School construction projects tracking 10 percent over initial budget estimates

Schematic designs completed for high school and middle school additions

Redesign and relocation of high school CTE building approved

Summer facility improvements approved for three elementary schools

District implements stricter, state-mandated cell phone policy

McPherson High first in Kansas to secure SME PRIME manufacturing partnership

Head Start program meets full compliance in rigorous review

1. School construction projects tracking 10 percent over initial budget estimates

MCPHERSON, Kan. — Ongoing design plans for McPherson Public Schools' $89.5 million bond construction projects are currently estimating approximately 10 percent over budget, according to project architect Incite Design Studio. The firm noted that this is typical for the schematic design phase, as staff and administration "want everything at this point." A more accurate financial picture is expected once a construction manager is hired in late June. At that time, decisions will likely have to be made to prioritize non-negotiable features, such as required storm shelters and safety enhancements, to bring the project back into budget alignment.

2. Schematic designs completed for high school and middle school additions

MCPHERSON, Kan. — Schematic designs for both McPherson High School and McPherson Middle School additions are officially complete, moving the bond projects into the design development phase. The middle school design features a new flex theater that doubles as an International Code Council 500-rated storm shelter, a functional choice that contributed to the building design coming in about 3,000 square feet over initial expectations. The design also incorporates five entries along Wickersham Drive being streamlined into a safer, more controlled primary pickup and drop-off loop.

3. Redesign and relocation of high school CTE building approved

MCPHERSON, Kan. — A major shift in the McPherson High School construction plan was reviewed, moving the Career and Technical Education building to the front of the campus just south of the Performing Arts Center. Designed as a standalone, pre-cast concrete structure, the relocation will increase program visibility and prevent construction delays by allowing existing shop buildings to be vacated and demolished earlier. Despite concerns raised about the timeline for a pre-cast building, Incite Design Studio provided assurances the facility will feature a brick facade to blend with the main high school building and offer long-term durability.

4. Summer facility improvements approved for three elementary schools

MCPHERSON, Kan. — A $170,800 contract with Icon Structures was unanimously approved for summer facility improvements at Roosevelt, Washington and Lincoln elementary schools. The projects will address Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility requirements and create necessary office space as the district transitions from four elementary schools down to three for the upcoming academic year, a consolidation that involves the closure and repurposing of Eisenhower Elementary School. It was noted that while the majority of the permanent renovations will be paid for using bond funds, capital outlay funds will be targeted to cover the cost of a temporary principal's office at Lincoln Elementary.

5. District implements stricter, state-mandated cell phone policy

MCPHERSON, Kan. — Policy JCDC, establishing new regulations for student personal electronic communication devices, was unanimously approved. The policy aligns the district with new state statutes regarding cell phones in schools and will mandate stricter rules, particularly impacting high school juniors and seniors. The policy will be implemented on the first day of the upcoming school year, with specific enforcement and disciplinary procedures — including potential suspension or expulsion for repeated violations — to be outlined in the updated student handbooks.

6. McPherson High first in Kansas to secure SME PRIME manufacturing partnership

MCPHERSON, Kan. — According to the meeting agenda, McPherson High School is slated to become the first school in Kansas to partner with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers PRIME program following the unanimous approval of a three-year agreement. Funded by local industry partners, the program will provide equipment and training to enhance the district's manufacturing and robotics education. The partnership does not require the district to hire additional staff, but will instead train existing teachers to implement the advanced hands-on learning opportunities.

7. Head Start program meets full compliance in rigorous review

MCPHERSON, Kan. — The district's Head Start program received high praise during a recent comprehensive review, with administrators reporting zero areas of non-compliance. The Head Start team was publicly commended for their work in maintaining the program and securing the competitive grant, which ensures continued educational programming and family support for local 3- and 4-year-olds.

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