Building success into the future was a big focus of Wednesday’s Emporia School Board meeting.
Kansas Association of School Boards Deputy Director Doug Moeckel hosted a goal-setting study session encompassing most of the extended meeting. About 40 people, including school board members, teachers and administrators from around the district broke into groups where they tackled a variety of concerns. Among them was issues related to communication, creating a positive culture, identifying the district’s strengths and weaknesses and initiatives outlined in the ongoing restructuring of education as noted in the Kansans Can initiative.
Moeckel says the evening included a great start to that dialogue.
Board President Doug Epp was pleased to begin the discussions too, saying it’s the first goal-planning session in five years.
Board goals will be finalized over the summer and additional study sessions are planned.
In other business, the school board unanimously approved the hire of Brook Medrano as the new Emporia High School head wrestling coach. Medrano has a decorated wrestling resume having started up the Truth Wrestling Academy just last year and also being involved in the Emporia Kids Club. Epp says despite not being a teacher, Medrano was the best fit for the position.
A former Emporia High and Wichita wrestling standout, Medrano was a four-time state placer before competing collegiately at Fort Hays State University. He replaces Dustin Malone, who resigned after four seasons in March.
