Emporia Public Schools is continuing a proactive approach to its emergency operations plan.
The Emporia School Board had been urging more progress be made on the plan since its implementation in 2016 had previously been stated to be slow moving. Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Kelly Bolin highlighted some key areas to board members Wednesday evening, including how to deter and delay a possible intruder in school buildings. Bolin says every second counts when trying to thwart off a would-be intruder.
The district is also at improving security at the entrances into the different district buildings. With the school board taking action earlier in the meeting to approve HTK Architects from Topeka to do a facility needs assessment, it will be up to them to identify the best moves possible going forward. Board member Mike Crouch.
The district is also working to improve its telecommunications plan with the Emporia Police Department and Lyon County Sheriff’s Office.
In addition, an update was given on the board’s goal-setting session with the Kansas Association of School Boards. The district is looking to include a group of 40 people to include board members, administrators, and community members in a three-hour session proposed for 6 p.m. May 9. An update also was given on the district’s summer driver’s education program. There are currently 77 high school students and 16 eighth grade students signed up along with three instructors and two vehicles. The program will begin in early June with completion dates anticipated for Aug. 1. This is the first time in about a decade that the district has offered a summer driver’s ed program.
After meeting in four separate executive sessions Wednesday, the school board took no action following an evaluation of Superintendent Kevin Case. The board did take action to offer Emporia High School Assistant Principal Mitchell Garrett an administrative contract for the 2018-19 school year at a location to be determined. The motion passed 6-1, with Board President Doug Epp voting against. The board also unanimously approved a resolution of intent to nonrenew certified personnel.
The board will next meet at 7 p.m. April 25 at Mary Herbert.
