Favorable bond sales generate $2.6 million cushion for district projects

Groundbreaking for elementary and middle school bond projects slated for November

District outlines bond improvements for middle and elementary schools

High school renovations to focus on culinary arts, science and pool upgrades

Electrical technology program to relocate fully to Newton High School

High school students showcase success of career and technical education

District sees record participation in career internships and CTE scholarships

Santa Fe educator Kirstyn Weibert nominated for Kansas Teacher of the Year

Chisholm's Kimberly Tate named district's secondary Teacher of the Year nominee

Favorable bond sales generate $2.6 million cushion for district projects

NEWTON, Kan. — The Newton Board of Education received an optimistic update on the district's bond projects Monday, learning that construction estimates are nearly identical to initial projections. A construction representative from Simpson Construction reported that current design estimates are only $3,200 off the original $34.8 million construction budget. Furthermore, the district's architect, Schaefer Architecture, noted that favorable interest rates during the initial bond sale generated an additional $1.4 million, leaving the district with nearly $2.6 million in remaining funds. A fire marshal's ruling removing a previously required $50,000 rescue assistance area at Santa Fe 5/6 Center also contributed to the overall project savings.

Groundbreaking for elementary and middle school bond projects slated for November

NEWTON, Kan. — Construction on several district bond projects will begin before the end of the year, with shovels expected in the ground by mid-to-late November. Bid packages for Cooper Early Education Center, Chisholm Middle School and the elementary school storm shelter doors are being released this week, and the board of education is expected to vote on the returned bids in early November. Bidding for the more extensive renovations at Newton High School will take place closer to the end of the year, which construction managers from Simpson Construction say will allow the district to gauge initial project costs before tackling the largest portion of the bond.

District outlines bond improvements for middle and elementary schools

NEWTON, Kan. — Alongside high school upgrades, the board of education reviewed finalized construction plans for the district's younger students. Cooper Early Education Center will receive a storm shelter addition designed to match the building's historic architecture. Chisholm Middle School will see the addition of three new restroom pods at the ends of its existing academic wings, along with comprehensive renovations to both locker rooms and staff facilities. Additionally, Northridge, South Breeze, Sunset and Slate Creek elementary schools will be retrofitted with storm shelter doors to improve campus safety.

High school renovations to focus on culinary arts, science and pool upgrades

NEWTON, Kan. — Architects from Schaefer Architecture provided the board of education with a detailed look at the upcoming renovations planned for Newton High School. The project's most significant additions will occur on the north end of the building, featuring a new culinary arts section and a biology addition, both of which will feature reinforced storm shelters. Existing science spaces, including chemistry and anatomy classrooms, will undergo extensive remodeling, and older partition walls will be removed. Additionally, the school's swimming pool will receive a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to regulate air temperatures, alongside modifications to raise the water level and eliminate the current gutter system.

Electrical technology program to relocate fully to Newton High School

NEWTON, Kan. — Newton High School students studying electrical technology will soon be able to complete their certifications without leaving campus to commute to a community college. District leadership noted that a large grant, secured in partnership with Hutchinson Community College, will fund heavy equipment for the program's second-year curriculum. The district plans to renovate an existing on-site classroom to house the equipment, with the goal of having the fully localized program up and running by the fall semester. The electrical program has already doubled in size this year, expanding from one class of 10 students to full morning and afternoon sessions.

High school students showcase success of career and technical education

NEWTON, Kan. — Eight Newton High School students addressed the board of education to share how the district's Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways are preparing them for the workforce. Students representing agriculture, automotive technology, journalism and business programs highlighted their experiences with real-world applications, from managing the school's print and online magazine to working overnight shifts performing maintenance at local ethanol plants. Several students noted that the soft skills learned in these courses, such as time management, conflict resolution and professional communication, are as valuable as the technical certifications they are earning.

District sees record participation in career internships and CTE scholarships

NEWTON, Kan. — The district's Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are experiencing significant growth in community-based learning and workforce integration. The district reported that the health science program alone currently has 40 students participating in off-campus internships. Local businesses are heavily involved in shaping the curriculum through advisory boards and hosting events, including an upcoming golf fundraiser organized by Prestressed Concrete, Inc. to support the school programs. Additionally, community donations allowed all 19 of the district's recognized CTE Scholars to receive a $500 scholarship last year.

Santa Fe educator Kirstyn Weibert nominated for Kansas Teacher of the Year

NEWTON, Kan. — The board of education formally recognized Kirstyn Weibert, a fifth-grade science and social studies teacher at the Santa Fe 5/6 Center, as the district's elementary nominee for the Kansas Teacher of the Year program. Santa Fe principal Belinda Preston introduced Weibert, praising her ability to see the best in every child and her dedication to building meaningful relationships that help students reach their full potential. Preston also highlighted Weibert's leadership among her peers, noting her trusted voice on the building leadership team and her collaborative spirit.

Chisholm's Kimberly Tate named district's secondary Teacher of the Year nominee

NEWTON, Kan. — Kimberly Tate, a seventh-grade math teacher at Chisholm Middle School, was honored Monday as the district's secondary nominee for Kansas Teacher of the Year. Chisholm principals Tiffany Stephey and Petrina Griffitts praised Tate for her ability to meet students exactly where they are, whether they need extra support, lack confidence or require an advanced challenge. In addition to her classroom impact, Tate was commended for her leadership roles, which include serving on the building leadership team, acting as a seventh-grade team lead and mentoring new educators with empathy and a sense of humor.

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