Kelloggsville outlines summer school, staffing and instructional goals; no layoffs planned

Kelloggsville Public Schools detailed its plans for summer instruction, staffing and curriculum alignment at the May 6, 2024, board meeting, with administrators emphasizing student supports and continuity of services.

Jeff Owen, director of instruction, described a districtwide summer program running June 3–27 (Monday–Thursday). Elementary programming at Central Elementary will focus on reading and math from 7:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. with onsite breakfast and lunch and transportation for qualifying students. Middle‑ and high‑school students will be served at KMS, KHS and 54th Street Academy with teacher‑led instruction in core subjects and the APEX platform used for credit recovery. Students may make up one credit (two classes) for a $50 tuition per class, refundable upon successful completion.

Superintendent Jim Alston presented the 2024‑25 staffing overview. The plan maintains or increases student supports, including two additional counselors (one at Central Elementary and one at 54th Street Academy), continued assignment of mental health clinicians in every building despite reductions in some Family Outreach Center funding, sustained ELL services and literacy coaching, and the addition of a middle school math coach. The administration reported zero layoffs for a second consecutive year; some support staff hours were reduced temporarily to preserve positions while final schedules are determined.

Eric Alcorn, assistant superintendent and chair of the HR Goals Committee, updated the board on negotiated contract timelines (multiple labor groups with new agreements expected by summer), safety implementations (exterior building lettering, protective window film, emergency flip charts, updated building maps for first responders, security cameras and weapons detection devices), and a draft New Teacher Training schedule to meet a 15‑hour requirement.

Jeff Owen, chair of the BOE Goals Committee – “C,” said the district is using assessment data (NWEA, M‑STEP and college‑readiness tests) to refine curriculum maps and pacing guides and will provide paid summer time for staff to complete curriculum work in the Synergy learning management system.

Administration reported the details to the board for information; no formal votes were taken on the programs beyond the approval of the overall consent agenda earlier in the meeting.