The School Board discussed Thursday some of their long-term student capacity options in preparation for the expected increase in population due to the new Panasonic plant coming to the area. 

The district has about 1,700 students with an overall building capacity of about 2,200, according to Superintendent Stu Moeckel’s presentation. Moeckel presented a possible scenario that would see the district’s enrollment double. 

Some future possibilities the board talked about for consideration for future capacity issues included changing the current grading structures at the present-day buildings, adding a separate wing to the high school exclusive to freshmen classes and starting an early childhood center that would contain the kindergarten classes. Moeckel also brought up the idea of expanding all the current buildings.

“None of our buildings are landlocked to no room for expansion,” Moeckel said. “At all of our buildings, we have tremendous capacity to expand.” 

For comparison, if Eudora’s enrollment doubled in size, Moeckel said the district would be similar to De Soto, especially at the high school level. With the increased enrollment in the scenario, Eudora would join De Soto as a middle-of-the-pack 5A school.

Moeckel said there is still so much that is unknown, so the board has time to examine all options before coming to a conclusion. So, while the board discussed these possibilities, no decisions regarding these issues were made at the meeting.

“Growth has not been a big wave thus far, but more of a ripple,” board member Joe Hurla said.

In other news, the board unanimously approved a new health policy measure. The policy will introduce the opioid antagonist Naloxone to the district to be given in an emergency overdose situation. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Naloxone can be used as a nasal spray or injection, and can reverse an overdose from opioids such as heroin, fentanyl and other prescription opioids. Naloxone can restore normal breathing to someone who is overdosing in a matter of minutes.  

“Knowing anything can happen at any time, we wanted to be better prepared for this,” Moeckel said. “It would really be there kind of as a backup. But, it’s better to have it and never use it.” 

Moeckel said the district would provide training on how to administer Naloxone to school nurses and health care professionals. 

The board also announced Twill Trade Boutique as the 2022 Outstanding Cardinal Partner. Owner Elizabeth Knispel, her family and the store’s employees were recognized during the meeting. 

Eudora Schools Foundation Executive Director  Shanda Hurla listed some of Twill Trade Boutique’s contributions to the district, including volunteering labor and providing clothes for the Bird’s Nest, the district’s online shop that provides clothing, accessories, school supplies and personal hygiene items to students in need for free. 

“Our kids are the absolute best part of our community,” Knispel said. “Why not invest in the best pieces? They’ll give us our biggest returns.”

The board listened to a report on a new initiative the high school implemented of an electronic hall pass as well. The electronic hall pass is designed to give more responsibility to the students, while also helping teachers manage their class better. 

Principal Ron Abel said incidents of vandalism at the school have dropped significantly due to the implementation of the electronic hall pass. 

The next regular School Board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at the District Office. 

Reach reporter Jack Denebeim at [email protected]