The KSD Board of Education (BOE) met in the former orchestra room at NKMS to discuss market value assets and the facilities master plan Monday, April 15.
During the meeting, BOE members discussed market value assets, such as extending the opportunities of AP classes and dual credit at KHS. This would include attending college early at the St. Louis Community College Meremac (STLCC) for students to earn both a high school diploma along with a master’s degree, with a goal of 15 credit hours per semester. Additionally, the district would pay for the tuition. As of now, over 50% of students at KHS receive dual credit for AP classes.
The BOE also hopes to expand these assets with the client connect project, where a business identifies an issue and students engage in multiple hours of work to help solve it. The students have an initial meeting, two check-in meetings and then a final presentation. Students could also choose the entrepreneurial experience, where the students identify a situation that exists in the world and create a coherent project to address it. There is the option of an internship to help get students involved in the “authentic work experience.” If a student is looking for a more specific job path, they can also engage in an apprenticeship. This means the students get paid, while also obtaining a deeper understanding and the opportunity to focus on special skills.
The hope is that eventually 100% of students will graduate with a market value asset, as the BOE believes students should be exposed more to the “real world” and learn to navigate the workplace. To reach this goal, they are contemplating incorporating these credits into classes such as personal finance, business classes, art and FACS classes at KHS and the middle schools. The counseling department, teachers and businesses would all be able to reach out to individuals who they think are qualified.
Along with improvements to the opportunities in the district, there are improvements in the buildings. The board has assessed the floors, ceilings, walls, parking lots, playgrounds and fields at all schools to ensure they are safe and up-to-date. Community input has also played a role in the issues being prioritized. There have already been improvements made at each school, such as extended cellular service at Nipher Middle School, additional class space and daylight at Keysor and North Glendale, a replaced roof at Tillman, more staff restrooms at Westchester, better sidewalk and playground separation from roads at the Early Childhood Center and more. The focus is on site improvements, space utilization, space repurposing, enhancing spaces and renovation. The board acknowledges that with a $3 million annual maintenance fund, there will always be more needs than funds, but that committees will bounce ideas off each other to create one singular plan for the district to prioritize safety.
