With two of its district elementary schools looking into redesign, the Emporia School Board heard presentations Wednesday about what that might look like.
School officials from Logan Avenue Elementary and William Allen White Elementary spoke to the changing needs of students from a social and emotional aspect, proactive movement beyond the industrial revolution model of school and creating an environment where students feel safe, are prepared for the next level and can increase their motivation and confidence.
Logan Avenue principal Jessica Griffin says her staff became excited about the concept last fall after a chance meeting with Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson.
William Allen White principal Tell Kirk also pushed home the family component of the social-emotional needs of students saying schools have moved beyond the traditional teaching methods.
The schools could submit a draft proposal on the redesign by late fall 2018.
In other business Wednesday the board approved $285,000 purchase over the next six years of new tech books that will be used for science and social studies for fifth grade and high school courses. The techbooks will be available at a cost of $8.50 per student per year over the six-year period.
The board also approved the master contract for certified staff and the adjusted salary package for all staff for 2018-19. A key component of that will raise the substitute teacher rate of pay to $100 per day.
Board members closed the meeting with a goal-setting session. The next school board meeting is scheduled for July 11.
Tell Kirk, principal of William Allen White Elementary speaks to the Emporia School Board. Photo by Brandon Peoples/KVOE News
Jessica Griffin, principal of Logan Avenue Elementary addresses the school board Wednesday. Photo by Brandon Peoples/KVOE News
