New board member sworn in

Board reviews elementary boundary changes and school closure plans

Flood mitigation measures installed at high school 'Roundhouse'

Legislative update signals flat funding for upcoming year

District considers stricter 'away for the day' cellphone policy

New board member sworn in

McPHERSON, Kan. — The Board of Education officially welcomed Blaine Janssen as its newest member Monday. Janssen, who was elected to the position during the November general election, participated in his first full meeting and engaged in discussions regarding financial transparency and facility safety. He fills the seat previously held by Sherrie Sparks, who was appointed in 2023 to fill a vacancy but was not retained in the recent election.

Board reviews elementary boundary changes and school closure plans

McPHERSON, Kan. — The school board received a preliminary report from Gina Wallace of RSP & Associates regarding the district's transition from four elementary schools to three, which includes the repurposing of Eisenhower Elementary. Wallace presented data on enrollment trends and boundary criteria, noting that the district aims to balance enrollment while keeping neighborhoods intact. The board discussed potential "grandfathering" policies for students wishing to remain at their current schools during the transition slated for the 2026–27 school year. Community input meetings regarding the boundary concepts are scheduled for Feb. 10 and 11 to gather feedback from parents and patrons.

Flood mitigation measures installed at high school 'Roundhouse'

McPHERSON, Kan. — Superintendent Shiloh Vincent reported that the McPherson High School "Roundhouse" gymnasium is back in operation following the installation of a temporary flood wall and improved pumps. The board discussed the effectiveness of these interim measures, which are designed to protect the facility until a permanent solution can be implemented. Vincent clarified that a permanent fix depends on the outcome of the March 3 bond election; if the bond fails, the district will proceed with a previously approved retention pond expansion to address the drainage issues.

Legislative update signals flat funding for upcoming year

McPHERSON, Kan. — Superintendent Shiloh Vincent provided a legislative update, informing the board that state school funding for the next school year is expected to remain consistent with current levels. He noted that the Kansas Legislature has already established the funding formula for one more year, meaning no immediate changes are anticipated for the upcoming budget cycle. However, Vincent advised the board to closely monitor legislative sessions this spring for discussions that could impact school finance in future years.

District considers stricter 'away for the day' cellphone policy

McPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson High School Principal Audrey Herbst presented findings from a semester-long book study of "The Anxious Generation," recommending the district move toward a stricter cellphone policy. While the current high school policy uses a "pocket chart" system, Herbst noted that research supports an "away for the day" approach to improve mental health and reduce classroom distractions. The board discussed the potential impact of Kansas Senate Bill 302, which would mandate bell-to-bell bans on personal devices, with board members expressing a desire to implement a districtwide policy proactively rather than waiting for state mandates.

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