> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.citizenjournal.us/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Takeaways from Newton USD 373 Education Board Meeting - URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/takeaways-from-dodge-city-usd-443-education-board-meeting-15/ - Published: 2026-08-25T20:28:40.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-25T20:28:40.000Z - Description: Week of August 25, 2026 - Author: Greg Loving - Tags: ncj, #summary # School board pursues state commerce grant for Themian Park project # Wildlife and parks grants sought for Themian Park expansion # District representative meets with new state education commissioner # Board honors service of Superintendent Fred Van Ranken # School board members prepare for November KASB convention --- ### School board pursues state commerce grant for Themian Park project NEWTON, Kan. - The Newton Unified School District 373 Board of Education received an update on funding efforts for the Themian Park project, which includes a Community Development Block Grant application submitted by the city to the Kansas Department of Commerce. Officials expect a decision soon on the grant, which would fund the first phase of the multi-phase volunteer-driven park development initiative. --- ### Wildlife and parks grants sought for Themian Park expansion NEWTON, Kan. - Funding applications for the second and third phases of the Themian Park development project have been submitted to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The board was briefed on the applications during committee reports, marking continued efforts to secure state resources for the ongoing community project governed by an interlocal agreement. --- ### District representative meets with new state education commissioner NEWTON, Kan. - A district representative recently met with the new state education commissioner, Dr. Jake Steel, to discuss the future of public education in Kansas. The meet-and-greet provided the district with insights into the state's upcoming educational initiatives and the commissioner's vision for advancing new policy initiatives. --- ### Board honors service of Superintendent Fred Van Ranken NEWTON, Kan. - The board of education publicly commended Superintendent Fred Van Ranken for his extensive service and positive impact on the Newton school district over the past year. Board members expressed gratitude for his visible and behind-the-scenes administrative accomplishments that have benefited the district during his tenure. --- ### School board members prepare for November KASB convention NEWTON, Kan. - Newton school board members are preparing to attend the annual Kansas Association of School Boards convention, scheduled to begin Nov. 6 in Wichita. Board members were urged to coordinate with district staff to finalize their registrations for the weekend-long educational governance event. --- Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below: [Contact Us](https://www.citizenjournal.us/contact/) --- [![Job Board](https://rosebud-ads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/JOB.png)](https://gregl72.github.io/job/?ref=citizenjournal.us)