Takeaways from USD 418 school board meeting
February 9, 2026
Superintendent warns of special education funding shortfall
State enrollment drop could free up education funds
Board reviews proposal for industry-funded manufacturing curriculum
District pauses cell phone policy discussion pending state action
Board ratifies teacher contract agreement in split vote
Consultant to gather input on elementary boundary changes
Superintendent warns of special education funding shortfall
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Superintendent Shiloh Vincent warned the Board of Education Monday of a potential special education funding crisis, reporting that while the governor proposed a $50.6 million increase, the House K-12 budget recommendation currently stands at only $10 million, a gap that forces the district to divert general funds from employee compensation and local programs to meet the statutory 92 percent threshold for excess costs.
State enrollment drop could free up education funds
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Highlighting a discrepancy between predicted and actual student enrollment, Superintendent Shiloh Vincent told the board that a statewide drop of approximately 9,000 students has left more than $100 million in allocated funds unspent, money he argued should be redirected to cover special education shortfalls rather than returning to the state's general fund.
Board reviews proposal for industry-funded manufacturing curriculum
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The USD 418 Board of Education reviewed a proposal to implement the industry-funded Partnership Response in Manufacturing Education (PRIME) program at McPherson High School, which MIDC Executive Director Kasi Morales and SME Education Foundation representatives stated would provide equipment and curriculum for certifications in robotics, CAD, and precision measurement at no cost to the district beyond facilities and staffing.
District pauses cell phone policy discussion pending state action
MCPHERSON, Kan. — District administration has paused the development of a local cell phone policy to await the outcome of a potential state "bell-to-bell" ban currently under consideration by the Kansas Legislature, with Superintendent Shiloh Vincent advising the board to ensure any local regulations align with forthcoming statutory requirements to avoid immediate revisions.
Board ratifies teacher contract agreement in split vote
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Following an executive session regarding negotiations, the Board of Education voted 5-1 to ratify an agreement with the local teachers' bargaining unit that maintains the current schedule of days and minutes through the 2027-28 school year.
Consultant to gather input on elementary boundary changes
MCPHERSON, Kan. — As the district proceeds with an elementary boundary study to balance enrollment, consultant Rob Schwartz of RSP & Associates is scheduled to lead upcoming community input sessions, with a final recommendation expected to be presented to the board on March 9.
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