A new policy allows more flexibility for elementary teachers and administrators in USD 257.
The elementary boundary policy change was approved by board of education members at their meeting Monday night. District staff may enroll their own child(ren) in the elementary school in which they work or their home attendance center.
The new policy states there are multiple factors in moving students between attendance centers. The policy states that students previously assigned to an attendance center should remain if overcrowding exists in their home attendance center.
If there is a new student to the district or from out of the district enrolled in an overcrowded attendance center they will be moved to the attendance center with the least number of students. If the district deems it necessary, siblings may be separated and sent to different attendance centers if they live outside of the boundaries of the larger attendance center. Finally, the district or building administrators may draw names from the remaining students who have enrolled within the particular attendance center in order to allow the attendance center to have more equitable class size.
The board also approved the purchase of 22 new iPads. Brett Linn, technology director, said the iPads used by 1-to-1 students at Jefferson Elementary no longer fulfill the needs of the curriculum. Due to updates in the program, the current software is outdated. Apple requires all purchases go through them.
Board member Darrel Catron suggested Linn look into other technology device alternatives for a cheaper purchase. Superintendent Jack Koehn and Linn said it would be difficult for the students to learn how to use a new device in the middle of the school year. The board members passed Linn’s request and the district will find places to use the older iPads.
Charlie Kerr, Iola teacher and FFA adviser, briefly spoke to the board about his students’ trip to Louisville, Ky. He informed the students about the success of sophomore Clara Wicoff who received fourth at the National Creed Speaking event. He said that the students attended programs at the expo center and toured the Louisville Slugger museum and saw a horse race. Kerr said the trip was successful because of his students.
“I have been blessed with good students,” he said. “Also community and school support as well.”
Part of the trip was funded by the S3 grant.
In other news:
— The board accepted two bids from one individual for two district mini vans. They approved the bid of $695 for the 1995 Ford Aerostar and $650 for the 1993 Ford Aerostar.
— The board accepted the resignation of Mildred Trester and approved the separation of employment from Rhoda Gilliland. Both were in food service.
— At the middle schools two teaching assistants will put together a Thanksgiving Day meal. Jack Stanley, middle school principal, said they provide the turkeys and ingredients to help make 15 baskets. The baskets are then delivered to students’ families who need the meal for the holiday.
— On Dec. 19 the middle school will have its annual winter ball. The $10 donation for the dance is given to the Adopt a Child gift program.
Board changes boundary policies
