Board hears four proposals for former district property housing development

Appraisal discrepancy sparks debate on land value

Bathroom design debated following TikTok vandalism challenges

Summer flooring renovations approved for Hays Middle School

Board approves iPad replacements for Hays Middle School

Board votes to table administrator contract updates amid debate over time off

Board requests cost breakdown for contracted cleaning services

State mental health funding cuts raise district concerns

Board hears four proposals for former district property housing development

HAYS, Kan. — The USD 489 Board of Education heard four developer pitches Monday for transforming the former Hays Middle School property into affordable workforce housing. Bidders included one developer, one construction firm, one real estate firm and one local contractor, with proposals ranging from 26 to over 70 residential units. The proposed single-family homes and duplexes primarily target the $175,000 to $300,000 price range to attract young families, teachers and essential workers. The board will revisit the proposals and potentially select a developer at its April 20 meeting.

Appraisal discrepancy sparks debate on land value

HAYS, Kan. — A substantial gap between the property's $630,000 appraised value and the developers' $200,000 to $250,000 purchase bids raised concerns during a recent USD 489 Board of Education meeting. GrowHays Executive Director Doug Williams addressed the board, explaining that the high appraisal reflects potential commercial value, which is unlikely for the residentially zoned plot. Williams and the developers emphasized that steep infrastructure costs — such as $1,200 per linear foot for utilities — make the housing projects unfeasible without land price negotiations, Rural Housing Incentive Districts or Neighborhood Revitalization Program tax rebates.

Bathroom design debated following TikTok vandalism challenges

HAYS, Kan. — Plans for a newly renovated elementary project sparked a debate over the number of bathrooms in first-grade classrooms and ongoing vandalism of restrooms across the district. Proposals for two restrooms per first-grade classroom to reduce student accidents were discussed, pushing back against the proposed single-bathroom layout. The discussion shifted to maintenance issues, with officials noting that flush valves in several traditional bathrooms have been severely vandalized due to the "Devious Licks" TikTok challenge, leaving only gender-neutral and private bathrooms operational in some buildings.

Summer flooring renovations approved for Hays Middle School

HAYS, Kan. — A $184,560 quote from Viztum Commercial Flooring was unanimously approved to complete the next phase of summer renovations at Hays Middle School. The project covers new flooring for all classrooms and includes an alternate option for the cafeteria. District officials noted that if the concrete beneath the cafeteria's existing tile is found to be in good condition, they may opt to polish the concrete instead of laying new tile, which would significantly lower the final cost.

Board approves iPad replacements for Hays Middle School

HAYS, Kan. — The USD 489 Board of Education unanimously approved a four-year lease to replace student and staff iPads at Hays Middle School with new 11th-generation models equipped with touchpads. Despite exploring a switch to laptops, building staff overwhelmingly preferred to stick with iPads due to their stylus capabilities and world-facing cameras. The district plans to partner with a recycling company to offload the surplus seventh-generation devices, expecting to recoup $40 to $50 per unit.

Board votes to table administrator contract updates amid debate over time off

HAYS, Kan. — The USD 489 Board of Education voted 5-2 to table a discussion regarding language updates to administrator and director contracts. Proposed changes had sparked debate over time-off provisions — specifically 22 vacation days and 14 sick days — which some compared unfavorably to the benefits provided to teachers who manage large classrooms daily. Supporters countered that higher-level administrative positions carry different operational responsibilities and that the benefits are standard for 260-day contracts in similar-sized Kansas school districts.

Board requests cost breakdown for contracted cleaning services

HAYS, Kan. — Following recent changes to the district's cleaning operations, a detailed cost comparison between in-house custodial staff and contracted services was requested for review. District officials explained that third-party vendors have been utilized to fill labor gaps left by unfilled custodial positions. A map of current vendor responsibilities and a historical cost analysis will evaluate the financial efficiency of outsourcing over the past two years.

State mental health funding cuts raise district concerns

HAYS, Kan. — During a legislative update, Superintendent Ron Wilson warned about a recent $6 million statewide cut to the Mental Health Intervention Team program. While special education funding will see a $6 million increase statewide following the end of the legislative session, the reduction poses a significant threat to a program that has seen high success within the district. District officials are in a holding pattern to determine how the state's budget cuts will specifically impact local mental health resources.

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