Riley County approves KSU social‑work practicum MOU and HR travel request

Bridal Spencer, maternal and child health supervisor, asked commissioners to approve an updated memorandum of understanding with Kansas State University to host social-work field practicum placements. Spencer said the MOU contains updated case-date information, that supervision will be provided by county staff (no fiscal impact) and that an intern introduced at the meeting will participate this semester. Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the MOU.

Elizabeth Ward presented an out-of-state travel request for Michelle Reed to attend the Society for Human Resource Management annual conference in Orlando. Ward said the registration and travel expenses are included in the clerk's budget; the commission moved and approved the travel request. Ward noted discounted registration for students and conference-member benefits that reduced costs.

Both actions were approved on voice votes recorded in the meeting transcript. The MOU requires the county supervisor to attest to supervision hours and a signed agreement; Ward and Spencer said no additional county appropriation is required for this practicum placement.

Next steps: the public-health supervisor will sign the MOU and proceed with intern onboarding; clerk’s office will process the travel authorization and reimbursement per county policy.