Superintendent's resignation accepted

District nears $1.75 million budget savings target

Food service department passes state audit

District approves elementary boundary changes in split vote

Architects outline post-bond construction timeline

Bond financing plan aims to keep tax promises

Community pushes back against potential orchestra cuts

Exploration of career-focused program approved

Superintendent's resignation accepted

McPHERSON, Kan. - The McPherson USD 418 Board of Education accepted the resignation of Superintendent Shiloh Vincent. The resignation will take effect at the end of the current school year. Vincent is resigning to assume the role of Executive Director at ESSDACK.

District nears $1.75 million budget savings target

McPHERSON, Kan. - Superintendent Shiloh Vincent reported that McPherson USD 418 has identified between $1.25 million and $1.3 million in potential savings for the 2026-27 school year, closing in on its $1.75 million target. The projected savings stem from operational efficiencies, natural staff attrition and reduced lease obligations following the recent bond passage. Vincent assured that a more concrete look at the anticipated budget savings will be presented in April.

Food service department passes state audit

McPHERSON, Kan. - McPherson USD 418's food service department passed a Kansas Department of Health and Environment audit with no financial penalties, according to Food Service Director Bill Froese. Despite reviewing over 700 pre-audit questions and overcoming significant departmental staffing shortages, the state required only minor procedural and documentation adjustments. Froese publicly commended staff for maintaining high standards and accurate reporting for the more than 1,000 students receiving financial assistance for meals.

District approves elementary boundary changes in split vote

McPHERSON, Kan. - The board voted 6-1 to approve the recommended boundary option for new elementary school attendance boundaries, a move necessitated by the future conversion of Eisenhower Elementary School into McPherson Middle School. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, approximately 75 percent of currently affected students will transition to Lincoln Elementary School, while 25 percent will move to Washington Elementary School. Board member Chelsea Busch dissented, citing concerns about projected enrollment at Lincoln Elementary School jumping to over 350 students and suggesting that Roosevelt Elementary School should absorb more of the shifted population to balance building capacities.

Architects outline post-bond construction timeline

McPHERSON, Kan. - Architects Duane Cash and Ashley Markley from incite Design Studio presented a preliminary design and construction schedule for McPherson USD 418's recently approved bond projects. Major construction on a McPherson High School addition is expected to last approximately 18 months, while McPherson Middle School renovations will go out for bid this fall. Work on the elementary schools will be phased over the next three summers, and discussions on hiring a construction manager to oversee the logistics are expected to begin at an upcoming facility committee meeting.

Bond financing plan aims to keep tax promises

McPHERSON, Kan. - Financial advisor Dustin Avey with Piper Sandler assured the board that the district is on track to deliver on its campaign promise of capping the bond's property tax impact at a maximum 4.75 mill increase. The district plans to sell bonds by early June and will leverage the funds to pay off existing equipment leases early, generating long-term savings. A detailed financial plan illustrating the early payoff structure will be presented to the public at a board meeting in mid-April.

Community pushes back against potential orchestra cuts

McPHERSON, Kan. - Following passionate pleas from parents and students during public comment, the potential cuts to the McPherson Middle School orchestra program were debated. Superintendent Shiloh Vincent clarified that the orchestra teacher position was temporarily left unfilled to evaluate potential budget savings, not as a finalized cut. Administration will explore other avenues for savings, emphasizing that preserving arts and academic programs must remain a priority despite declining enrollment.

Exploration of career-focused program approved

McPHERSON, Kan. - A two-year memorandum of understanding was approved to explore implementing a career-focused, project-based learning program, known as a Center for Advanced Professional Studies-style model. Funded entirely by the McPherson County Community Foundation at no cost to the district, the exploratory phase will partner with other county school districts to evaluate bringing real-world, project-based learning and local industry internships to high school juniors and seniors.

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