District seeks to enhance parent engagement

ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times

The summer work will be continuing for the USD 480 school board during its next meeting Monday beginning at 6:30. 

After discussion of the new wording for the district’s mission and vision statements, the board will be talking about parent engagement training. 

“Professional development for family and community engagement targeted toward building the capacity of school personnel and support staff to work with families is an allowable expense and activity under ESSA guidelines,” the agenda information noted. “USD 480 BOE Policy IDAA–S (Family, School, and Community Partnerships) states the development of strong partnerships with families and the community is a goal.”

The board will also be asked to renew the district’s membership with the Kansas Association of School Boards as well as several  software and service licenses. 

“The KASB membership is up for renewal for the 2018–19 school year.  The cost for membership for 18–19 is $12,415.32 and $2,100 for legal services.  This is an increase compared to last year.  Last year’s rate was $11,911 for the membership and $1,650 for legal services,” the agenda information noted. “Staff is also requesting the following software and services be renewed: Gabbart Communications – Website Software for $19,050; Frontline Technology – AESOP Software (Substitute Teacher software) – $10,246.07; AOS – Cisco IronPort (Network Security) – Discontinue (previous three years total $50,477.88) – to be replaced with iBoss; AOS – Smart Net Total Care (Network Maintenance) – $46,482.20; Discovery Education (Video streaming library for K–8) – $18,200; AOS – EMC Contract (Domain and Network Support) – $22,411.40; EPD International – (Maintenance for Lenovo Bladecenters) – Discontinue; AOS – TrendMicro security software (Malware/Virus protection)   – Discontinue (previous 3 years $51,062.22) – to be replaced with iBoss; and iBoss – Security and Malware Software and Hardware (Internet Content Filtering and Malware/Virus protection) – $138,000 for 3 years (replaces Cisco IronPort and TrendMicro, previous 3 years combined total $101,540.10)”

The board will also be asked to approve a request for three audio system processors and will also look to approve handbooks for the Classified, Certified Faculty and Substitute staffs. 

Some remodeling will also be seeking approval with requests to perform the remodel project for a large group classroom at Liberal High School and the addition of HVAC additions to I.T. rooms at Cottonwood Elementary  School and Sunflower Elementary School.