Board hears KCED Daycare update, principals and business manager report summer work and deadlines

Levi Lyle, a member of the KCED Daycare committee, presented the board with an update July 11 on efforts to establish a district-linked daycare. Lyle said the committee, which includes Elementary Principal Seth Milledge, is exploring grant options — specifically a First Child finance grant, Riverboat grant and Keokuk Endowment Grant — to support startup activities and that Richland is not part of the partnership at present.

Milledge said the elementary Building Leadership Team has been planning professional development days, continuing SAMI/MTSS work during the school year, and overseeing room renovations and playground construction. Work on the playground has progressed despite recent rain, and volunteers and contractors are scheduled to continue installation and compaction of rock.

Activities Director Dan Stout reported athletic seasons concluded with the boys reaching the second round of playoffs; gym floor work is scheduled for the week of July 15 and fall sports practices will begin the first week of August. Business Manager Amy Greiner told the board that June bank statements were reconciled, July payroll was processed July 3, and that SPED billing and ESSER and Title claims are due July 15, 2024. Greiner said most open-enrollment payments previously billed have been received and that employee insurance selections are being entered for FY25 contracts.

Why it matters: The daycare project could expand childcare capacity for families and affect future staffing and facility planning. The business manager’s timeline for billing and claims signals immediate administrative deadlines the district must meet before the start of the school year.

The board adjourned at 8:10 p.m.; its next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the elementary media center.