9 takeaways from Hays USD 489 school board meeting
November 24, 2025
Bond construction update: O'Loughlin and middle school progress
District prepares for 'Operation 2300 Shuffle'
New middle school marquee sign delayed until spring
Contract approved for middle school parking lot upgrades
Board accepts donation for new athletic storage facility
Longtime staff members announce retirements
Unified Bowling team recognized for state championship
Scholars Bowl and culinary arts students commended
Foundation provides holiday meals to local families
Bond construction update: O'Loughlin and middle school progress
HAYS, Kan. - Superintendent Ron Wilson provided an update on ongoing bond projects and reported that the O'Loughlin Elementary School additions are nearly sealed, with concrete ready to be poured for the roof slab. At the new Hays Middle School site, construction is nearing completion with approximately three weeks remaining before the facility is ready for operations. Wilson noted that while teachers expressed excitement during a recent tour, the timeline remains tight as crews finish the final details.
District prepares for 'Operation 2300 Shuffle'
HAYS, Kan. - District administration and staff are finalizing logistics for the transition to the new middle school, a move Superintendent Ron Wilson referred to as "Operation 2300 Shuffle." The move is scheduled to take place in three weeks, involving significant coordination to relocate materials and equipment to the East 13th Street location. While most of the facility will be ready, Wilson cautioned that some minor finishing work may continue after the building becomes operational.
New middle school marquee sign delayed until spring
HAYS, Kan. - Superintendent Ron Wilson reported that the new marquee sign for the middle school is scheduled to arrive by the end of December. However, the installation of the monument structure required to hold the sign will push the project's completion date to early spring. This installation is part of the final exterior touches for the renovated campus.
Contract approved for middle school parking lot upgrades
HAYS, Kan. - School board members voted 7-0 to accept a bid from a local contractor to upgrade a portion of the Hays Middle School staff parking lot. The project, costing $53,100, includes demolition, grading and new concrete for the area north of the tennis courts. Superintendent Ron Wilson noted that the regrading is essential to ensure proper water drainage away from the newly constructed tennis courts before they receive their final surfacing in the spring.
Board accepts donation for new athletic storage facility
HAYS, Kan. - The school board unanimously approved a donation of materials, labor and construction for a new 40-by-56-foot storage building at the Hays High School and Hays Middle School campus. The donation comes from a group of local construction businesses that are providing materials, labor and construction services. While the district originally planned to spend $200,000 on a storage facility in fiscal year 2027, this donation allows the project to move forward immediately. The district's only financial obligation will be approximately $17,000 to $19,000 for concrete work and grading.
Longtime staff members announce retirements
HAYS, Kan. - The school board accepted the retirements of five staff members who hold a combined total of more than 115 years of experience within the district. The retirees include Hays High School English teacher Lisa Renz (27 years), an elementary teacher with 27 years in the district, a Wilson Elementary School teacher with 6 years in the district, a Hays Middle School social science teacher with 28 years in the district and a longtime food service worker with 27 years in the district. The retirements will take effect at the end of the current school year.
Unified Bowling team recognized for state championship
HAYS, Kan. - The school board honored the Hays High School Unified Bowling team and the team's head coach for winning the state championship. The coach introduced the team roster and praised the athletes for their "heart" and mental fortitude throughout the season. He noted that the program has garnered attention from other districts across the state inquiring about the team's success. The board discussed plans to provide state championship T-shirts to the student-athletes.
Scholars Bowl and culinary arts students commended
HAYS, Kan. - The school board recognized the success of the Hays High School Scholars Bowl team, which performed well at a meet hosted by the district earlier that evening. Additionally, the culinary arts department was praised for preparing meals for all volunteers at the event. Board members highlighted these programs as examples of the high school's continued academic and extracurricular success.
Foundation provides holiday meals to local families
HAYS, Kan. - The Hays USD 489 Foundation was recognized for its charitable work in providing Thanksgiving meals and turkeys to families in need within the district. Superintendent Ron Wilson reported that board members and foundation volunteers spent the day delivering the food to ensure families had meals for the holiday. The effort highlighted the collaboration between the foundation and district leadership to support the community beyond the classroom.
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