During their Nov. 7 regular meeting, Olathe Board of Education members heard a detailed report of the many efforts taken to reduce all types of risk across the district. Chief Financial and Operations Officer John Hutchison explained that this means everything from purchasing card processes to criminal background checks to having a storm resistant computer network. Risk management involves all areas of the district, from Human Resources to Business and Finance, and centers on identifying and assessing potential risks, then coordinating resources to monitor and minimize those risks. Whether those risks might involve students, staff or district property, there are a number of approaches to lessen the impact. For instance, student physicals, cardiac testing and ImPACT testing help protect athletes. For staff, building safety inspections and a monthly safety newsletter help protect employees from injury. American Education Week, Nov. 18-22 Calin Kendall, the districts representative to the Olathe-National Education Association, and two Rolling Ridge Elementary School teachers, shared information about the importance of public education and the work of educators. They also played a short video for board members in honor of American Education Week. Recognitions: The Olathe Public Schools Foundation was recognized for its efforts to support quality education in the district. Evan Eschliman of Olathe South High School and Erik Flom of Olathe Northwest High School were honored for achieving perfect scores on the ACT exam. Megan Keil of Olathe North High School was recognized for being chosen to participate in the 2014 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band. Olathe Northwest High School golfer Audrey Judd was honored as the state 6A girls golf champion. In other business, the board: Approved a consent agenda including meeting minutes, reports, and student trips. Approved a bid to replace a large, mechanical folding machine in the Graphic Communications department. Approved an electrical easement for Kansas City Power & Light associated with the construction of the Technology Support Center. Approved a bid for 2,590 desktop computers to replace aging equipment mainly at the elementary and middle schools, but also a few high schools. This also includes computers for Millbrooke Elementary School and the new Technology Support Center. Appointed board member Rick Schier as delegate to represent the district at the Kansas Association of School Boards delegate assembly in December. Amy Martin was named as alternate delegate. Received information about future action items including audit reports, the mileage rate reimbursement for 2014, bids for casework, Aerospace and Engineering equipment to be funded by the Olathe Public Schools Foundation, copy paper bid, various Head Start plans, curriculum, textbooks, metal locker bids, trade bids for elementary renovations, epoxy flooring bids, mechanical engineering proposal and board policy change. Received information about a future action item relating to a boundary proposal for Millbrooke Elementary. Assistant Superintendent Erin Dugan presented information about the work of the boundary committee. Received the Head Start directors monthly report. The complete agenda and supporting documents are available online at boarddocs/ks/olathe/Board.nsf/Public.
Posted on: Fri, 08 Nov 2013 21:02:39 +0000