Wednesday was Day 11 for Great Bend Public Schools and students were just getting into a routine. It was Riley Elementary School’s turn to host a USD 428 Board of Education meeting and for Principal Beth Rein and staff to report on academic programs and school improvement efforts.
“We haven’t gotten started yet on any exciting programs,” Rein said. “Our highlight is that we are fully staffed with almost all licensed staff in certified positions. The one who is not is working on her coursework and will be licensed soon.”
Staff shared Kansas English Language Proficiency Assessment (KELPA) results from last spring and two fourth-grade students, Kimberly and Neomi, shared their KELPA goals with board members. While the annual test is administered in February of each year, Riley has implemented a new strategy to help students set goals in advance so that learning in the classroom and intervention time can be focused on their personal academic growth.
In addition to hearing the building report, the board reviewed updates on the workers' compensation policy. This was a “first reading” and will come to the board for approval in September.
The board also approved personnel changes, as well as grants and contributions.
Personnel — The school board approved the appointment of Dr. Sherri Brantley to teach third grade at Eisenhower Elementary School and approved the retirement of Lynette Stoss, teacher of eighth-grade English Language Arts at Great Bend Middle School.
Grants and Contributions — Holly Oyedejo, the Great Bend Middle School librarian, received board approval to apply for a Patrick Mahomes “Read for 15 Program” nonprofit reading initiative grant for up to $15,000. If granted, funds would be used to purchase student-friendly library tables to allow more collaboration and seating in the library.
Amy Stein, GBMS STEM teacher, received approval to apply for and receive two Kansas Donor Choice Project grants. The first is $369.99 from an anonymous donor for 3D printer supplies and the second is $315.73 from General Motors for Skimmer Car Project supplies.
Other contributions approved were:
• A $15,000 Kansas State Department of Education 2024-2025 Homeless Children and Youth Grant. The McKinney-Vento/Education of Homeless Children and Youth Subgrant is a federally funded competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Children who lack a “fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence” are considered homeless for the purpose of this grant that aims to ensure homeless children receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to each student’s needs. It can be used to provide services such as transportation to and from school.
Director of Teaching and Learning JoAnn Blevins is the liaison for this program.
“Grant funds will be used to develop public awareness materials about the McKinney-Vento Act and its purpose to remove barriers to learning that come with being homeless or unhoused,” Blevins said. “Funds can be used to pay fees associated with high school classes that have supply fees, pay for dual high school and college credit courses, provide school supplies, and other school needs. McKinney-Vento support can also come in the shape of clothing and food. All McKinney-Vento eligible students automatically qualify for free meals for the school year.”
• A $236 reward incentive to Lincoln Elementary from Strawbridge Photography.
• $2,000 from Blue Devil Performing Arts and $500 from Carol Hopkins to the Great Bend High School for the Band Trip Fund.
