Board of Education

The following are highlights of the discussion and actions from the regular board meeting on February 12, 2026. For a more detailed account, please access the meeting agenda in Diligent. To download presentations, PDFs, and other documents, please visit the agenda in Diligent as well.

To view the live stream of the Board Meeting, please visit the "Live" page of our YouTube Channel. 

Consent Items 

All items on the consent agenda were approved without discussion. 

Communications and Administrative Reports 

• Information Technology Services Board Report 
  • IT Director Ron Long presented his annual report, highlighting completed projects, including additions to digital signage and intercom systems. He shared IT support statistics (tickets opened, closed, pending, etc.), Google Classroom usage, student online activity data, and more. He also outlined upcoming projects and potential timelines.
• Food and Nutrition Services Report
  • Nicole Parks, Director of Food and Nutrition Services, presented her annual report and recognized the outstanding daily work of food and nutrition managers and associates. She shared that the Breakfast Program continues to be successful, with participation steadily increasing across all buildings. Lunch participation has also grown. She highlighted the elementary fruit and vegetable grant, which gives students opportunities to try a variety of fresh produce.
• Superintendent Report
  • Free Breakfast Program
    • The program continues to run successfully and remains sustainable due to strong participation. Additional details and statistics are available in the agenda PDF.
  • Artificial Intelligence Policy Discussion
    • The board reviewed key points from the second AI meeting and its purpose. Feedback has been positive, with noted differences across grade levels and buildings. Discussion focused on how AI impacts daily life and classroom instruction, including the importance of avoiding overreliance, setting clear expectations, and not adopting a one-size-fits-all policy.
  • Facility Tours- March
    • Board members discussed areas of interest for upcoming facility tours; however, specific dates and times have not yet been set.
  • EPIC Survey Discussion
    • The EPIC Survey, conducted in partnership with Kansas NEA, KASB, and USA Kansas, is a survey to gather teacher feedback. The agenda PDF includes key findings and comparisons to both state data and previous survey results.
  • RHID Discussion

Board Reports

• Eudora Schools Foundation
  • They are now gearing up for their 24-hour community Give Day on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
• Special Education Interlocal Board report
  • The WEBS program was celebrated. The board reviewed the strategic plan and began analyzing FastBridge data to evaluate SPED services. An efficiency study is underway, with onsite visits scheduled through March. They are also developing a timeline for purchasing curriculum resources to include in the annual budget. New students were added to the Eudora Early Learning Center.
  • Claire Harding reported that the ECKCE board accepted Lee Hanson’s resignation due to retirement. The board has offered the director position to Sara Hoepner and the assistant director position to Dave Powers.
• City of Eudora Commission Report
  • Tony Barron mentioned the following first quarter priorities for 2026: Pascal’s Landing and the 10 Union Lofts and the 36 residential affordable housing units, and then the 96 units of union lofts apartments to be completed by November 2026. They have site plan parking that has been submitted.  

• Curriculum Coordinating Council Report

  • Most of the discussion continues to be around piloting different programs. There’s the science pilot going on throughout the district right now. EHS just began to pilot OpenSci. EMS just completed the pilot of Amplify Science, and EES is in the process of piloting the Amplify Science. EHS is piloting an ELA program called myPerspectives and it has mixed reviews so looking at another resource to possibly pilot. There was a big kickoff for “Math Vision Planning” and the majority of the math teachers across the district gathered and built a plan for every grade level and every building regarding their math instruction and beginning to make things more cohesive and work together.

The following are highlights of the discussion and actions from the regular board meeting on January 8, 2026. For a more detailed account, please access the meeting agenda in Diligent.

To download presentations, PDFs, and other documents, please visit the agenda in Diligent as well.

To view the live stream of the Board Meeting, please visit the "Live" page of our YouTube Channel. 

Consent Items 

All items on the consent agenda were approved without discussion. 

USD 491 District Spotlight

• Eudora Elementary School Drama Club (Meadow Meier and Emily Shrimplin)
  • Following the success of the first year, the club will perform at EHS this year. There are 46 students interested, with 28 already signed up for auditions.
  • The show will be held on April  23 and 25 at 6:30 p.m. on April 23 and 25 in the PAC. 

Communications and Administrative Reports 

• ECKCE- Interlocal (Lee Hanson and Sara Hoepner)
  • Topics discussed included enrollment, staffing, and a reflection and update on the FY25 budget.
  • Total enrollment is 1,727 students, with 348 students receiving special education services.
  • The district has encumbered approximately 39% of its projected budget. Health insurance costs nearly doubled in FY26. All FY25 overages are currently at or below projected levels. Overall, the district remains on track to finish the year within its allocated budget, including accounting for (encumbering) teachers’ July and August salaries.
  • The district will continue refining its processes and procedures to strengthen overall monitoring of expenditures.
• Continuous Improvement (Quarterly report)
  • Culture of Belonging: Continuing to use EduClimber as a resource for data-driven decision-making and providing students opportunities to engage with the system. PLCs are being used to analyze student achievement and classroom practices, identifying which students are making significant growth and why. There has been a strong focus on purposeful engagement and connection with families and students regarding attendance.
  • Instructional Excellence: Participation in the KSDE Instructional Toolkit walkthrough allows the district to observe high-quality practices in action, including field studies.
  • Future Prepared: Continuing efforts with Individual Plans of Study, including marketable assets and pathway certifications, to ensure students are prepared for future success.
• Superintendent Report
  • Rural Housing Incentive District Information
    • Zack Daniel presented information on the RHID projects, including the Holladay Woods and Shadow Ridge North properties. He discussed unit counts, total acreage, projected 2025 property tax revenue, estimated project costs, and RHID terms.
    • Next Steps: Information will be provided regarding public hearings. If the ordinance is formally established in the district and adopted, it will begin a 30-day review period for the school district and county. Once the ordinances are adopted, the projects will move toward the anticipated construction start date.
  • Engagement Survey Action Plan
    • The presentation, available for download, highlights survey feedback and outlines the efforts that will be made to address these points across the district and within each building.

Board Reports

• Eudora Schools Foundation
  • The Dream Big event was a great success, with more than 350 participants.
  • They are now gearing up for their 24-hour community Give Day on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
• Special Education Interlocal Board report
  • We learned that ECKCE is the second or third smallest interlocal in the state of Kansas, yet they are doing incredible work given their size. We’re proud of the efforts of their administration.

New Business

• Approved the KASB Board Policy Update Recommendations.
• Accept the findings of the Audit report from the December 11th, 2025 meeting as presented.
• Approve the 2026-2027 calendar in the draft form until negotiations are complete.

The following are highlights of the discussion and action from the regular board meeting on December 11, 2025. For a more detailed account of the meeting, please access the meeting agenda in Diligent. 

To view the live stream of the Board Meeting, please visit the "Live" page of our YouTube Channel. 

Consent Items 

All items on the consent agenda were approved without discussion. 

USD 491 District Spotlight

• EMS and EHS ROX (Ruling our Experiences) Program
  • It’s a research-based empowerment 20 week program for girls- builds confidence, communication skills, and healthy relationships.

Communications and Administrative Reports 

• Auditor Report
  • Gordon CPA presented the auditor report.
  • 206 Auditor Letters 2025 PDF
  • 206 Master 2025 PDF
• Eudora Early Learning Center BOE Report
  • Enrollment has increased: last year it was 101, and this year it is at 125 and growing. The program fosters an inclusive environment, and teachers have daily PLC time to discuss student needs.
  • Instructional Excellence: Teachers use evidence-based instructional strategies, monitor children’s progress, and intentionally adjust instruction as needed.
    • The program uses the FastBridge assessment tool for four-year-olds and myIGDI for three-year-olds. For all new students entering the program, parents complete the ASQ assessment tool to help staff better understand each child’s needs so teachers can prepare accordingly.
    • The director, Kristen Lewis, conducts weekly walkthroughs to support instructional growth and build relationships with staff.
  • Future Prepared: The curriculum supports the development of skills needed for kindergarten readiness. Enrichment opportunities include weekly music classes with Singing Sarah, monthly art classes with Claire Harding, cooking experiences with Chef Low, and embedded learning opportunities in classroom centers (e.g., pretending to be a doctor). Students also participate in activities such as planting flowers for the sensory garden with Live Well Douglas County and Fire Prevention Week, during which the fire department visits to speak with the children.
  • There are five teachers in the RTAP program who currently serve as teacher aides and are pursuing coursework to become licensed teachers.
  • Board of Education Report- ELC available to download here. 
• Superintendent Report
  • Draft Calendar 2026-2027
    • To download the calendar, click here. 
  • Artificial Intelligence Policy Discussion
    • Discussed what AI use may look like, the tools and platforms involved, and responsible use and best practices. They also discussed the need for training and support. By Meeting 5, they aim to have a draft policy recommendation for the board and a communication plan to share with families.
  • KASB Board Policy Update Recommendations- 1st Read
    • To download and view the KASB December 2025 Policy Updates that are now available, click here. 

Board Reports

• Eudora Schools Foundation
  • They are finalizing the details for the Dream Big Conference.
  • Thanked the Board of Education members that have given to the foundation's annual campaign. 
  • 2026 is a big year for the foundation because they’re turning 20 years. Inviting everyone to join them at the varsity basketball games on Friday, January 16, 2026. 
• Special Education Interlocal Board report
  • Staff will be receiving surveys about their onboarding process from the Interlocal. 
  • The SEAC meeting will have a parent forum on January 14 in Wellsville, Kansas. 
  • There will be a projected deficit again. 
  • The state LOB funds are projected to be about $25000 higher than expected. And the Interlocal received a grant for Professional Development. 
• City of Eudora Commission Report
  • Approved the next meeting with the RHID. That meeting date has been set for January
• Curriculum Coordinating Council Report
  • Continuing to watch the CKLA and revising as they go into the second year of it. 

New Business

• Shadow Ridge Storm Water MOU
  • Approve the Shadow Ridge Storm Water MOU, the permanent construction easement, and the temporary construction easement as presented.

The following are highlights of the discussion and action from the regular board meeting on November 13, 2025. For a more detailed account of the meeting, please access the meeting agenda in Diligent. 

To view the live stream of the Board Meeting, please visit the "Live" page of our YouTube Channel. 

Consent Items 

All items on the consent agenda were approved without discussion. 

USD 491 District Spotlight

• State qualifying teams 
  • Cross Country team 
  • Girls Golf Team

Communications and Administrative Reports 

• Eudora Middle School BOE Report
  • EMS Administration spoke about the following in their presentation: 
    • EMS currently has 385 total students (+11 from the spring). This year, they welcomed 20 new out-of-district students, bringing the total to 73.
    • They emphasized a stronger commitment to PLCs, noting the importance of not only knowing every student by name, strength, and need, but also strengthening connections with staff.
    • New classes at EMS were highlighted:
      IRL (In Real Life): Preparing students for life beyond the classroom.
      Peer Mentoring: Building connections between 8th-grade students and R.I.S.E. students.
    • Shared what each grade level is doing to prepare students for the next grade.
  • Brandon Parker spoke about “Culture of Belonging”. 
    • High staff morale; staff members collaborate, challenge one another, and have fun.
    • Team planning has been a “game changer.” Staff consistently discuss students’ academic, social, and emotional needs and get to know them well with the support of Mrs. Plegge,  Mr. Thomas, and Mr. Pattison.
    • Student engagement data was presented.
    • Shared a comment that a parent made during parent-teacher conferences: For the first time since their child began school, when they drop them off at the front of the school, they’re not worried about them.
  • Instructional Excellence: Heather Moore
    • She presented on the following areas related to instructional excellence. 
      • Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
      • ELA Instruction and Amplify Implementation
      • MTSS and Targeted Interventions
  • Mr. Pattison provided an overview and highlights of the fall activities. 
  • Presentation available on diligent to download.
• Eudora High School BOE Report
  • Total enrollment: 563 students
  • Culture of Belonging:
    • Mentioned the club pair initiative and the purpose-driven advisory program.
    • 90% participation in student-led conferences.
    • Data shows that implementing a bell-to-bell cell phone policy had a positive impact on student behavior, attendance, and overall culture during its first year.
    • Cardinal U: 49 students taking 65 courses, totaling 193 credit hours.
      • 20 students enrolled at Peaslee Tech.
      • Expanded concurrent enrollment opportunities now include psychology, chemistry, sociology, and government.
    • 92.2% of students participate in at least one club or activity.
  • Presentation available on diligent to download.

• Superintendent Report
  • The Senior Citizen Holiday Meal at EHS on November 13 had about 200 RSVPs. It was an outstanding event, showcasing student involvement and staff support. Special thanks to Nicole Parks and the Food & Nutrition Services team.
  • Free Breakfast Program
    • Participation increased by 103 students from August to September.
      Provided an overview of monthly meals served and total breakfast reimbursement.
  • Engagement Survey Update and results
    • Received 197 of 397 responses.
    • Presentation available on diligent to download.
  • District Fundraising Information
    • Aiming to create a systematic approach for initiating fundraising opportunities.
    • Continued discussion on best practices and determining the best overall strategy for Eudora Schools.

Board Reports

• Eudora Schools Foundation
  • C-Hawkk Properties Inc. was recognized as the 2025 Outstanding Cardinal Partner
    • They partnered with the foundation to assist Eudora families in crisis, offering financial support for student-centered programs and demonstrating leadership, generosity, and integrity.
• Special Education Interlocal Board report
  • Reviewed the strategic plan. Revised the exit survey for certified and paraprofessional staff.
  • Working on revisions to the professional development plan for the remainder of the year.
  • All certified staff positions are filled; currently seeking a 0.5 sign language interpreter for EMS.
  • Enrollment is 825 students.
    There are 10 participants in the registered teacher apprenticeship program across the interlocal.
• City of Eudora Commission Report

  • Shared the following updates:

    • Three buildings planned behind the Family Dollar/Dairy Queen area.

    • A few plots recently annexed by the city.

    • Conducting another housing impact analysis to determine whether community housing needs have changed.

The following are highlights of the discussion and action from the regular board meeting on October 9, 2025. For a more detailed account of the meeting, please access the meeting agenda in Diligent. 

To view the live stream of the Board Meeting, please visit the "Live" page of our YouTube Channel. 

Consent Items 

All items on the consent agenda were approved without discussion. 

USD 491 District Spotlight

• Future Farmers of America (FFA) Student Organization 

Communications and Administrative Reports 

• Eudora Elementary School BOE Update
  • EES Administration spoke about the following in their presentation: 
    • A new schedule provides a 75-minute plan period. Grade levels are now paired up, with 50 minutes of specials (which includes added counselors and WIN—What I Need—time, allowing classes to follow up on whatever their teacher deems necessary) and 25 minutes of PLC time.
    • Sara Miller presented information on social-emotional learning and introduced the new CharacterStrong curriculum. It has been amazing in the school so far. Within the morning meeting structure, students focus on a specific character trait, sharing about that trait daily through different activities and class discussions of various scenarios. Morning announcements are scripted and led by student ambassadors who share messages to promote character development and a culture of belonging.
    • EES now holds two assemblies. In one, students are recognized with awards for kindness, respect, and other traits discussed during lessons. The second assembly recognizes staff members for demonstrating those same traits.
    • Jamie Grado discussed chronic absenteeism, a district focus area. The team has attended multiple meetings and uses EduClimber data to track progress. They are making KUDOS calls—positive phone calls home—and investigating possible external factors contributing to chronic absenteeism.
    • Under the theme of being future-prepared, EES is partnering with several organizations to strengthen community connections.
    • Eudora Elementary Board of Education Presentation to download
  • Continuous Improvement Update
    • Heather Hundley, Director of School Improvement, spoke about the following; Heather shared that ongoing efforts are beginning to pay off. Chronic absenteeism has dropped 2% from this time last year, and there has been 8% growth in FastBridge data from where we started to now—a phenomenal improvement.
    • The district continues refining testing strategies. EHS has done an excellent job with Cardinal U, expanding opportunities for students. Last year, 23 students earned 47 certificates. The school is now working with Xello to enhance the Individual Plan of Study (IPS) process. 106 student opportunities are available that they can engage with such as job shadowing, mentoring, mock interviews, and workplace tours.
    • Currently, 20 students attend Peaslee Tech to earn certifications. 
    • The district also reviewed 18-month and 1-year measures to assess progress.
    • Continuous Improvement Update Presentation to download
  • Superintendent Report
    • Artificial Intelligence Policy Discussion
      • The discussion focused on developing guidelines around the rise of AI in education. The goal is to establish consistency and guidance on the Board’s vision, ensuring that classroom policies are not fragmented.
      • Transparency and consent with parents were emphasized—understanding what tools students are using and preparing both staff and students through AI literacy. Staff professional development will be essential.
      • Next Steps: Form an AI advisory committee, provide training, and pilot tools such as Magic School or Khanmigo. The goal is to have an implementation plan by Fall 2026.
    • Enrollment Update
      • Enrollment projections are positive—overall numbers are up from last year. The ELC alone has gained 24 students. EHS now has more students than ever before, while EMS has increased slightly but remains below 2022–2023 levels. EES data is harder to compare since preschool numbers were previously included.
      • Currently, 10% of the district’s population are non-resident students.
      • Enrollment Projections presentation to download
    • Fiscal year 2024-2025 Update
      • A breakdown of expenses from last year was presented, along with an overview of how funds were allocated. To download the presentation that includes these expenses click here.

Board Reports

• Eudora Schools Foundation
  • Grants totaling $42,000 were awarded across the district—the largest amount yet.
     
  • 8th and 10th graders participated in Reality U, a financial literacy simulation supported by more than 60 community volunteers.
     
  • EMS enrichment programs have begun, with over 130 students signed up for the Mentoring LinkUp program. About 20 mentors are still needed.
     
  • Over 200 district employees participated in the Employee Give Campaign, contributing a record $15,000.

• Special Education Interlocal Board report
  • Highlight: The IEP specialist has done an excellent job ensuring IEPs are completed accurately and reteaching is occurring as needed.

​​​​​​​City of Eudora Commission Report

• Zack Daniel was appointed as the new City Manager.
   
• Final budget approval for 2026 included a half-mill property tax increase to fund several positions and capital projects.
   
• Hearings were held on Pascal’s Landing, 10 Union Lofts, and Pillow Park renovations, among other topics.
   
• A public hearing on industrial revenue bonds for the 10 Union Lofts will be held October 23.
   
• A joint meeting with the County Commission is scheduled for November 6 to discuss regional planning.

Curriculum Coordinating Council Report

• Highlights:​​​​​​​The Attendance Matters campaign continues, with a district goal of reducing chronic absenteeism to 10% (15% last year). Administrative teams are working on positive outreach and family communication.

• In science, several curriculum options are being piloted this fall.
   
• Math curriculum review will begin this year.