> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.citizenjournal.us/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Takeaways from McPherson USD 418 School Board Meeting - URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/takeaways-from-mcpherson-usd-418-school-board-meeting-18/ - Published: 2026-11-10T13:33:39.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-10T13:59:53.000Z - Description: Week of November 10, 2026 - Author: Cronkite - Tags: McPherson County, #summary, dnn # Board retroactively approves bleacher purchase following process debate # Board approves additional paid day for classified staff following tragedy # District looks to amend student search policy for safety # Jobs for America's Graduates program expanding to middle school # Elementary orchestra program could return to McPherson schools # Board anticipates future town hall on district-owned properties # District to host legislative luncheon to discuss school finance # Middle school students showcase Leadworthy curriculum # District monitors capital outlay as community donations pour in --- ### Board retroactively approves bleacher purchase following process debate MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson USD 418 Board of Education voted 7-0 to retroactively approve finishing the football stadium bleachers out of bond funds, but not without debate over the approval process. The purchase, which will bring stadium seating to 1,825 by March, was initially authorized by the board's facilities committee. The board questioned the practice of a committee approving significant bond expenditures, estimated at over $845,000, without prior notification to the full board. Superintendent Dr. Cody Rierson clarified that future major projects requiring bids will come before the full board, and the board ultimately affirmed the committee's decision. --- ### Board approves additional paid day for classified staff following tragedy MCPHERSON, Kan. — The board voted unanimously to pay classified staff for the Monday, Oct. 26 school closure without requiring them to use their single allotted snow day. The district closed schools that day to accommodate the funeral for 6-year-old McPherson student Cole Adrian, who died along with 35-year-old Nicholas Schafer in an Oct. 17 crash at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita. The closure allowed staff to attend the service but created a significant staff shortage. By granting the exception, the board ensured classified employees would not lose their snow day benefit heading into the winter season. Officials noted the estimated $70,000 cost is already accounted for in the budget and that keeping the snow day in place mitigates future administrative challenges. --- ### District looks to amend student search policy for safety MCPHERSON, Kan. — The school board reviewed a proposed amendment to the student handbook policy regarding bag searches. The update to policy number eight will specify that school staff or a school resource officer, rather than the student, will empty a student's bag during a search. The change was prompted by an incident at a different, unnamed school district where a student pulled a dangerous item from their bag while emptying it themselves. The board plans to officially vote on the policy change at its December meeting. --- ### Jobs for America's Graduates program expanding to middle school MCPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson Middle School will begin trialing the Jobs for America's Graduates-Kansas program this spring to build student leadership and career readiness. The program, which boasts a nearly 99 percent national graduation rate, focuses on helping students overcome challenges and recognize future job opportunities. The spring 2027 trial will come at no additional cost to the district, with initial payments of $12,000 annually scheduled to begin the following school year, in 2027-2028. --- ### Elementary orchestra program could return to McPherson schools MCPHERSON, Kan. — District principals are exploring the possibility of reviving the fifth-grade orchestra and strings program, which was discontinued following the COVID-19 pandemic. Superintendent Dr. Cody Rierson reported that the initiative was brought forward by a teacher and a principal and would not require hiring any additional staff. While discussions are ongoing regarding how the program would operate at each elementary school, officials indicated a clear plan could be presented by the end of the school year. --- ### Board anticipates future town hall on district-owned properties MCPHERSON, Kan. — In response to growing community inquiries, the board is beginning discussions regarding the future of various district-owned lands and properties. The board noted receiving multiple questions from taxpayers specifically regarding the McPherson Middle School property. The board plans to review property strategies in upcoming work sessions and suggested hosting a town hall meeting in the future to gather community input before making any major decisions regarding taxpayer-owned land. --- ### District to host legislative luncheon to discuss school finance MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson school board will host a legislative luncheon on Dec. 10 to engage with newly elected state officials on key education issues. Sen. Michael A. Fagg, state Rep. Lori Shultz and State Board of Education member Dusty Brown are scheduled to attend. The board plans to prioritize dialogue on special education funding, the impact of new at-risk funding requirements and general school finance, aiming for a two-way exchange to advocate for local district needs. --- ### Middle school students showcase Leadworthy curriculum MCPHERSON, Kan. — Students from McPherson Middle School presented the impacts of their Leadworthy class, a semester-long curriculum focused on leadership, empathy and personal development. Teacher Kurtis Kinnamon and several students shared how the program emphasizes public speaking, self-control and supporting peers through trauma and grief. The students also highlighted their community service efforts, which include stocking a local "blessing box" with hygiene items for community members in need. --- ### District monitors capital outlay as community donations pour in MCPHERSON, Kan. — District administrators reported they are keeping a close eye on capital outlay expenses, strategically holding off on smaller maintenance projects to preserve funds for larger bond initiatives like parking lot and stair renovations. Meanwhile, the board unanimously approved a series of community donations, including a contingency fund from First Presbyterian Church for elementary students in need, an anonymous donation split among McPherson High School arts programs and substantial funding from the McPherson Bullpup Booster Club. --- [Click here for local obituaries](https://cjus.me/mcj-obit?ref=citizenjournal.us) [Click here for local jail logs](https://cjus.me/mcj-jail?ref=citizenjournal.us) --- --- Found a mistake? 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