Parsons USD 503 will have a School Resource Office (SRO) again this school year.
Trained SRO Shyanne Dunn is returning. She worked for the district during the 2021-2022 school year.
The district was without an SRO during the entire 2022-2023 school year, due to the Parsons Police Department facing a shortage of officers and needing every available officer working the streets.
The USD 503 Board of Education agreed Monday during its regular board meeting to sign a new memorandum of understanding with the Parsons Police Department, to again provide the service.
In the past, Parsons USD 503 has split the officer’s salary with the PPD.
The cost increase for the district this year is $5,000. With inflation, Superintendent Lori Ray said that is very reasonable. In all, USD 503 will pay $40,000 towards the SRO position for Dunn's services throughout the school year.
Superintendent Lori Ray said the Kansas Association of School Boards has reviewed the MOU, and stated it is one of the best they have seen in the state.
Dunn will be located at the high school on a regular basis and will visit other schools as possible.
IN OTHER BUSINESS, the board:
Heard from robotics teacher Bruce Rea in regard to the direction he wants to take the program to better prepare students for the future.
Approved consent agenda items that included all organizational matters
Heard the board is working on the budget for the new year. The budget hearing will be in September.
Heard open enrollment online has begun. Currently about 30% of students from last year have enrolled. Heard Aug. 3 there is an in-person enrollment for those new to the district or wanting assistance with the process. Kindergarteners will set a screening date for their children at that time. Heard all USD 503 students will receive free meals this school year.
Heard Aug. 10 is new teacher orientation. There are 11 new teachers this year and Aug. 14,15 and 16 are staff professional development.
Heard the district has only about $107,000 left to allocate of ESSER III funds, which must be used by September 2024.
Heard Aug. 17 is the first day for all preschool through sixth grade students, ninth grade and any new students in the district.
Heard Aug. 18 is the first full day for all students.
Approved consent agenda items that included all organizational matters. The one change this year was the board’s decision to move the board meetings from the third Monday to the second Monday of every month starting January 2024.
Approved June Kansas Association of School Board policy updates as recommended.
Approved the 2023-24 Student/Parent Handbooks, Bus Driver Handbook, and Parent/Student Transportation Handbook.
Discussed first reading of the first reading 2023-24 Classified Staff Handbook. Discussion and Action on Staff Social Media Guidelines.
Approved the vended contract to St. Patrick’s to provide meals.
Approved staff guidelines for use of social media. It is recommended staff communications with students take place via school email, Class DOJO and Remind. Staff are discouraged from communicating with students via social media or texts.
Accepted the 2023-2024 schedule of accountability reports to the board.
Hired Colleen Williamson for public relations and part-time, full-time substitute teacher. Accepted the resignations of Jinny Billings, middle school math aide, effective June 20; Nikki Brownwell, high school secretary, effective July 7; Gage Friess, high school social studies teacher; and Tarial Jonson, high school part time evening custodian, effective June 30.
Approved supplemental assignments.