8 takeaways from USD 373 school board meeting
November 11, 2025
School board approves resolution to call $50m bond election
Board delays vote on Themian Park agreement, seeks liability clarification
New career and technical education courses approved for high school
Newton high business teacher named national educator of the year
Parents as Teachers program earns national blue ribbon status
Project SEARCH program recognized for 100 percent employment rate
State-placing boys soccer team honored by board
Students awarded in Harvey County Constitution essay contest
School board approves resolution to call $50m bond election
NEWTON, Kan. — The USD 373 Board of Education voted 5-0 Monday to call a special election for March 3, 2026, asking voters to approve a $50 million bond issue for district-wide facility improvements. The decision caps nearly a year of study involving more than 50 community members, staff and parents who worked with consulting firms to assess facility needs and develop project recommendations.
The bond would fund safety and accessibility upgrades across all district buildings, including storm shelters, intruder locks, roof replacements and playground improvements. More than half the funding would go toward Newton High School renovations, including replacement of 40 percent of interior walls, new science labs to replace those built in 1972, culinary program additions and swimming pool updates. The district qualifies for additional state aid to help cover costs, with an estimated tax impact of 4.30 mills — about $4.12 monthly for a $100,000 home. Multiple community information sessions will be held before the election.
Board delays vote on Themian Park agreement, seeks liability clarification
NEWTON, Kan. — A vote on a revised Memorandum of Understanding for the Themian Park renovation was postponed after board members raised concerns about the district’s potential financial liability. The proposed MOU, which would allow the privately funded project to be built in phases, includes a clause stating that all “parties” would reimburse the City of Newton for costs if the project were terminated. Board members requested that the administration seek clarification and amended language to ensure Unified School District 373, whose only contribution is a previously donated parcel of land, would not be held financially responsible.
New career and technical education courses approved for high school
NEWTON, Kan. — Newton High School will expand its curriculum after the board unanimously approved several new course proposals for the 2026-2027 school year. The new offerings are primarily focused on Career and Technical Education pathways, including courses in computer integrated manufacturing, HVAC, carpentry and introduction to business. A new physical education class, team sport officiating, was also approved to help train the next generation of referees. Most of the new CTE courses are connected with Hutchinson Community College, offering students dual-credit opportunities.
Newton high business teacher named national educator of the year
NEWTON, Kan. — Jessica Crabtree, a business teacher and department chair at Newton High School, was honored for being named the National Business Education Association Secondary Teacher of the Year. The award was presented at a recent conference in Cincinnati. District administrators praised Crabtree for her leadership, mentorship of new teachers, and dedication to her students and her role on numerous district committees.
Parents as Teachers program earns national blue ribbon status
NEWTON, Kan. — The district’s Parents as Teachers program was recognized for achieving Blue Ribbon status, a national quality endorsement for early childhood home-visiting programs. The program’s coordinator, Brittany Denson, explained that the affiliate, part of Cooper Early Education Center, underwent a rigorous review and met 76 of 80 best-practice quality standards. The program provides personalized visits to families with young children to increase school readiness and positive health outcomes.
Project SEARCH program recognized for 100 percent employment rate
NEWTON, Kan. — Project SEARCH, a district program that partners with NMC Health to provide workplace skills to students with developmental and intellectual disabilities, received a national award for achieving a 100 percent employment rate for its 2023-2024 class. Instructor Larry Boettcher noted that while students with an Individualized Education Program typically face a 20 percent employment rate after high school, Project SEARCH graduates average 70 percent.
State-placing boys soccer team honored by board
NEWTON, Kan. — The Newton High School boys soccer team was celebrated for its third-place finish in the 5A state tournament. Coach Scott Jantzi highlighted the team’s successful season, which included championships at the Titan Classic, an undefeated league title, and a regional title. The team finished its season with a 3-2 victory over De Soto in the state consolation match.
Students awarded in Harvey County Constitution essay contest
NEWTON, Kan. — Four Unified School District 373 students were recognized as winners in the third annual Harvey County Constitution Essay Contest. Newton High School senior Jose Martinez won first place, and his name will be added to the contest trophy displayed at the school. Adam Anderson finished in second place, with Max Rose placing third and Zoey Hoskinson receiving an honorable mention. The voluntary contest is open to seniors from all high schools in Harvey County.
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