Takeaways from Newton USD 373 School Board Meeting
Week of October 13, 2026
Enrollment decline threatens $600,000 in state funding
Board pushes for extension of school finance formula
District explores unified "Railer" mascot for all schools
Mascot debate sparks call for inclusivity and copyright review
Board approves $13,100 in community donations
Cooper Early Education Center reaches full enrollment
Students to take center stage at Taste of Newton
Enrollment decline threatens $600,000 in state funding
NEWTON, Kan. — Preliminary enrollment numbers for Newton Public Schools show a decrease of approximately 70 full-time equivalent students, which could result in a $600,000 reduction in state aid next year. District officials noted that funding is based on the higher enrollment of the current or previous year. Unless the Kansas Legislature increases the base state aid per pupil — currently set at $5,778 — to offset the decline, the district will face a significant funding shortfall.
Board pushes for extension of school finance formula
NEWTON, Kan. — The Newton USD 373 Board of Education is advocating for a two-year extension of the current Kansas school finance formula, which is set to sunset on July 1. Board members expressed concern over proposed changes in Topeka, noting that untested new formulas or the introduction of school voucher programs could be detrimental to the district's budget. District leaders are actively meeting with state lawmakers, including Sen. Stephen Owens and Rep. Avery Anderson, urging them to maintain the current formula to protect public education funding.
District explores unified "Railer" mascot for all schools
NEWTON, Kan. — The Newton USD 373 Board of Education initiated discussions about unifying the district's mascot so that all elementary and middle schools share the Newton High School moniker. Board members debated whether the official name is historically the "Railroaders" or the more commonly used "Railers," and noted that standardizing the mascot could foster district-wide community pride. Building site councils have been directed to review the proposal, gather feedback from staff and students and assess potential signage and stationery costs before the board revisits the issue in January.
Mascot debate sparks call for inclusivity and copyright review
NEWTON, Kan. — As the district considers a unified mascot, board members raised questions about the inclusivity and official licensing of the "Railer Man" logo. Discussions highlighted a desire to modernize the imagery to ensure all students — including women — can see themselves represented in the mascot. Additionally, officials noted that the original, hand-drawn "Railer Man" logo is currently uncopyrighted and used without formal licensing agreements by local vendors, prompting a debate on whether the district should create an officially licensed, vector-based logo to control its distribution.
Board approves $13,100 in community donations
NEWTON, Kan. — The Newton USD 373 Board of Education unanimously approved $13,100 in community gifts and grants to support local students and teachers. The nine separate donations, provided by local businesses and organizations including the Harvey County Farm Bureau, will fund scholarships and travel for Newton High School's Career and Technical Education programs, National FFA Organization and Science Olympiad. Board members praised the community's ongoing generosity in supporting school initiatives.
Cooper Early Education Center reaches full enrollment
NEWTON, Kan. — The Cooper Early Education Center, which houses the countywide Head Start program, has reached full enrollment for the academic year. With the facility operating at capacity, a board committee report highlighted a growing need for community support. The center is currently seeking volunteers and donations of hygiene products, clothing and weekend food bags to assist students in need, and those interested in contributing can contact the school at 316-284-6510.
Students to take center stage at Taste of Newton
NEWTON, Kan. — The Newton USD 373 Board of Education encouraged the community to attend the Taste of Newton event on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown Newton between Fifth and Eighth streets to support local students. Various district clubs, organizations and music groups will host booths at the downtown festival. Board members highlighted the event as an excellent opportunity for the community to engage with students and experience the district's extracurricular programs firsthand.
Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:
