School board discusses personnel
Personnel matters are on the agenda at most Great Bend USD 428 Board of Education meetings. On Monday the board spent 30 minutes in executive session for discussion of personnel, and another five minutes for discussion of negotiations.
The board also approved the appointment of Anna Jones, special education interrelated teacher at Eisenhower Elementary School; the resignation of Seresa Arndt, science teacher at Great Bend Middle School, and the retirement of Sally Bullard, special education teacher at Great Bend High School.
Superintendent Brad Reed told the school board Monday he’s received positive feedback on plans to add lessons in good behavior to the Great Bend USD 428 curriculum.
In December, Assistant Superintendent John Popp said administrators plan to present a district-wide curriculum proposal for social and emotional character development for the school board’s approval in the coming months. Great Bend is part of the Kansas Multi-Tier System of Supports, which advocates teaching social skills to all students within the school, systematically reinforcing students for positive social behaviors, and responding consistently to problem behaviors. There are strategies for all grade levels, from early childhood to high school.
Reed said Monday the behavior curriculum may be presented to the school board in March. He said there has been “good feedback from the community,” adding, “I know that teachers are excited as well.”
Other subjects
The district has committees to review curricula updates in other subjects, and follows a schedule for textbook replacements.
Popp told the board to expect a recommendation on the next 7-12 Math adoption at the April meeting. There will also be a Foreign Language curriculum recommendation in March or April.
The Healthy Living curriculum update is on hold for a year while state standards are being determined.
This week teachers are reviewing textbook choices for the English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum for grades K-6. Materials are at the district office, and many teachers have dropped in to review them.
The books and displays can be colorful, but Popp said the district’s process of review is based on a careful evaluation of the content.
