The Sioux City School Board discussed its priorities at Monday’s meeting, including expanding mental health support services and improving staff retention.
The school district plans to provide facilities for outside providers who will give additional support to students who face mental health challenges.
Angela Bemus, Associate Superintendent of the School District, said memorandums of understanding with providers fluctuate over time, but the need for services remains steady.
When discussing improving staff retention, Bemus said the school district will conduct ongoing climate surveys.
She said the district will be reporting the data to the community, board, and schools and will track the retention rates while working to fill difficult areas.
Board member Lance Ehmcke motioned to add an amendment to add a dual-language middle school option and music as the same emphasis as core classes. The motions passed with a 4 to 3 vote.
The two item were already priorities for the school district and work on them has begun.
Vice President Treyla Lee said passing the amendments were a way for the district to keep the priorities in front of the board.
Lee noted the amendments solidified the priorities making sure that they will move forward.
The district's list of priorities passed on a unanimous vote.
