USD 253 Emporia is set to begin a process to identify key resources aimed at addressing recent slides in state assessment testing.
According to a report presented in part by Associate Executive Director of Assessment and Accountability Dr. Ryan Karjala to the USD 253 Board of Education Wednesday evening, the district saw moderate improvement in the number of students who are “on grade” in both English Language Arts and Science according to recent state assessments. Unfortunately, the district saw a significant slide, roughly 12 percent, in mathematics.
Karjala says the slide in math was not unique to the district but is being seen statewide. Karjala says thankfully, the district is taking steps to address the issue by undergoing a “resource adoption” process in the coming weeks.
Separately Wednesday, board members approved a resolution re-authorizing an annual one-half mill property tax levy for five years. The levy helps to fund maintenance and operations for the district’s adult-based education program through Flint Hills Technical College, commonly known as GED.
According to Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations Rob Scheib, Wednesday’s approval does not finalize the levy but simply begins a lengthy certification process.
According to Scheib, the levy provides between approximately $119,000 to $160,000 for the GED program each year.
In other business, the board received the fiscal year 2021 audit report from Varney and Associates which showed no needed corrections and all financial statements were “fairly stated.” McOwnGordon Construction also presented the latest Building for the Future bond project update, board members approved a bid of $13,247 for testing and inspection services by Kaw Valley Engineering, approved the disposition of Emporia High School Chromebooks and approved a memorandum of understanding for the USD 253 Multi-Disciplinary Team.
The USD 253 Board of Education will next convene on Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 7 pm inside the Mary Herbert Education Center.
