Announcements
Deadline Now August 30
For Changes to Benefits
In the past, employees were allowed to make changes to their open enrollment elections through the month of September. Due to reporting requirements, all benefit changes and elections for open enrollment must be made by Aug. 30.
Teacher Licenses
KSDE will be issuing teaching licenses electronically. Although teachers will no longer receive two copies by mail, it is the responsibility of all certified staff members to submit their license to the district office upon receipt.
Sign Up for District Job Alerts
KPERS Benefit Changes
The Legislature has passed changes to your KPERS benefits beginning in 2014. Learn more at www.kpers.org/changes.
Personal Illness Pool
Information will be posted soon in all buildings about the Personal Illness Pool. The pool provides additional temporary leave to employees who have used all chargeable leave and have experienced "extraordinary circumstances" that requires additional leave.
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Personnel Report
Appointments
- Brianna Boyce, first grade, Riverside
- Alesia Barb, speech language pathologist, FHSEC
- Loretta Tackitt, physical therapist, Maynard ECC
- Anthony Markowitz, paraeducator, EHS
- Charlene Bolz, paraeducator, EHS
- Roxie Barrett, paraeducator, EHS
- Kristen Herrick, paraducator, Olpe
- Jennifer Watts, paraeducator, EHS
- Elizabeth Tabares, teacher aide, TPA
- Michelle Partridge, certified OT assistant, FHSEC
- Jennifer Long, certified OT assistant, FHSEC
- Samantha Preeo, paraeducator, Walnut
- Lori Tubach, paraeducator, Chase County
- Mary Forsythe, paraeducator, Chase County
- Jessica Winter, bus aide, transportation
- Chelsea Britain, paraeducator, Mayard ECC
- Sara Long, AVID tutor, EHS
- Britnie Wright, AVID tutor, EHS
- Lindsey Fazer, AVID tutor
Resignations
- Roxana Peraza, building support technician, EHS
- Linda Bourn, occupational therapist, FHSEC
Retirements
- Brenda Zabriskie, head custodian, WA White
- Alvena Baxter, Family & Consumer Science, EHS
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Other Board Business
Safety & Security Report
Dr. Andy Koenigs summarized the first security equipment recommendations the board will be asked to consider. Additional recommendations will be presented in the fall.
Quarterly Budget Report Budget Director Karen Flood reviewed the year-end budget report and summarized work completed by the business departments during the year. Business Operations Summary |
Emporia Public Schools
1700 W 7th Ave.
Emporia, KS 66801
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Celebrating
the Emporia Public Schools!
District Staff Receive Awards
 Food Service employees Debbie Willhite (right) and Melodi Bowen (left) received awards at the School Nutrition Association National Conference in July. Debbie, a department leader, received the Heart of the Program Award for Kansas and the region. Melodi, production manager, received the Louise Sublette Award for Excellence for Kansas.
Great Start for Back-to-School Events
Board of Education Vice President Susan Brinkman shared "kudos" to the Emporia Middle School administration and staff from a parent who attended this week's sixth grade open house. "She was so excited to tell me what a great job Wendy and all the teachers did in communicating expectations, what parents need to know, and easing the fears of a large new building."
FHSEC Training Well Attended
Special Education Coordinator Monica Duncan reports 84 or 101 staff attended an optional Flint Hills Special Education Cooperative training last week. Teachers from all seven FHSEC districts learned about a new WebKIDSS program, evaluation and eligibility, Extended School Year and IEP procedures.
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Emporia Youth Mentoring
 Volunteers needed for 2013-14
Emporia Youth Mentoring is the new name for the district mentoring program, now operated through Student & Family Resources. The new office is located at Mary Herbert, combining Migrant Services and the mentoring program using existing staff. The office also will coordinate student enrollment and serve as a liasion for new families in the district.
Any staff members interested in mentoring a student can contact Heather Wagner or Amanda Rodriguez at 620-341-2396.
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2013 United Way Campaign
 Pledge forms coming soon
United Way pledge forms will be sent to buildings and departments this week. Employees are asked to consider making a donation to United Way of the Flint Hills, a local organization that has been improving and changing lives for 75 years. Donations can be made by cash, check, credit card, bill payment or payroll deduction. A United Way Caring Card Club is a new feature this year. A donation of $144 or more entitles donors to a card, which can save hundreds of dollars in services, food and entertainment at participating businesses.
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Aug. 14, 2013, board meeting
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Mission, Vision, Core Principles Adopted
Vice President Susan Brinkman reviewed the three-day process used by district leaders in July to create a new mission, vision and core principles for the board's consideration. The recommended mission, vision and principles also were reviewed and supported by building administrators and directors.
The board adopted the new statements and principles as follows:
Mission
We build futures by preparing today's students for tomorrow's opportunities.
Core Principles
- We will strive for excellence and success for all stakeholders.
- We will lead by example through serving others.
- We are committed to unity in relationships, vision and implementation.
- We will lead with integrity.
Vision
Emporia Public Schools will build a culture that guarantees success for all.
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Board Adopts 2013-14 Budget
After a public budget hearing, the board adopted the budget as proposed by Assistant Superintendent Rob Scheib. The budget operating funds total $38 million, and the total tax levy, including bond and interest, is estimated to be 53.6 mills.
Policy Adoption
Includes new district organizational chart
The board adopted proposed revisions to Section C of board policies, with the exception of policy CGAA, Early Retirement Incentive. That policy will be considered at a later date.
Report on Summer Projects
Maintenance Director Bob Fancher and Network Operations Director Paul Beadles reviewed the projects completed by the Maintenance and Technology Departments during the summer.
Staff Recruitment & Retention
Recruitment and retention of high-quality employees is a goal of the Human Resources Office. Dr. Andy Koenigs reviewed teacher turnover data for the past four years, summaries of voluntary exit surveys by certified and classified staff, and his recruitment and retention plan. He is creating a committee of employees, including newly hired teachers, to assist with the plan.
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