A recent air quality investigation by the Kansas Department of Labor yielded no concerns for Emporia High School.
In fact, USD 253 Director of Maintenance Cory Nicolet stated Wednesday evening the investigation determined the air quality inside of the school was “higher” than the air quality outside, which he says is to be expected.
Nicolet’s comments came after he delivered an air quality report to the USD 253 Board of Education as part of their regular meeting agenda. The investigation that led to the report occurred after a complaint was lodged claiming there was black mold “everywhere”
Nicolet says the inspection did reveal seven identifiable types of mold within the building, all of which presented no signs of toxicity or health concerns for those inside the building.
The complaint also stated that a previous sewage backup in the building had not been properly cleaned or repaired leading to a “horrible” smell in certain areas.
Nicolet had reported the backup during a previous board meeting while detailing the various immediate infrastructure needs throughout the district. While speaking with KVOE News Wednesday evening, Nicolet stated “People will always have concerns, and I think a lot of that comes from not having a full picture.”
Nicolet followed the air quality report with a request for approval of a better than $456,000 quote from Kruse Corporation for the replacement of Emporia High’s HVAC systems. The HVAC quote was one of four presented by Nicolet to board members Wednesday night.
Additional requests included:
*A better than $326,000 quote from McConnell and Associates to replace the back loop at Emporia Middle School.
*Door replacements at Village Elementary School, EMS and EHS totaling more than $71,000
*Carpet replacements for EMS and EHS totaling $297,000
All four requests were approved and were included in the district’s “immediate infrastructure needs” list compiled by Nicolet and his staff over the past several months. Following approval of these items, Nicolet announced the district is “in good shape” financially when it comes to addressing the various maintenance needs detailed within the list.
In other business Wednesday, board members approved the adoption of a new online learning resource, Edgenuity, for the district’s learning center and credit recovery. This replaces the previous resource Odysseyware which Director of Teaching and Learning Judy Stanley says was “no longer ideal” for the needs of students.
Some of the benefits of the new software will be more interactivity for users, regular checks for understanding, reducing the level of “trial and error” learning by students and the incorporation of guided notes and “strong direct instruction videos.” The total cost of the software is $33,000.
Edgenuity will be implemented starting next school year and will be renewed on an annual basis.
Separately Wednesday, board members approved class size capacity for the 2024-25 school year and a better than $596,000 purchase request for technology for the completion of summer technology projects. Board reports, district highlights and one executive session for negotiations also took place.
The USD 253 Board of Education will next convene on Wednesday, May 8 at 6 pm inside of the Mary Herbert Education Center. This will be the board’s only scheduled meeting for May.
