Takeaways from McPherson USD 418 School Board Meeting
Week of September 22, 2026
Board approves 2026-27 budget, keeps mill levy below bond promise
Bond construction town hall scheduled for Oct. 27
Student carpentry project pivots to ticket booth to save district funds
Board explores $33,000 gravel expansion for Lincoln Elementary parking
Pay increases approved for aides, bus driver raises tabled
District reports anticipated enrollment drop on official Count Day
Head Start program nears capacity amid federal funding concerns
District considers Raptor visitor management system for school safety
New cell phone policy yields positive results across district
Board approves 2026-27 budget, keeps mill levy below bond promise
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson USD 418 Board of Education unanimously approved its 2026-27 budget, citing a fulfilled promise to taxpayers. During the 2026 bond election, the district committed to the community that the associated mill levy increase would not exceed 4.75 mills. District officials announced they successfully held the increase to 4.51 mills, prioritizing financial stability while remaining mindful of the tax burden on the community.
Bond construction town hall scheduled for Oct. 27
MCPHERSON, Kan. — A special town hall meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to update the public on the district's ongoing bond construction projects. The meeting aims to present finalized construction plans to the community, though the final venue is still to be determined. Officials emphasized that the event is strictly informational to show voters the progress of the projects they funded, rather than a session to gather new design feedback.
Student carpentry project pivots to ticket booth to save district funds
MCPHERSON, Kan. — A proposal for the McPherson High School carpentry class to build a $17,000 storage shed using capital outlay funds was heavily scrutinized by the McPherson USD 418 Board of Education. Looking for a more immediate financial benefit, the board suggested the students construct a new ticket booth instead. A student-built booth would allow the district to terminate its monthly rental agreement for a modular ticket booth currently used at athletic events. The board requested further information on logistics before giving final approval.
Board explores $33,000 gravel expansion for Lincoln Elementary parking
MCPHERSON, Kan. — To address chronic overflow parking issues at Lincoln Elementary School, the McPherson USD 418 Board of Education is exploring a $33,000 project to add a gravel parking area. Currently, up to 12 vehicles regularly park on the grass due to a lack of space. While fully paving the area would cost over $100,000 due to underlying drainage and freezing issues, the district will first consult with the City of McPherson to ensure a gravel lot is permitted and will not cause loose rock to wash into city storm drains.
Pay increases approved for aides, bus driver raises tabled
MCPHERSON, Kan. — In an effort to retain support staff, the McPherson USD 418 Board of Education voted 6-0, with one board member absent, to approve a $1-per-hour pay increase for library assistants and English as a Second Language aides who provide translation services. However, a proposal to raise the entry-level pay for CDL-licensed bus drivers to $16 an hour to combat a severe driver shortage was tabled. The board requested more comparative data from neighboring districts and a broader budget analysis before adjusting transportation department wages.
District reports anticipated enrollment drop on official Count Day
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Superintendent Dr. Cody Rierson reported that preliminary Count Day numbers show a decrease of approximately 70 students across McPherson USD 418, dropping from 2,094 to 2,023 students. The decline, primarily resulting from a large graduating class being replaced by a smaller incoming kindergarten class, was accurately predicted by the business office during the budgeting process. Despite the overall drop, officials are continuing to monitor class sizes to ensure balance across the district's elementary schools.
Head Start program nears capacity amid federal funding concerns
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson USD 418 Early Childhood program reported it is currently filling 105 of its 106 federally funded Head Start slots for McPherson and Marion counties. Early Childhood Director David Brock discussed two separate federal proposals: a rulemaking change that would reduce Head Start compliance standards by 90 percent to eliminate red tape, and potential federal budget cuts of $2.2 billion nationwide. District officials are closely monitoring the proposals and public comment periods, noting that up to 94 percent of the local program's budget goes directly to essential staff salaries and benefits.
District considers Raptor visitor management system for school safety
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson USD 418 Board of Education debated implementing the Raptor visitor management system, a $5,000 annual software program that would require visitors to scan a government-issued ID before entering school buildings. The system instantly checks visitors against sex offender and violent offender registries. While recognizing the security benefits, the board expressed concerns about the loss of a welcoming atmosphere and the potential friction with patrons who may refuse to provide ID. The board delayed a final decision, directing the administration to seek community feedback before a potential rollout next semester.
New cell phone policy yields positive results across district
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Anecdotal feedback from administrators, teachers and students indicates McPherson USD 418's new restrictive cell phone policy is proving successful. Superintendent Dr. Cody Rierson noted that the policy has been widely adhered to in classrooms and has noticeably changed the school culture for the better. Staff members reported that students are actively engaging in face-to-face conversations with their peers during lunch and free periods, rather than looking at their screens.
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