An increase in supplemental financing, administrative changes and a look at local redesign efforts were all part of a jam-packed agenda for the USD 253 Board of Education Wednesday evening.
During the board’s regular meeting, members unanimously approved a resolution giving the board authority to increase the local option budget from 30 to 33 percent. The LOB is a supplementary revenue stream that allows a district to cover the cost of non-classroom-related expenses and free up general fund dollars.
Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations Rob Scheib says the district is not anticipating any major cost increases at this time and having the authority to access the additional dollars is simply a precautionary measure.
Scheib went on to explain that Wednesday’s action will not increase the LOB mill levy at this time, but simply allows the district the option to access additional dollars if needed in the coming year with 65 percent of those funds covered by the state.
If the district chooses to utilize the additional percentage, the overall levy will not be impacted as the district will make reductions elsewhere in the budget according to Scheib. All levys will see formal approval when the board officially approves the 2022 budget in August.
The increase is subject to protest petition which must be signed by 10 percent of local electors filed with the county clerk’s office 40 within 40 days of publication.
In separate business during the consent agenda portion of the meeting, the board approved the hiring of a new Principal at Logan Avenue Elementary School. Vanessa Hinds has been selected to take over as principal for the 2021-22 school year.
Hinds comes to Emporia from Wichita Public Schools where she previously held the position of Data Leader and has been a membership team leader for the past five years. Hinds also has experience in the classroom as an English language arts teacher.
In a news release from the district, Hinds says “I am so excited to be a part of the Logan Avenue family. I am most looking forward to building relationships with staff, students, and families. I am hopeful that we can all work together to create the best education possible for our students.”
Hinds’ hiring comes after the resignation of current principal Jessica Griffin. KVOE has reached out to Griffin for comment.
Tara Glades, meanwhile, was chosen to be the district’s director of special services after prior director Allison Anderson-Harder was elevated to superintendent earlier this year. Glades is currently the district’s adaptive special education coordinator.
Also Wednesday, board members received an update on education redesign efforts at Emporia Middle School which have been ongoing over the past year. EMS was approved to be an Apollo II redesign cohort school last July.
Principal Steven Bazan says one major highlight over the past year has been the amount of comradery and cooperation amongst staff as they work to develop and implement new creative approaches to education.
He went on to say that there have been several challenges with the effort, however, he is extremely proud of the EMS family for overcoming them together.
The USD 253 Board of Education will reconvene on Wednesday, Apr. 28 at 7 pm inside the Mary Herbert Education Center.
