Takeaways from Hays USD 489 Education Board Meeting
Week of September 9, 2026
Hays USD 489 Board of Education votes to exceed revenue neutral tax rate
Hays USD 489 budget approved following needs assessment debate
Hays USD 489 Board of Education initiates process to close Rockwell Administration Center
Finishing touches underway for school bond projects
Hays USD 489 adds assistant volleyball coach to prevent roster cuts
Hays USD 489 Board of Education pushes for measurable goals on chronic absenteeism
Commerce Bank marketing MOU approved
Hays USD 489 Board of Education votes to exceed revenue neutral tax rate
HAYS, Kan. — The Hays USD 489 Board of Education voted 5-2 to exceed the revenue neutral tax rate for the upcoming school year to support the district's capital outlay fund. Board members who opposed the measure expressed concerns about asking taxpayers to pay more as property values continue to rise, questioning a roughly $41,000 increase in the 18-month budget. Administrators defended the move, noting that a carryover of roughly $1.5 million to $2 million is necessary to manage cash flow before the bulk of tax revenues arrive in January.
Hays USD 489 budget approved following needs assessment debate
HAYS, Kan. — Following the revenue neutral rate hearing, the Hays USD 489 Board of Education approved the district's annual budget, which features a proposed tax levy of $23.2 million, in a 5-2 vote. The approval followed a debate over the visibility and formatting of the Kansas state-mandated building needs assessments, with some board members requesting the specific statutory forms detailing barriers to student success. Administrators confirmed the assessment data was utilized to build the budget, directing funds toward certified and classified staff interventions to overcome those obstacles.
Hays USD 489 Board of Education initiates process to close Rockwell Administration Center
HAYS, Kan. — The Hays USD 489 Board of Education approved a resolution of intent to close the Rockwell Administration Center as a special education and administrative facility by the summer of 2027, passing the measure 5-2. Discussions highlighted the building's deteriorating condition, including plumbing leaks and electrical issues, justifying the need to liquidate the asset. Opposing board members raised concerns about the timeline and the lack of a concrete relocation plan for the district's maintenance and grounds shop, which currently operates out of the building. The district anticipates that special education and administrative offices will relocate to the former Wilson Elementary School.
Finishing touches underway for school bond projects
HAYS, Kan. — Superintendent Ron Wilson provided an update on the district's ongoing $148 million bond construction projects, noting that while ribbon-cutting ceremonies were successful, minor finishing touches remain at facilities including O'Loughlin Elementary and Felten Elementary. Outstanding work includes installing acoustical panels for sound absorption in the cafeteria and art room, completing the installation of fire-rated corridor doors, finishing remaining flooring and completing system testing and balancing.
Hays USD 489 adds assistant volleyball coach to prevent roster cuts
HAYS, Kan. — The Hays USD 489 Board of Education unanimously approved a one-year trial to add a fourth assistant volleyball coach at Hays High School at a cost of $2,497. The addition allows the athletic department to field two C-teams and avoid cutting up to nine players of similar talent levels. Administrators supported the request, noting that keeping students engaged in extracurricular activities is one of the highest indicators of future graduation success.
Hays USD 489 Board of Education pushes for measurable goals on chronic absenteeism
HAYS, Kan. — During a review of the superintendent's goals for the year, board members requested more specific, measurable metrics targeting chronic absenteeism. Administrators clarified the difference between truancy, which involves a specific number of unexcused absences, and chronic absenteeism, which is defined as missing 10 percent of the 180-day school year for any reason. Superintendent Ron Wilson agreed to refine his goals to reflect concrete strategies for keeping students in the classroom.
Commerce Bank marketing MOU approved
HAYS, Kan. — In a 5-1 vote, the Hays USD 489 Board of Education approved a memorandum of understanding with Commerce Bank for classroom-level marketing and sponsorship opportunities. A board member abstained from the vote due to a conflict of interest. Administrators assured the board that all signage will be minimalistic and uniform, strictly adhering to marketing committee guidelines to maintain a focus on learning.
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