During the USD 506 Board of Education meeting on Monday evening, board members considered beginning a new facility and feasibility study.
Superintendent Dr. John Wyrick noted that it has been about a decade since the last feasibility study was done. Through discussion, the board came to a consensus to move forward to gather information about companies that could potentially complete a review of the district’s facilities and create a plan for maintenance and improvements over the next decade.
“I think the time is now,” Wyrick said. Board members also heard from Lewis Goins, a librarian at Labette County High School, who has created a new reading incentive program. The program, called the Literature Scholars Reading Incentive, encourages students to read outside of class and discuss books with others.
Goins said this pilot year, participants will aim to read three books, but in future years, students will read five books per school year from a list of books with academic merit. Students must also talk with a librarian or English teacher about themes within the book at least once while reading each book.
Rewards for participating include Grizzly Gear, and potential scholarship opportunities. The program targets strong readers with the goal being that the enthusiasm from students who participate will encourage other students to become interested in taking on a reading challenge.
Goins said there are currently roughly 20 students participating.
During the meeting, the board also heard from Christian Wacker, the president of the Labette County Teachers’ Association.
“Recently, through the grapevine, I heard a long-time member of the board made a comment to another that I was the enemy, which was a little disheartening to hear,” Wacker said. “I realized it probably would be best for me to formally introduce myself.”
Wacker is a math teacher at Labette County High School. He also coaches track and cross-country.
“Part of the reason I wanted to step into the role I hold now was to help bridge the disconnect that can sometimes happen between the board office and teachers,” Wacker said. “As well as limit the opportunities for the grapevine to twist words.”
He later added: “As Dr. Wyrick says, we are all part of the same team, and I know sometimes our different viewpoints from our respective roles may cause conflict and some friction, but those conversations are crucial for us to have with all of those voices across the district so we can have that growth.”
In other presentations, Tamara Lindholm from Essdack, an educational service agency, who highlighted the benefits of professional development trainings such as Working Genius and the Energy Leadership Index. Members of the administration team who were present at the meeting highlighted that such assessments and coaching programs have been beneficial for increasing self-awareness and developing a common language to communicate with while working in a team.
In his report, Wyrick highlighted relevant legislation that may impact the district. He noted that special education funding is something to keep an eye on.
“The Senate Ways and Means committee voted to add no additional funding for special ed,” Wyrick said. “Now the House K-12 Education Budget Committee — they voted to add $10 million — which is really a slap in the face.”
He noted that the split of that $10 million among the entirety of the state’s school districts, would not go very far.
Wyrick noted that a potential statewide cell phone ban in schools is still being discussed by the legislature.
He also highlighted Senate Bill 387, which he said could negatively impact the district.
“This one could really hurt us,” Wyrick said. “Some of our legislators are really concerned that there is fraud when it comes to free lunches and the free lunch apps.”
Wyrick said the school currently follows United States Department of Agriculture auditing guidelines, which require the district to audit a handful of forms at each site, which is already a time-intensive process. This bill would require the district to audit every single lunch application.
“This could require us to have to hire another position,” Wyrick said.
Board member, Dr. Colette Smith said she was fearful that this would lead to students in need of free lunch services not receiving that service if families don’t want to share three months of financial information with the district, which is required to complete the auditing process.
“Dr. Smith, we have some like that right now,” Wyrick said.
He also said this bill could impact the school’s At-Risk funding, which is determined by the number of students receiving free and reduced lunches. Currently, the district receives roughly $4 million in At-Risk funding; Wyrick estimated this bill would cause a loss of 25% of that funding.
The next USD 506 meeting will take place at the Curran Administration Center in Altamont, at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 9.
