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Emporia board approves preschool screening kits and three-year social-studies resource
Summary
The Emporia school board on June 10 approved purchases of preschool screening kits and a three-year Studies Weekly social studies package to meet state assurances and give elementary teachers a standards-aligned resource; both motions passed unanimously, 7-0.
The Emporia School Board on June 10 approved two instructional purchases: screening kits for the district preschool program and a three-year subscription to Studies Weekly for elementary social studies, voting 7-0 on both measures.
Cheryl, joined by Joy, told the board the district needs two tools to meet state preschool assurances: a developmental screener (referred to in presentation as “Speed Dial”) to identify children functioning below grade-level peers, and a longitudinal entry/exit instrument the presenter called 'myIGDIS' (transcript includes variant spellings). Cheryl said the longitudinal tool would be used at program entry and exit to document individual student growth while enrolled.
Board members asked whether exit assessments are administered if a child leaves mid-year and whether the purchases are one-time or recurring. Cheryl said exit assessments are given when staff are aware a student will leave, and that most components are one-time purchases though a student-profile component would likely require an annual fee if the district chooses it.
The board approved the purchase of the preschool items in a single motion: $9,438 for the 'my IGIS' kits and $3,780 for Speed Dial, with the motion carrying 7-0.
Separately, staff proposed adopting Studies Weekly as a primary elementary social-studies resource, a three-year contract the vendor updates to reflect state standards changes. Presenters described included professional development for teachers, an online teacher portfolio and optional student-facing activities. The board clarified that the $52,926.98 price reflected the total for three years, not an annual cost, and that a five-year contract would have yielded a lower per-student price.
A board member moved to approve the three-year Studies Weekly purchase for $52,926.98; the motion was seconded and passed 7-0.
The purchases are intended to support compliance with state requirements for preschool assurances and to give elementary teachers a paced, standards-aligned social-studies resource. Staff noted the preschool tools also support documentation for at-risk preschool grant applications.
The board will incorporate the new materials and continue work on implementation details and any annual subscription components.
