Warrior Notes: New superintendent gets off on right foot
By REX WATSON
Peabody-Burns USD 398 Superintendent of Schools
As the new superintendent of schools at Peabody-Burns USD 398, I thought it might be a nice addition to the Peabody Gazette-Bulletin if I were to submit a monthly update on the happenings in our schools in an effort to keep parents and patrons informed. My intent will be to submit a short article for publication in the weekly edition following each regularly scheduled monthly board of education meeting.
Enrollment packets will be mailed out this week. We are hoping to streamline the process for parents this year as building administrators and secretaries from both buildings will be working together with central office staff to develop a single enrollment packet for each family.
Families with more than one student, or students in both buildings, will only receive one packet that will include a self-addressed stamped envelope in which to return the enrollment forms. The goal is for each family to receive only one mailing, write only one check for fees, lunches, etc., and return only one envelope to the school. Hopefully the district will save on postage while simplifying the process for parents.
Included in the enrollment packets will be a survey that asks about family information. Filling out the survey and returning it to us will help us in making future plans for the district. Often we don't find out about younger siblings until they turn five and enroll in kindergarten. The survey information should help us to more accurately predict future class sizes and prepare for adjustments in staffing as necessary.
In addition to the various school enrollment forms and family survey materials included in the packets, there is a free and reduced lunch application that should not be overlooked.
At the July 9 board of education meeting, the board voted to waive book rental fees for students if their parents will complete the free and reduced lunch application and return it to us with enrollment forms.
Only one application form is required per family. Parents of K-6 students can save $35 per student and 7-12 students can save $33 per student simply by completing the form and returning it to us.
Students still will be responsible for specific course fees, uniform fees, and organization dues. The waiver applies only to book rental fees.
Parents still have the option of not returning the free and reduced lunch application and paying the book rental fees.
Additionally, parents of children who qualify for free or reduced price lunches still have the option to decline participation in the free/reduced lunch program.
The rationale behind the board of education's decision to offer this new incentive is simply that we believe that it will generate more state and federal revenue for Peabody-Burns schools without additionally burdening local families and local taxpayers.
In Kansas, students who qualify for free lunches are counted in a weighting formula that amounts to about $1,600 in additional revenue for each student who qualifies.
As a school district, we use this money to support K-12 academic programs that are geared toward helping students that are struggling in school. Specifically this money pays for paraprofessional support in classrooms, counseling services, math and reading support programs, and academic intervention activities.
As your superintendent, I would strongly encourage all parents to consider submitting the free and reduced application form as an alternative to paying the book rental fees.
Personal financial information will be held in strict confidence at the central office and parents will potentially be helping our schools generate additional resources for valuable programs without impacting local taxes.
Parents with questions or those who would like assistance in filling out any of the forms are welcome to give us a call at 620-983-2198.
