By Lucky Kidd
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — On a 4-1 vote, the Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education last night approved a Library Media Collection Development Policy. That policy includes the process that permits the public to request a review of textbooks, instructional materials or library media center materials.
The no vote came from member Cheryl Thompson, who made an unsuccessful motion to table the policy to address concerns she had, including knowing if the authors are reputable, if they are scientific and based on facts, and not something that is opinionated or influential to younger minds. She also had concerns about an electronic card catalog system used by the library.
Lead Elementary Librarian Amy Allen, who reviewed the policy for the board outlined criteria they look at. Allen said if it’s not going to support the curriculum, if it doesn’t support students’ voice and choice, and if it doesn’t reflect what their interest in reading is beyond the curriculum, then it’s something they shouldn’t be adding.
The policy, in place for over two decades and last updated in 2017, had added to it policies related to electronic media that is increasingly being used in schools.
The Board of Education approved a $102,718 renewal of consumables and digital subscriptions for the district’s current K-5 math program.
USD 308 has been using Savvas Envision as it’s math curriculum in the elementary grades for the past eight years, and the two-year renewal will get them through the next math adoption for the district.
The Board accepted two bids related to replacement of 24 rooftop HVAC units at Hutchinson STEM Magnet School at Allen and related electrical work. The units being replaced were installed during the mid 1990’s as part of a bond project that added air conditioning to the school and are now past their expected life expectancy.
The contract for the units themselves along with control system upgrades was done based on a state bid price of $467,602 through Greenbush through Design Control Services, with Zenor Electric to handle disconnection and reconnection of electrical services and other related work. Zenor has a contract with the district for Project Electrical Work, and this work will cost $21,186.
The Board also authorized submission of a Changemaker Grant application from the Hutchinson Community Foundation on behalf of Graber Elementary School, which is seeking funds for a white board with music staff lines.
