It doesn’t appear additional conversations will be moving forward anytime soon regarding the prospect of a shortened school week within USD 253 Emporia Public Schools.
Wednesday night, district staff delivered a preliminary presentation on that very topic following a high level of interest expressed through several platforms in recent months according to USD 253 Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Judy Stanley. The idea presented would have seen the district move to a four-day school week and five-day work week If the alteration were to be approved.
Stanley says there were many unknowns with the prospect, however, staff was confident they could somehow use the altered calendar as a tool for increased retention and recruitment, something Stanley says is a major focus for all districts given the ongoing national teacher shortage.
Board member Lillian Lingenfelter stated outright she is not for the calendar adjustment and questioned the potential for increased recruitment through such a drastic change.
Board member Jeremy Dorsey stated he “is open to trying anything,” however, there were several immediate concerns that came to mind.
Board member Art Guttierez noted that during his own research on the matter, he came to the conclusion this new format would do more harm than good to district students.
Ultimately the board decided not to move forward with further research or discussions on the topic with Board President Leslie Seeley stating it is not a permanent “no,” but now just isn’t the right time to begin such a large undertaking.
In other business, board members approved the use of ESSER III and Title IIA funds to support Capturing Kids Hearts training within all district schools at a total cost of $182,750. Stanley referred to the training as a “recharge” of CKH within the district as it will now be expanded to Emporia High School and the kindergarten levels.
USD 253 has utilized CKH since 2013 with great success. Village Elementary School has been a Capturing Kids Hearts National Showcase School for five consecutive years since 2018.
In separate matters Wednesday the Board also:
*Received a regular construction update from McCown Gordon on the Building for the Future bond initiative,
*Approved the guaranteed maximum prices for specific projects at Riverside and Timmerman.
*Overheard separate presentations from Logan Avenue Elementary School staff and students from Village Elementary School.
*Approved a negotiated salary package for licensed professional staff.
*Held one executive session with no action taken.
The USD 253 Board of Education will next convene on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 6:30 pm inside of the Mary Herbert Education Center.
