7 takeaways from USD 373 school board meeting

School Board Reviews Preliminary $50M Bond Proposal Addressing Infrastructure and Safety

Storm Shelters and Security Upgrades Form Core of Proposed Bond's Safety Plan

High School Renovation, Playground Updates Included in Bond Option

Board Sets Timeline for Public Input on Potential Bond Issue

CTE Program Showcases Student Success, Highlights Growth

CTE Data Shows Higher Graduation Rates, Cites Funding Hurdles for Certifications

Public Art Mural Project for District Office Moves Forward

School Board Reviews Preliminary $50M Bond Proposal Addressing Infrastructure and Safety

NEWTON - The USD 373 Board of Education received an update on a potential bond issue, with a preliminary plan, dubbed "Option Five," focusing on district-wide infrastructure, safety, and security upgrades. The proposal, developed by a bond development team, aims to address urgent needs across all student-occupied buildings. Key infrastructure items include $7.3 million for HVAC replacements, including a critical boiler at Newton High School, $6.9 million for roof repairs, and $2.9 million for swimming pool upgrades. The board is expected to review the full proposal on October 13th.

Storm Shelters and Security Upgrades Form Core of Proposed Bond's Safety Plan

NEWTON - Student safety is a major component of the proposed bond issue presented Monday night. The plan calls for new storm shelters at Chisholm Middle School and Cooper Early Education Center. At Newton High School, a proposed addition for the culinary and science programs would double as a storm shelter capable of housing all students and staff. Further safety measures include district-wide door and security upgrades to improve ADA accessibility and add interior locks to classrooms, replacing the current magnetic strip system.

High School Renovation, Playground Updates Included in Bond Option

NEWTON - Newton High School’s aging "movable walls" would see a significant upgrade under the proposed bond, with $3.4 million allocated to replace approximately 40% of the temporary interior walls. The plan also addresses student recreation with $723,000 designated for updating all elementary school playgrounds. Other notable projects include locker room renovations at Chisholm Middle School and ADA upgrades to the entryway at the Brooks Trade Center.

Board Sets Timeline for Public Input on Potential Bond Issue

NEWTON - The Board of Education has established a timeline for public engagement regarding the proposed bond. A full presentation of the finalized bond proposal will occur at the October 13th board meeting. The board then plans to dedicate the public comment section of its October 27th meeting for community feedback on the proposal. A final board vote on a resolution to place the bond on the March 3rd, 2026, ballot is anticipated for the November 10th meeting.

CTE Program Showcases Student Success, Highlights Growth

NEWTON - The board heard an extensive presentation from the district's Career and Technical Education (CTE) department, featuring five students who shared their experiences in programs ranging from welding and auto tech to journalism and business. Students spoke about the practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and professional connections they have gained. The presentation highlighted the program's success in preparing students for post-secondary education and careers.

CTE Data Shows Higher Graduation Rates, Cites Funding Hurdles for Certifications

NEWTON - Data presented Monday revealed that Kansas students involved in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs have a higher graduation rate than the general student population. While Newton's local CTE data is strong and above state averages in most categories, the district faces a significant financial barrier in providing industry-recognized credentials. The cost for certifications, such as a ServeSafe test for culinary students ($400) or a cybersecurity exam ($600), is a major challenge, as state funding does not cover these expenses for school districts.

Public Art Mural Project for District Office Moves Forward

NEWTON - The board’s mural committee is making progress on a public art project for the district office building. Board member Mallory Morton gave an update, stating that an artist candidate has been engaged and is developing a full-color design mock-up. The design, along with preliminary cost estimates, is expected to be presented to the full board at its October 13th meeting for review and discussion.

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