The school board recognized students who qualified for state track, softball, golf, and speech and debate at Thursday’s meeting. Emiri White placed sixth place at state speech and debate, Ty Deterding placed 14th for golf, softball placed third, boys track and field placed sixth and girls track and field placed third.
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The school board approved a new high school song and student fees for 2023-24 during Thursday night’s meeting while also moving forward with a bond sale resolution following voter approval of a $40 million bond.
Stifel Director Bret Shogren and Managing Director Steve Shogren presented the next steps for the bond process. Steve Shogren congratulated the district on passing the bond with 74% of voters saying yes and applauded the board and committee on successfully communicating with the public.
“That is outstanding for a major capital improvement bond issue program,” Steve Shogren said.
Next, the district will receive a credit rating to ensure it is responsible for its bond payments. Bret Shogren said the district’s current rating is good, and should not be any concern.
With the current mill levy just over 28 mills, Steve Shogren estimates that with the current plan the mill levy would be under 27 through 2030.
The bond will be marketed in July, and the deal should close by August, Steve Shogren said.
“We hope the market holds in there, and we got a good market today but there is volatility,” Steve Shogren said. “We will do our best to get you the lowest rate possible.”
In other business, a resolution to adopt a new high school song was also approved by the board. The song titled “Radiance” was written by composer Jacob Narverud, a native of Kansas, in collaboration with the high school band, choir and English students. The song will serve as an introduction for the existing alma mater.
The high school band and choir performed the song as a surprise for Principal Ron Abel before his retirement.
“I’m not a crier, but I got really choked up when I watched this at the concert,” Superintendent Stu Moeckel said. “They really did an amazing job of tying it to our alma mater, and I don’t know that there was a dry eye in the house because it was just truly powerful.”
Student fees for the 2023-24 school year were approved unanimously by the board. Ed-Tech fees were the only increase for the coming school year, but Moeckel said this change was a result of inflation. For the complete student fee breakdown, click here.
Moeckel gave an update on the 2022-23 district academic achievements. From 2021 to 2022, the district saw a 6% increase in the percentage of high school graduates who earned an industry-recognized certification, higher education degree or continued education for two years after graduation.
Students scoring at a level 3 or 4 on the Kansas state assessment increased in both English and math from 2022 to 2023. English increased about 0.5% and math increased about 3%.
After hearing board members’ desire for more college advising within the high school, Moeckel shared information about a potential outreach program with Kansas State University. The program would give students a hands-on collaboration to help students plan post-secondary life with KSU college advisers.
High school students and their parents will be able to meet with college advisers, who will help plan campus tours and with college and career exploration. Although the program is gaining popularity, Moeckel is confident the district will be accepted into the program.
“It’s something that’s really taken off across the state because it’s been seen as a need,” Moeckel said. “Navigating post-secondary is one of the aspects we’re – and all schools across the state are – struggling to keep up with.”
The board approved the hiring of Jessica Cagle as an assistant principal at the elementary school for the 2023-24 school year and Nicole Parks as the food and nutrition director beginning July 24.
In other business, the board recognized students who qualified for state track, softball, golf, and speech and debate. Emiri White placed sixth place at speech and debate, Ty Deterding placed 14th for golf, softball placed third, boys track and field placed sixth and girls track and field placed third.
Reach reporter Sara Maloney at [email protected].