Takeaways from Ark City USD 470 Education Board Meeting
Week of June 24, 2026
Arkansas City Board of Education tables decision on student cell phone and staff communication policies
GE Aerospace awards $14,000 grant to Arkansas City High School
Arkansas City Police Department to conduct summer training exercises at Arkansas City Middle School
Arkansas City Board of Education approves replacement of aging Arkansas City High School chiller
USD 470 classified employees to receive 3% pay increase
USD 470 administrators and supervisors approved for 2.75% raise
Arkansas City Board of Education tables decision on student cell phone and staff communication policies
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Arkansas City Board of Education tabled action on proposed updates to USD 470 policies regarding student cell phone use and electronic communication between staff and students at its June 22 meeting. Board members requested revisions to provide clearer guidance on expectations for staff texting, direct messaging and friending or following students on social media. The delayed updates also included revised rules for student use of personal electronic devices during the school day, based on recommendations from the Kansas Association of School Boards.
GE Aerospace awards $14,000 grant to Arkansas City High School
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Arkansas City High School will receive a $14,000 charitable contribution from GE Aerospace to support its agriculture education, computer science and engineering programs. USD 470 Superintendent Will Pfannenstiel expressed gratitude for the financial investment, noting it will help prepare local students for future career opportunities.
Arkansas City Police Department to conduct summer training exercises at Arkansas City Middle School
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Arkansas City Police Department will use Arkansas City Middle School for tactical training exercises on July 14 and July 30 following Arkansas City Board of Education approval. Arkansas City Middle School staff will be temporarily relocated to alternate USD 470 facilities, and the campus will be closed to all visitors on both training days to ensure public safety.
Arkansas City Board of Education approves replacement of aging Arkansas City High School chiller
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Arkansas City Board of Education approved the replacement of the aging chiller system at Arkansas City High School. The infrastructure upgrade is designed to ensure reliable cooling and maintain a comfortable learning environment for students and staff, addressing a key facility maintenance need.
USD 470 classified employees to receive 3% pay increase
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Arkansas City Board of Education approved a 3% pay increase for all classified employees for the 2026-27 school year. The wage increase aims to support USD 470's non-teaching support staff and keep district compensation competitive for the upcoming academic year.
USD 470 administrators and supervisors approved for 2.75% raise
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Administrative and supervisory employees in Unified School District 470 will receive a 2.75% pay increase for the 2026-27 school year. The Arkansas City Board of Education approved the salary adjustment as part of its personnel and budgetary planning for the next fiscal cycle.
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