8 takeaways from USD 418 school board meeting
November 10 2025
School board reviews facility plans costing up to $122 million
Plan to renovate high school signals shift away from building new
Proposed $3.5 million bus barn purchase questioned
District to gather more public feedback via phone and online surveys
Superintendent suggests mill levy strategy to offset bond impact
Superintendent laments social media’s negative impact on educators
Future of Kansas school funding formula a looming concern
Booster club makes $57,000 donation to high school programs
1. School board reviews facility plans costing up to $122 million
MCPHERSON, Kan. – The McPherson Board of Education reviewed three potential budget scenarios for a major district facilities overhaul, with price tags ranging from $98 million to $121.8 million. During a work session, consultants from Incite Design Studio presented a detailed “Option 2” plan that focuses on renovating and expanding the current high school, converting Eisenhower Elementary into a 5-8 middle school, and consolidating the remaining elementary schools. The plan, which could be funded by a bond issue, aims to modernize aging facilities and address long-term district needs. No official action was taken as the board continues to gather community feedback through surveys before deciding which plan, if any, to put before voters.
Greg Loving
2. Plan to renovate high school signals shift away from building new school
MCPHERSON, Kan. – The board’s in-depth review of an extensive renovation of the current McPherson High School indicates a strategic shift away from building a new high school at another site. The discussed approach includes a multi-phase project running through 2029, adding a two-story classroom wing and modernizing the campus core by removing the hexagon-shaped buildings. One board member noted that committing such a significant investment to the current site would effectively make it the district’s high school for the next 40 to 50 years, moving on from a new-build option that earlier surveys showed had substantial support.
3. Proposed $3.5 million bus barn purchase questioned
MCPHERSON, Kan. – A line item in the facilities concept to purchase and renovate a new bus barn and maintenance facility for about $3.5 million drew questions. The discussion referenced either purchasing the currently leased bus barn or constructing a new facility that could house maintenance operations now at the former Park School site. Consultants acknowledged more analysis is needed and discussed whether funds would come from a bond or from potential property sales.
4. District to gather more public feedback via phone and online surveys
MCPHERSON, Kan. – The district is conducting phone and online surveys to gather additional community feedback on facilities options. The phone survey is being conducted by a professional firm, and an identical online survey is available; results are expected to be presented at special meetings on Nov. 25 or Dec. 1. Residents may also see calls from 816 or 913 area codes when the firm reaches out. The survey is being managed by ExcellenceK12.
5. Superintendent suggests mill levy strategy to offset bond impact
MCPHERSON, Kan. – Superintendent Shiloh Vincent said the district is exploring a financial strategy to potentially keep the total property-tax mill levy flat if a bond is passed. Vincent said the administration has identified an opportunity to lower the local option budget by about 1.5 mills in coming years, which could help offset the tax increase required to fund facility improvements. He plans to present a more detailed model at a special meeting on Nov. 25.
6. Superintendent laments social media’s negative impact on educators
MCPHERSON, Kan. – In his report, Superintendent Shiloh Vincent voiced concern about social media’s growing negative impact on educators and public servants. After attending a legislative luncheon where lawmakers described receiving threats tied to online misinformation, he urged residents to “think twice before you post,” praised McPherson for generally avoiding toxic online behavior and called for more civil, in-person dialogue.
Greg Loving
7. Future of Kansas school funding formula a looming concern
MCPHERSON, Kan. – Long-term district finances remain a central concern, with Superintendent Shiloh Vincent noting that the current Kansas school funding formula expires after the 2026-27 school year. He said funding is secure for the next two years, but districts statewide don’t yet know how they’ll be funded beginning in 2027. Vincent identified special education funding as another “hot topic” and said he’ll work with lawmakers as the Legislature develops a new formula.
8. Booster club makes $57,000 donation to high school programs
MCPHERSON, Kan. – The McPherson High School Booster Club was recognized for donating more than $57,000 to support student activities including choir, debate, forensics and athletics. The board voted to accept the donation, along with a smaller contribution from Kroger to Eisenhower Elementary.
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