The Ralston Board of Education reviewed district finances, enrollment and facility projects during its Sept. 14 meeting. Kindergarten enrollment is still low, following a national trend, though preschool enrollment is strong. The district said the kindergarten numbers are not currently affecting operations but could reduce state funding if they do not increase. The board also discussed gradually replacing school activity vehicles, since new regulations prohibit districts from using 12-passenger vans for student activities. Ralston’s existing vans are grandfathered in.
Bond projects are progressing, with roofing work ahead of schedule and a new gym scoreboard arriving for installation. The stadium donor wall is almost complete. Parents have requested a larger parking lot at Mockingbird Elementary, a project the district does not want to fund through another bond until more debt is paid down. The board approved the district’s school safety plan, option enrollment resolution and removal of its bond campaign policy. The board decided to keep its current superintendent policy and tabled discussions on student involvement in board decision-making and special education policy.
Meeting documented by Thara Michaelis
Read full meeting notes here
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Leah Wambui Keinama boasts a robust professional journey, commencing as a systems engineer and integrator within the software industry. In this capacity, she excelled in the conception, design, construction, and deployment of software systems, adeptly managing projects from inception to completion. Transitioning into the nonprofit realm, Leah directed her expertise towards enhancing food systems, with a particular emphasis on soil health, regenerative agriculture, and bolstering food accessibility while fostering resilient communities. Her repertoire includes comprehensive program design skills coupled with a profound commitment to community engagement. Leah's fervor for cultivating networks and forging meaningful connections underscores her dedication to advancing organizational goals.
