Grant to pay for San Jon aides

San Jon Municipal Schools’ superintendent told the school board during a special meeting the district had just received a $243,750 grant to pay for three educational assistants in the classroom through June 2024.

Superintendent Janet Gladu said at the start of the Jan. 31 meeting she had been notified about receiving the Educator Fellow Grant.

The money, which comes from federal coronavirus relief funds, will cover salaries, licensing, stipends and other expenses for the next 2 1/2 years, she said.

“Basically, like like an internship with our staff,” Gladu summarized.

Gladu said she was considering an internal applicant for one of the positions, plus another previous applicant.

In other business, the board approved one of the decal designs for its forthcoming activities bus. The design for the white bus features “San Jon Coyotes” on the sides, with coyote paw prints and a howling coyote near the rear of the vehicle. It also contains a message: “Build a community, motivate our children to succeed, and ensure learning for all.”

“San Jon” and more paw prints are on the front, with “SJ” and “Coyotes” on the back.

Gladu said in an email after the meeting the bus still was on the factory line and needs luggage racks and USB ports installed. She said she did not have an estimated delivery date for the vehicle.

The board also approved a district fund budget adjustment of $45,730.41. The board faced a Feb. 11 deadline to act, hence the scheduling of the special meeting. The board’s next regular meeting isn’t until Feb. 14.