9 takeaways from USD 418 school board meeting
October 15 2025
McPherson School Board Approves Roundhouse Water Mitigation Project
District targets $1.75 million in budget efficiencies amid declining enrollment
Superintendent highlights strain of special education costs
Prolonged federal shutdown looms over Head Start funding
Six facility scenarios unveiled, costs range from $99 million to $160 million
Financial advisor: $50 million bond could come with no tax increase
District to poll community on facility options
District publishes school-by-school operating costs
Board approves javelin runway in 6-1 split vote
McPherson School Board Approves Roundhouse Water Mitigation Project
McPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson USD 418 Board of Education authorized a project Monday to address ongoing water intrusion issues at the McPherson High School Roundhouse. The board approved a motion allowing the district to proceed with McPherson Quality Air for the construction of a detention pond and other mitigation measures, using a state-approved procurement process that ensures competitive pricing. The action allows the contractor to immediately begin building a temporary wall to protect the facility from further water damage while the full scope of the project, including permits and soil samples, is finalized.
The project aims to provide a comprehensive solution to the water problems that have damaged the Roundhouse floor. The full scope of the work includes the detention pond expansion, fixing pipes, and completing associated concrete work. While a final price is pending, the district anticipates the total cost will remain within the initial high-end estimate of $50,000 to $60,000. As a condition of the approval, the board stipulated that the contractor must sign an agreement accepting full financial liability for any water that enters the building after the protective measures are in place.
District targets $1.75 million in budget efficiencies amid declining enrollment
MCPHERSON, Kan. - The McPherson school district administration is targeting $1.75 million in budget efficiencies to address declining revenue caused by a multi-year drop in student enrollment. Superintendent Shiloh Vincent presented a stark financial outlook at Monday's board meeting, explaining that without action, the district’s cash reserves would fall below the state-recommended level of 10 percent to 15 percent of operating costs. Vincent showed data indicating enrollment has decreased by 16 percent since 2019 and is projected to continue falling, a trend seen in most Kansas districts. He directly linked the necessary savings to potential restructuring, including a move to a “three elementary system” to create efficiencies.
Superintendent highlights strain of special education costs
MCPHERSON, Kan. - The rising cost of special education services is a significant factor tightening the district’s budget, Superintendent Shiloh Vincent reported during his financial presentation. Vincent and board members noted that both federal and state governments have failed to fund special education at the levels promised in statutes, shifting an increasing financial burden to local districts. This underfunding, combined with a growing number of students with needs, forces the district to use its general operating funds to cover the shortfall, further constraining its ability to manage declining revenue from lower enrollment.
Prolonged federal shutdown looms over Head Start funding
MCPHERSON, Kan. - District officials are closely monitoring the potential for a prolonged federal government shutdown and its impact on funding for local programs, particularly Head Start. During the approval of routine items, board president Lara Vanderhoof noted she had inquired about the stability of Head Start funding. While officials stated there is no immediate cause for alarm, a shutdown lasting over a month could begin to delay federal reimbursements for programs like Head Start and Food Service. The district confirmed it has reserve funds to temporarily cover operations if payments are delayed.
Six facility scenarios unveiled, costs range from $99 million to $160 million
MCPHERSON, Kan. - As the district grapples with aging facilities and declining enrollment, the school board reviewed six potential long-range facility plans with estimated costs ranging from $99 million to $160 million. The scenarios, presented by the district’s architectural consultants incite Design Studio (iDS), all include significant renovations and additions. Most options involve consolidating the district from four elementary schools to three. Other key variables include whether to renovate the existing high school and move the middle school to the Eisenhower building, or to build a new high school on a new site, which represents the most expensive, $160 million option. The scenarios will be presented to the public for feedback at community meetings next week.
Financial advisor: $50 million bond could come with no tax increase
MCPHERSON, Kan. - A $50 million bond issue for facility improvements could be passed without raising the local bond-and-interest levy, a financial advisor told the school board Monday. Dustin Avey of Piper Sandler & Co. explained that because the district is in a position to pay off existing 2014 bonds early, it may have capacity to take on a new $50 million bond while keeping the current bond-and-interest levy (reported locally at 8.475 mills) stable. Avey also presented the estimated tax impact for larger bond amounts, with a $100 million project projected to increase the mill levy by 9.5 mills, costing the owner of a $200,000 home an additional $18.21 per month.
District to poll community on facility options
MCPHERSON, Kan. - To gauge public support for potential facility bond projects, the Board of Education unanimously approved hiring ExcellenceK12 to conduct a scientific community survey. The board authorized an expenditure of up to $35,000 for the firm to conduct a statistically valid phone poll of at least 400 registered voters, as well as an open online survey for all community members. Board members debated the cost and sample size, ultimately increasing the authorized budget from an initial $25,000 to allow for a potentially larger, more accurate poll. The results will provide critical data to the board as it considers which, if any, of the six proposed facility scenarios to pursue.
District publishes school-by-school operating costs
MCPHERSON, Kan. - In a move toward greater transparency and to provide context for facility discussions, the district presented a detailed breakdown of operating costs for each school building from the previous fiscal year. The report, requested in a prior meeting, detailed expenses for building maintenance, utilities, supplies and salaries. The data illustrated the significant financial resources required to operate each facility and implicitly supported the argument that consolidating from four elementary schools to three would generate substantial operational savings for the district.
Board approves javelin runway in 6-1 split vote
MCPHERSON, Kan. - The Board of Education approved the donation and construction of a new, all-weather javelin runway at the high school athletic complex in a 6-1 vote Monday night. The project is funded by a capital campaign that raised over $95,000, including a $50,000 donation from George Apostol, a longtime friend of campaign coordinator Carol Swenson. Board member Chelsea Busch cast the dissenting vote, expressing concern about constructing a permanent facility before the district’s long-range facility plan is finalized. Other board members and presenters noted that the project's location is unlikely to conflict with future plans and that the construction bid was only valid for 30 days.
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