Month: August 2020

KCK school board names interim superintendent

Dr. Alicia Miguel

The Kansas City, Kansas, Board of Education today named Dr. Alicia Miguel as interim superintendent of the Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools.

The school board held a series of executive, closed sessions today without public discussion, then voted unanimously around 5:30 p.m. to offer a contract for the interim superintendent position to Dr. Miguel. It was a remote school board meeting.

Randy Lopez, school board president, welcomed Dr. Miguel to her new position. She has been with the district since 2012, serving previously as instructional improvement officer, and was executive director of the English as a Second Language program with the district.

“We are honored and excited to have Dr. Miguel as our short-term interim superintendent,” he said.

Lopez said Dr. Miguel would assume leadership immediately. Dr. Charles Foust, superintendent, has accepted a position with another school district, and will work hand-in-hand to have a seamless transition, Lopez said.

Dr. Miguel has a master’s degree in education from the University of Kansas and a Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership from the University of Missouri at Columbia.

The board will look for a long-term superintendent and will be posting the position, Lopez said.

Impaired drivers targeted today through Sept. 7

Law enforcement agencies will step up patrols from Friday, Aug. 21, through Monday, Sept. 7, to stop impaired drivers, according to KDOT officials.

The Labor Day holiday effort will focus on alcohol and anything else that impairs drivers, according to a news release from KDOT.

According to KDOT, average driving under the influence costs exceed $10,000 with legal fees, court fines and higher insurance rates, along with jail time, DUI classes, ignition interlock fees and license suspensions.

“Holidays are particularly challenging times on the road. As Labor Day approaches, I would like to remind everyone to look out for others as you travel,” said Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz, in the news release. “Safety is everyone’s responsibility. We all have a role to play in making our roads as safe as possible.”

“Impaired driving crashes can lead to increased emergency room visits,” said Chris Bortz, KDOT traffic safety program manager. “We need to ensure everyone does their part to let our health care workers and first responders focus on those directly impacted by COVID. If you are impaired, text a sober friend, call a cab, use a ride share service, but don’t get behind the wheel.”

The safety campaign is funded by a federal grant administered by KDOT. The enforcement campaign runs concurrently with a public announcements reminding motorists to never drink and drive.

GM Fairfax plant hiring production team members

General Motors today announced its Fairfax assembly plant is seeking to hire approximately 70 production team members. The new hourly positions will help support production of the Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac XT4.

In making the announcement, Trevor Tomkins, a GM communications coordinator, said, “The jobs are available because customer demand is holding up for the vehicles and these new hires will allow GM to maintain quality production levels.”

Wages for the new part-time positions are $16.67 per hour and include holiday pay and health care options after 90 days for employment. No prior experience is necessary.

Other qualifications include the willingness and ability to work any shift. Tompkins said the typical work week consists of 16-32 hours. Production on Saturdays may be required as part of a typical schedule.

For more information or to apply, applicants can visit: https://generalmotors.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Careers_GM/job/Fairfax-ASSY-STPG—Fairfax-ASSY-STPG/Production-Worker—Part—Time_JR-000000226

Although the current openings are temporary positions, when GM does hire full-time permanent employees, temporary employees are typically considered per the terms of the UAW/GM national labor agreement.

With regard to worker safety in times of the COVID-19, Tony Roberts, Fairfax’s director of human resources and labor relations said, “Nothing is more important to the GM Fairfax leadership team than the health and safety of the entire workforce. GM is using the best medical and scientific data available, guidance from the CDC and input from the UAW to develop screening, cleaning and social strategies for all our facilities.”

Fairfax’s safety protocols involve a multi-layered approach that includes frequent hand washing, temperature screening, additional cleaning of workstations and common areas, physical distancing, wearing a mask and safety glasses.

GM has produced vehicles in the Kansas City area since 1946 and opened the Fairfax Assembly and Stamping facility in 1987. The plant operates on two production shifts and three stamping shifts, and currently employs about 2,140 hourly and 235 salaried employees. Hourly employees are represented by UAW Local 31.