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TOPEKA, July 11, 2007 / The Kansas State Board of Education held its regular monthly board meeting on July 10 – 11, 2007, in the boardroom of the Kansas State Department of Education, 120 SE 10th Avenue.

Highlights of the July State Board of Education Meeting

 

TOPEKA, July 11, 2007 /The Kansas State Board of Education held its regular monthly board meeting on July 10 – 11, 2007, in the boardroom of the Kansas State Department of Education, 120 SE 10th Avenue. Eight Board members were present. Mr. John Bacon and Mr. Bill Wagnon were absent. Following are highlights of the two-day meeting.
 
The Board received the commissioner’s report. Dr. Posny shared the principles which will guide her work at the state department of education and thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve. She stated that she looks forward to working with the State Board to ensure that all students are successful.   Vice chairman Carol Rupe welcomed Dr. Posny back to Kansas and to her appointment as commissioner.
 
The Board then had the opportunity to hear from Mrs. Teri Dow, a third grade teacher at Wamego West Elementary School. Mrs. Dow is the 2006 National Finalist in the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching program for mathematics. She shared with the Board ways that she fosters student achievement in her classroom. The 2006 National Finalist in science is Jenifer Sinsel, a teacher at Wichita Collegiate School. Ms. Sinsel was unable to be present.
 
Sixteen patrons addressed the Board during open forum.
 
The State Board had the pleasure of hearing from Mr. Norman D. Conard, a social studies and video production teacher from Uniontown High School. Mr. Conard was recently inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. He is the sixth Kansas educator to be inducted since its inception in 1992. Mr. Conard shared with the Board how he translates to students in the classroom the belief that one person can make a difference in the world.
 
The Board heard a presentation on the Visiting International Teachers Program. Mark Mcbeth, Melanie Manares, and Susan Helbert responded to questions by the Board.
 
The Kansas State Board of Education voted to allow the boards of education of Eastern Heights (USD 234) and West Smith County (USD 238) to conduct an election on August 2, 2007, to consolidate into one district.
 
The Board received the revised Internship Standards for all advanced preparation programs and the Content Standards for Reading Specialist Licensure.
 
A report on revisions to the Requirements for Virtual Schools was presented. A corrective action plan has been established by KSDE to address the “inherent risks” identified in the Legislative Post Audit. The plan will be fully implemented this fall. The Kansas Virtual Schools program is recognized as one of the top seven in the nation, with 28 virtual schools in operation.
 
The Board voted to accept the recommendations of the Professional Practices Commission.
 
The Board endorsed the Kansas Educational Leadership Commission and approved the consent agenda.
 
On Wednesday the Board reviewed the FY 2009 budget allocations and received recommendations from educational organizations. After discussion of FY 2009 budget options, the Board made some tentative decisions and asked for additional information. The Board will review options in August as they finalize the FY 2009 budget.

               
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