Board approves $16 million Kenneth Henderson Middle School expansion

Unexpected sewer failure adds cost to middle school project

District overhauls reading curriculum and adds dyslexia intervention

Plymell Elementary students raise $5,500 for local charity

Garden City FFA student advances to national competition

First-grade teacher nominated for Kansas Horizon Award

High school educators celebrated in Teacher of the Year program

1. Board approves $16 million Kenneth Henderson Middle School expansion

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — The board of education unanimously approved the final design and construction documents for a $16 million expansion at Kenneth Henderson Middle School. The project will add 13 classrooms and allow the integration of sixth-grade students into the building. The multiphase construction, scheduled to begin in early 2027 and conclude by July 2028, will include a 6,350-square-foot International Code Council 500-rated storm shelter that doubles as a wrestling and weight room, a new secure entryway and modernized cafeteria facilities. District officials noted the project is fully funded through capital outlay funds, requiring no property tax increase.

2. Unexpected sewer failure adds cost to middle school project

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — A major sewer line replacement will be added to the Kenneth Henderson Middle School expansion after scoping revealed impassable cast-iron pipes beneath the building. Architects reported they could only advance a camera a few feet down the west hallway's sewer line before hitting blockages. Rather than digging trenches through the school's interior — which would cause severe disruptions and cost roughly $500,000 — the board supported a plan to route a new sewer line outside the building for an estimated $250,000.

3. District overhauls reading curriculum and adds dyslexia intervention

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — Administrators outlined a major shift toward structured literacy to improve student reading comprehension and announced a new partnership with the Wichita-based Phillips Fundamental Learning Center to address dyslexia. Funded largely by grants, 86 teachers and paraprofessionals received specialized literacy training over the summer at no cost to the district. To further support struggling readers, the district also announced plans to hire a dedicated dyslexia intervention specialist for the upcoming academic year.

4. Plymell Elementary students raise $5,500 for local charity

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — Students from Plymell Elementary School's Student Lighthouse Team presented their recent community service achievements, highlighted by a highly successful fundraiser for the Leave a Legacy Foundation. The students organized a 1-mile legacy race at Lee Richardson Zoo, shattering their initial goal of $2,000 to raise $5,500 and collect 60 meal kits. The funds will support the Hope Table initiative, which provides nutritious meals for local patients receiving medical treatment.

5. Garden City FFA student advances to national competition

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — Garden City High School student Kealie Bryant was honored by the board as a national finalist in the National FFA Organization Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event. Bryant recited the FFA Creed for the board and answered questions regarding the future of agriculture. Bryant highlighted sustainability as the industry's greatest modern challenge, pointing specifically to the depletion of the Ogallala Aquifer in southwest Kansas as a critical issue for the next generation of agriculturists.

6. First-grade teacher nominated for Kansas Horizon Award

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — Addyson Bjurstrom, a first-grade educator at Abe Hubert Elementary School, was recognized as the district's nominee for the Kansas Horizon Award. The statewide award program, sponsored by the Kansas State Department of Education, honors exemplary first-year teachers who demonstrate outstanding promise and effectiveness in the classroom. Bjurstrom will be formally recognized at a state banquet in April.

7. High school educators celebrated in Teacher of the Year program

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — The district honored two local secondary educators for their recognition in the Kansas Teacher of the Year program. Garden City Achieve science teacher Kelly Myatt was introduced as the district's current nominee for the upcoming award cycle. The board also celebrated Garden City High School chemistry and engineering teacher Scott Glass, who was recently named a regional finalist in the program — marking the district's first finalist for the prestigious award in 25 years.

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