HOISINGTON — At its regular meeting on Monday, the USD 431 heard a report from board member Deb Stephens on a new K-6 after school program which, she said, “is a desperate need in the community.” It would be held at the Hoisington United Methodist Church on school evenings until 6:30 p.m.
The goal is to open in March 2014. Stephens said that the kids would be fed snacks and have activities, including art, music and homework help. So far, 98 children have been signed up. She said the goal is to make it affordable for families.
In other business, the high school video production team reported on the video that they had been asked to do for Ellsworth Correctional Facility. The facility was going to use the video for a grant request to market its upgrade to the Spiritual Life Center.
From start to finish, the group filmed, edited and submitted the video in 24 hours. ECF Program Officer Casey Strong was pleased with the finished product.
Strong reported on Thursday that while the prison had not received the grant, they placed 5th out of over 300 entries.
Future Business Leaders of America Club, which is new this year, also reported on its activities. They have been selling ice cream bars to raise funds for Kans for Kids. Plans are in the works for a schools store. The students would sell items like coffee, hot chocolate and pencils.
In other business, the board discussed locking doors at length. Superintendent Bill Lowry  is researching which type of locking doors would fit the needs to the district. The district is also looking into card readers.
Each school now has a set of written school emergency procedures created by the school principals and are building specific. Those procedures will be further refined for next month’s meeting.
In addition, the board goals and timelines will also be refined for next month’s meeting.
As a part of his report, Lowry said the local districts would choose their own curriculum for the new College and Career Ready Technical Standards.