,000 for driver’s education and potentially up to $100,000 for food services to help cover expenses for the summer meal program after the fund exceeded its expectations this year.
The board’s next meeting is at 5:40 p.m. May 9 and it will be an extended meeting to include a goal-setting session.
