Board approves $7.7 million in construction bids for school improvements

District faces $10 million in capital outlay requests with $1.7 million budget

Board members voice frustration over state education funding levels

Newton's special education population outpaces state average, raising funding concerns

District benchmark assessments predict 32 percent proficiency in math and reading

High school considers new courses including Holocaust studies and Advanced Placement Seminar

Board unanimously approves superintendent's contract

Board President Ian Long receives gold award for leadership

Board approves $7.7 million in construction bids for school improvements

NEWTON, Kan. - The Newton Board of Education approved construction manager at risk bids totaling over $7.7 million for three major district construction projects. The approved guaranteed maximum prices include $1,797,281 for Cooper Early Education Center, $1,348,945 for improvements across Northridge, Slate Creek, South Breeze and Sunset elementary schools and $4,621,594 for Chisholm Middle School. A Simpson Construction representative reported that the projects are currently $90,000 under budget, with mobilization and fencing expected to begin at some sites by early December.

District faces $10 million in capital outlay requests with $1.7 million budget

NEWTON, Kan. - The Newton Board of Education held a first reading for the 2027-28 capital outlay requests, revealing a massive gap between requested facility needs and available funds. Building administrators submitted 107 requests totaling over $10 million, while the district has only $1.725 million set aside for critical improvements. District officials are asking administrators to prioritize their lists—which include over $1 million in technology needs and a future track resurfacing project—before the board takes final action to approve the budget in December.

Board members voice frustration over state education funding levels

NEWTON, Kan. - Following the Kansas Association of School Boards convention, frustration was publicly voiced regarding the state legislature's failure to fully fund public education. Arguments were presented that the district is frequently forced to use general funds to cover special education costs because state funding is operating closer to 65 percent rather than the targeted 92 percent to 100 percent. Continued local advocacy was urged to ensure schools receive the resources necessary to support all students without draining operational budgets.

Newton's special education population outpaces state average, raising funding concerns

NEWTON, Kan. - Data was reviewed showing the district's special education population has reached approximately 22 percent, notably higher than the state average of 17 percent. The higher identification rate sparked concerns regarding proposed changes to the state's per-pupil funding formula, which could reduce the dollar amount provided to the district for students over the 17 percent threshold. It was also noted that surrounding districts are experiencing an increase in special education students despite overall enrollment declines.

District benchmark assessments predict 32 percent proficiency in math and reading

NEWTON, Kan. - The district's first round of benchmark assessment data predicts a combined 32 percent proficiency rate in math and English language arts for grades three through 10. While ELA proficiency increased slightly compared to previous years, administrators noted a concerning increase in students scoring at the lowest tier, Level 1. Teachers will participate in facilitator training this week to analyze the data and adjust instruction before the next assessment window opens in early December.

High school considers new courses including Holocaust studies and Advanced Placement Seminar

NEWTON, Kan. - Several new course proposals for the 2027-28 school year were presented to the Newton Board of Education, featuring new career and technical education pathways and specialized electives. Proposed additions at Newton High School include a Holocaust and genocide studies course, a graphic novel class for seniors and an Advanced Placement Seminar course that would replace the current sophomore honors English class. The proposals will be reviewed as a first reading before a final vote on the curriculum additions is taken next month.

Board unanimously approves superintendent's contract

NEWTON, Kan. - The Newton Board of Education approved the renewal of Superintendent Fred Van Ranken's contract during Monday's meeting with a 6-0 vote, as one of the seven board members was absent. A remote vote was cast to make the final tally 6-0 in favor of the approval. Van Ranken was congratulated following the vote, and excitement was expressed about continuing collaborative work for the district's future.

Board President Ian Long receives gold award for leadership

NEWTON, Kan. - Newton Board of Education President Ian Long was recognized for receiving the Helio Achievement Award at the Gold level from the Kansas Association of School Boards. The award honors commitment to professional growth, continuous learning and effective school board leadership. In addition to the award, Long recently graduated from the KASB Leadership for Tomorrow program and will continue serving on the organization's board of directors.

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