By Lucky Kidd
McPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson USD 418 Board of Education was told Monday night that issues within the Head Start program it serves as the sponsor of have been resolved.
Director David Brock reported to the Board a follow-up report received March 28th indicated that all issues previously identified by the Office of Head Start in the Administration for Children and Families relating to program management and fiscal infrastructure have been resolved.
Brock told the board the review cycle for the district is about to begin again as they are completing a five-year review period during which each Head Start program is examined in three areas. The board also took part in a Head Start Governance training, which is also a program requirement, and discussed how new open enrollment policies will impact Head Start.
During the meeting, the Board approved creation of a Future Business Leaders of America (FLBA) chapter at McPherson High School starting in the 2024-25 school year. Specifically, the Board approved the supplemental position for a chapter sponsor. FLBA is the largest business career and technical student organization in the world, involving over 230,000 members in preparing for careers in business.
MHS business teacher Paul Reichenberger and Principal Dr. Aubrey Herbst told the board a survey was sent out in the fall of 2023 asking if they would be interested in joining FLBA, and out of 285 students who responded 57 expressed interests in joining. The supplemental salary proposed is in line with what is paid in other area school districts.
The Board approved enrollment projections for the 2024-25 school year as they relate to requirements of the new non-resident student enrollment policy. Each school district has to determine capacity for non-resident students and publish on its website by June 1st that information. The number of slots approved could increase once enrollment for resident students has been completed.
In other business, the Board accepted a $500 donation from Trent and Jenny VanEaton in support of the McPherson High School clay target program, approved an assurances document for the McPherson County Special Education Cooperative that’s a requirement for federal special education funding, and a policy related to staff online activities.
