The Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education will meet with members of the Wyandotte County Delegation at noon today in Topeka, Kan.

The Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools District's legislative goals are among the items expected to be discussed. The meeting will be held at noon in room 784 of the Docking Building, located at 915 SW Harrison in Topeka.

Tonight's meeting at Sumner Academy will still be held, beginning at 5 p.m.

Next week's Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education meeting will be held at Sumner Academy of Arts and Sciences.

The meeting begins at 5 p.m.

Sumner's located at 1610 N. 8th Street in downtown Kansas City, Kan.

An agenda item for tonight's Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education shows that the board could revoke the charter for the Maurice R. Holman Academy of Excellence.

The board is being recommended to revoke the charter in a memorandum item submitted by Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Cynthia Lane.

Under state law, a school district can revoke the charter for one of four reasons: the charter "materially violates provisions contained in the charter," fails to make progress in the charter's program goals, fails to meet fiscal goals and accountability or violates rules and regulations of the state board of education.

In Kansas, public schools maintain responsibility for funding and maintenance of charter schools within the district.

"Regrettably, the Maurice Holman Charter School has not made progress in achieving the program goals contained in the charter and has not complied with fiscal accountability procedures as specified in the charter despite good faith efforts for all concerned," the recommendation reads.

If the charter is revoked, a hearing will be held within 30 days where a spokesperson will present information and the case of the Maurice R. Holman Academy.

From there, the board would have 60 days to announce its official decision.

Tonight's meeting is held at Stony Point South Elementary School at 5 p.m

The Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education will move its regularly scheduled meeting for Tuesday, Feb. 9, to Stony Point South Elementary School.

The meeting still starts at 5 p.m.

The school is located at 150 S. 78th Street in Kansas City, Kan.

As expected, the Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education picked up its discussion on outsourcing positions in security, custodian, transportation nutritional services today during a budget workshop.

However, the board rejected a motion that would call for bids in these areas...for now.

Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools Executive Director of Operations and Quality Control Kelli Mather outlined some possibilities in terms of cost savings and the costs of outsourcing these positions.

"This topic brings about emotion and anxiety," Mather said to board members. "It's critical information you need to make informed decisions."

Since exact cost savings are unknown, Mather went on research. The district could save an estimated five to 10 percent of its operation costs. Overall, the district spends 12.2 percent of its expenses on maintenance and operation costs.

Mather also cautioned board members regarding contracts with larger companies that would fill the positions.

"There are some disadvantages and potential for higher costs," she said. "If contracts are not clearfully or clearly written, you could look at being lowballed and the board should be very cautious at that."

The district would look at these cost savings: Between $3-4 million in cleaning services, just over $741,000 in security cost savings and hundreds of thousands more in transportation and nutritional services.

Current employees would likely have the option of taking reduced salaries and benefits if the district goes the route.

But there are other costs associated with outsourcing, mostly those on the community.

Over 75 percent of the employees in security, transportation, nutritional and custodial departments work and live in Wyandotte County.

And if a lively discussion between board members is any preview, a battle to approve outsourcing could be divided.

Board member Richard Kaminski suggested some board members were taking the issue "personally."

"We're here to save money for the district," he said. "Would you rather lay off teachers?"

Board member Brenda Jones responded.

"These are people in our community," she said. "That's why I'm taking it personally. It impacts our community regardless of the cost savings."

Board members wanted more information and more discussion before sending out bids for these areas. However, the issue will continue to be discussed and a call for bids in at least some areas will likely be made eventually.

No final decision was made Tuesday.

In preparation for another budget cut, the Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education is considering $15 million in more cuts.

With the possibility of the base state aid per pupil being lowered to the 1999 level of $3,770, these forced cuts would be more draconian.

KCK Public Schools assistant superintendent Cynthia Lane outlined those proposals to the board.

One possibility that would be enforced is a one-day district wide furlough. One day a year, everything in the district would be closed and teachers would not be paid for the day.

Savings for the one-day furlough during the school year are estimated at $650,000. A one-day furlough during the summer would save around $82,000.

Board member Richard Kaminski expressed immediate opposition to the furlough move, reflecting on the Unified Government's decision to implement a similar furlough.

The one-day furlough is classified as a "phase three adjustment," which Lane said are "not recommended."

Among other phase three cuts that are possible:

• The district may increase the required bus transportation mileage from 1.5 miles to 2.5 miles at the middle school and high school level. This would save around $960,000.

• Both the preschool and school district might later consider a four-day a week schedule. Transportation savings for both areas would be just over $1.2 million. Substitute teaching costs savings for a four-day a week schedule are $340,000. Utility savings would be over $520,000.

Again, the phase three options are not recommended. However, they could become a reality if budget cuts are enforced again by the State of Kansas.

"We have more difficult items to explore," Lane said. "It's just an informational opportunity."

As drastic as cuts in phase three are, phase four cuts would directly impact students in the district.

About $1.2 million of cuts in athletics and activities would be included. While programs would not be completely eliminated for now, cuts targeted at supplemental costs at both the middle schools and high schools would be made.

The good news – no teaching jobs are expected to be eliminated.

"Student achievement is our primarily focus," Lane said. "We must still be able to ensure our kids reach higher levels of success. We must get them to higher levels of achievement. The teacher is the number one factor with that. Unless if things get to the point, we will not bring reduction of teaching positions."

KCK Public Schools Superintendent Jill Shackelford said support from the community is needed during this time.

"Dramatic things will have to happen," she said. "We need our parents in our community around here."

The board, currently meeting on the third floor of the downtown branch of the Kansas City, Kan., Public Library, is discussing more budget actions. '

There are recommended cuts for the board to be made at a future meeting.

Among recommended suggestions made by Lane:

• The district would likely dip into its contingency fund even more. The district would use $3 million of its current fund. Right now, KCK Public Schools has over $8 million in contingency savings.

• Workman's compensation is expected to be set aside again this year, saving $ 1 million.

• The superintendent's cabinet could be reorganized with two job reductions or salary adjustments, saving about $400,000.

• Attorney fees for the board of education would be slashed by $15,000.

Again, no decisions on any of the listed cuts above were made.

The Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 2.

The meeting will start at 11 a.m. on the third floor of the Kansas City, Kan., Public Library and School Administration building, located at 625 Minnesota Ave.

An executive session may be held after the budget session.

UPDATE: The correct date is in the post.

Photo and story from Susan Enloe

At their meeting on Tuesday, December 8, members of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education honored (l-r) Richard Porras, carpenter foreman, and Christina Leonard, special education counselor as employees of the month for December 2009.

Porras was nominated by Betty Sutulovich, nurse at Sumner Academy. 

"Richard came to the new nurse's office at Sumner Academy shortly after school started to see if he could help make the space a little bigger.  He and his crew ... listened to what I needed and made their plans accordingly." 

Porras, who is retiring in March, recognized the seven members of his crew.  "I have the easy job," he said.  "I just make up the plans.  They carry them out.  I share this award with them."

Leonard was nominated by special education department staff and by a parent, Mrs. Chele Goul. 

"Chris first and foremost considers the needs of students for whom she is providing services.  She puts much time and effort into developing (work) placements for students that will provide meaningful vocational training."

In presenting her to the board, Goul lauded Leonard for the work that she has put in with her son, making sure that he got a well-rounded job experience at each business he was placed at.  Those businesses are Great Wolf Lodge, MeMa's Bakery, and Longhorn Steakhouse.
 

The Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education will hold a special meeting today at 11 a.m. on the third floor of the Kansas City, Kan., Public Library.

During the meeting, the board may recess to executive session under the Attorney Client Exception.

The Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education will shift their meetings in December and January to different locations.

• For the Dec. 8 meeting, the board will meet at the Education Center at 4601 State Ave.

• For the Jan. 12, 2010 meeting, the new preschool facility at 1708 N. 55th Street will be the host location.

Both meetings begin at 5 p.m.

Story and photo by SUSAN ENLOE, KCKPS

The November 10 meeting of the Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education was held at Grant Elementary School. 

At the meeting, members of the Board of Education recognized (l-r) Eugene Rodriguez, head custodian at Douglass Elementary School; Marli Brandt, teacher at Stony Point South Elementary School; and Stephen Brandt, math instructor at Washington High School as November 2009 Employees of the Month. 

Eugene Rodriguez was nominated for Employee of the Month by Douglass principal Marguerite Martinez. 

Recognizing the task of getting a new building ready for the opening of school, Martinez said of Rodriguez, “Mr. Rodriguez worked many days from six in the morning until 11 or 12 at night getting our building ready for occupancy … He was seen many evenings way after the end of his scheduled work time, making sure that staff had what they needed . . .”  Martinez spoke of his commitment to the students and staff at the school, and of the many ways that Rodriguez has been a help to her as the new principal for the school.

“He knows many families and truly considers the whole child. Students look up to him, and for many, he is a positive male role model.”

Washington teacher Joe Graham and instructional coach Scarlett Sherretts-Risley nominated Stephen Brandt.   “ … Master Sergeant Stephen Brandt recently returned from serving a year in Iraq as a medic. He has been employed by the district since 1999, serving as a math teacher, SLC coordinator, cross country and track and field coach. While in Iraq, Stephen served on the Sustainment Brigade, which worked on fostering relationships and communications … Even in Iraq, Stephen continued to demonstrate his commitment to education by reading to the Iraqi children.”

When a soldier serves his country, away from his family and home, the spouse must assume all of the parenting and household duties.  MSgt. Brandt’s wife, Marli, was nominated for her efforts on the “home front”. 

Introducing Mrs. Brandt, David Smith, Assistant to the Superintendent for Communications said, “Marli is a 4th grade teacher at Stony Point South Elementary.

This is her 11th year with KCKPS. She is being recognized for maintaining a positive attitude in her position during the stressful time of having her husband serve in Iraq for the past year. She is commended for maintaining high quality work and managing her household in the absence of her husband.”

The Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education is expected to name the replacement for outgoing Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools Superintendent Jill Shackelford before the next calendar year.

Board President Gloria Willis made the announcement following this evening's board meeting. There appears to be four candidates.

"The Board received four applications for the Superintendent vacancy," she said. "The application and packets have been distributed and thoroughly reviewed by all board members. The Board has reached concensus regarding the next step and will be conducting personal interviews before the end of the month. The Board anticipates announcing the new superintendent before the winter break."

Shackelford announced her retirement last summer.

(Photo and information provided by Susan Enloe, Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools.)

Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education members recognized (l-r) Kenia Medina, Micailah McRoy, Sara Dominguez, and Denise Garcia as October 2009 Students of the Month.

Micailah McRoy, a 5th grade student at T.A. Elementary School was nominated by her teacher Michelle Michalski.  In her nomination letter, Michalski says "Micailah is a very sweet and hard working young lady!  She is not only an excellent student, but is a compassionate and loving person.". 

Nominated by teacher Janis Dow, Kenia Medina is a 7th grade student at Central Middle School.  Dow, also Kenia's advocacy teacher says that Kenia exhibits many positive and mature traits. "This young lady comes to school each and every day enthusiastically embracing what lies ahead."

An 11th grade student at J.C. Harmon High School, Sara Dominguez was nominated by teacher and coach Steve Howard.  "Sara is a unique young lady.  She has been blessed with athletic abilities... As accomplished as her career has been, she always finds time for others.  When needed, she will help tutor and interpret to her classmates and younger students."  Sara has lettered in three sports, is active in Student Council, and has competed and won vocal music awards.

Washington High School senior and Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet Lt. Colonel Denise Garcia was nominated by ROTC Instructor, Lt. Colonel Patrick McCormick.  Denise, McCormick reports, "is a standout performer and leader in all areas; academics, athletics, citizenship, and community involvement.  She is Operations Squadron Commander.  Denise represents the best of Washington High School, USD 500, and this community."

Here is the agenda for tonight's Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education meeting. Note, if the embedding of the file is causing problems, please comment. It's a new trick I'm working on so I can post the agendas directly onto the Web site for everyone to look at.

The Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education honored two employees of the month. More information about them:

At their meeting on Tuesday evening, October 19, members of the Kansas City, Kansas  Board of Education recognized Janice Turner, current principal at New Chelsea Elementary School and former principal at Eugene Ware Elementary School; and Kimberly Rollins, Recovery Room instructor and Lunch Room monitor at Quindaro Elementary School as October 2009 Employees of the Month.

Turner was nominated by staff members at Eugene Ware Elementary School.  

Speaking for the Eugene Ware staff, teacher Jennifer Holt said that Turner "puts kids first in every decision she makes.  She has an appreciation of the importance of relationship building.  She calls every student by his or her name, knows their families and is able to respond to their needs. Mrs. Turner is a tremendous support to her teachers.  She pushed me to become the teacher I am today."

Rollins was nominated by teachers Amy Long, Lori Biddle and Sarah Smith.  They spoke of her commitment to the Quindaro family. 

"What Ms. Rollins brings is the uniqueness of caring for the community of Quindaro.  She goes above and beyond what is required of her by job description.  Ms. Rollins helps families.  She has driven parents to Family Advocacy appointments, and helped numerous students and families in need.  She is an integral part of the Quindaro family."

(Information and photo provided by SUSAN ENLOE, KCKPS)