District responds to Canvas security issue

Superintendent clarifies police contact data at O'Loughlin Elementary

Board approves middle school renovation bids in split vote

Split vote authorizes $275,000 for elementary school furniture

Board approves 5-cent increase for school lunches

Tentative agreement reduces professional development days

1. District responds to Canvas security issue

HAYS, Kan. - Unified School District 489 officials temporarily severed external data connections to Canvas, the district's learning management system for secondary students, following reports of a potential security issue affecting the platform. District administrators reported no evidence of a data breach beyond basic student contact information and usernames. The district is working closely with its cyber insurance carrier and legal counsel to complete a forensic investigation and ensure any required notifications are made as systems are securely restored.

2. Superintendent clarifies police contact data at O'Loughlin Elementary

HAYS, Kan. - Superintendent Ron Wilson addressed recent public comments regarding 58 reported police contacts at O'Loughlin Elementary, clarifying that only one incident required an officer to assist with a student who had left campus. Wilson explained the remaining incidents on the Hays Police Department logs were nearby traffic stops and self-initiated community policing visits under a community policing partnership. Wilson emphasized that there is no over-reliance on law enforcement for student discipline at any district building.

3. Board approves middle school renovation bids in split vote

HAYS, Kan. - The board of education approved $200,788.80 in bids to complete renovations at Hays Middle School, passing the measure 5-1. The contracts with Pabst Construction, JDR, Glassman, and Ironclad Concrete Coating cover new flooring, interior painting, and bathroom upgrades. Concerns were raised during the meeting regarding proposals lacking itemized costs and competitive bidding. District administrators countered that three of the four vendors were matching prices established during previous bond work.

4. Split vote authorizes $275,000 for elementary school furniture

HAYS, Kan. - In a 5-1 vote, the board authorized up to $275,000 from the district's five-year capital outlay plan to purchase new furniture for O'Loughlin and Felten Elementary Schools. Administrators requested a "not to exceed" approval without an exact quote, citing pending shipping and installation calculations from vendor Circadia. While concerns were raised over the approval of unfinalized figures, the measure was ultimately advanced to combat rising freight costs and inflation, with staff noting the cooperative pre-bid purchase includes a lifetime warranty.

5. Board approves 5-cent increase for school lunches

HAYS, Kan. - School lunch prices will rise by 5 cents for the upcoming academic year following a unanimous board vote. Superintendent Ron Wilson noted that dramatic increases in wholesale food prices would ideally require a 10-cent hike, but administrators recommended the smaller increase to minimize the financial impact on district families. All other school fees will remain unchanged from the previous year.

6. Tentative agreement reduces professional development days

HAYS, Kan. - A tentative negotiation agreement will reduce the number of teacher professional development days from 10 to eight for the upcoming school year. The updated district calendar removes professional development days in March and December, which administrators noted are already shortened academic months. The board reviewed the updated schedule as part of the superintendent's district communications report, pending formal approval.

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