7 takeaways from Abilene USD 435 school board meetings
October 13 and October 30, 2025
Community group proposes privately funded wrestling facility
Abilene schools accept over $17,000 in community donations
District honors elementary, secondary teachers of the year
Board approves new coaches for softball, golf
School board begins crafting new strategic plan for 2026-2027
Community and staff input to form foundation of district goals
Final district goals to be considered in November
Community group proposes privately funded wrestling facility
ABILENE, Kan. – A group of community members presented a proposal to the Abilene school board Monday for a privately funded wrestling practice facility to be built on district land. Curtis Rein, James Stout and Ross Taplin shared their vision with the Unified School District 435 Board of Education during its regular meeting. Following the presentation, the board expressed its willingness to continue gathering information on the project and scheduled future meetings on the subject. No formal action was taken.
Abilene schools accept over $17,000 in community donations
ABILENE, Kan. – The Abilene school board accepted $17,080 in donations from local businesses, foundations and individuals during its meeting Monday night. The contributions will support a wide range of student activities. Major gifts included $5,000 from the Community Foundation of Dickinson County for a summer science program, $3,400 from Dorothy Holmstrom for the Abilene Middle School after-school program and books, and $2,680 from a Kansas-based health foundation for the Abilene High School chapter of HOSA, an organization for future health professionals. The board voted to formally accept each donation.
District honors elementary, secondary teachers of the year
ABILENE, Kan. – Unified School District 435 recognized its elementary and secondary Teachers of the Year at the Board of Education meeting Monday. Nicole Demars was named the Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Tim Wilkins was honored as the Secondary Teacher of the Year. Assistant Superintendent Rick Rivera presented the awards to the educators, recognizing them for their outstanding contributions to students and the district.
Board approves new coaches for softball, golf
ABILENE, Kan. – The Abilene Board of Education approved several personnel changes Monday, including the hiring of a new head softball coach and a new head golf coach at Abilene High School. The board also accepted the resignations of a youth basketball coach and a part-time bus driver. Additional hires approved included several tutors, aides and substitute teachers for the district.
School board begins crafting new strategic plan for 2026-2027
ABILENE, Kan. — The Abilene Unified School District 435 Board of Education has started developing a new strategic plan designed to guide the district through the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year and into 2027. During a special work-study session on Oct. 30, board members and administrators held a round-table discussion to establish a set of focus plans and goals for the district’s future.
Community and staff input to form foundation of district goals
ABILENE, Kan. — Feedback from community members and district staff will be a critical component of Abilene Unified School District 435's new strategic plan, according to information from the school board's recent work session. Superintendent Dana Sprinkle led the Oct. 30 session, which used previously gathered input to begin shaping goals rooted in the district’s core values and community priorities.
Final district goals to be considered in November
ABILENE, Kan. — The Abilene school board is expected to finalize its new long-term strategic goals following its regular meeting in November. After an initial planning session on Oct. 30, Superintendent Dana Sprinkle will compile the board’s feedback. One additional work-study session is planned before the finalized goals are presented for formal consideration by the board at the Nov. 10 regular meeting.
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