Takeaways from Ark City USD 470 School Board Meeting
Week of June 12, 2026
Board approves tentative contract with teachers union
District faces 12% hike in property and liability insurance
Workers' compensation premium spikes for upcoming school year
Bond projects set to begin at local elementary schools
Board advances plans for new Jefferson Elementary playground
Board reviews proposed changes to cell phone and graduation policies
High school track athletes honored for state performances
Board approves tentative contract with teachers union
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Arkansas City Board of Education approved a tentative negotiated agreement with the Arkansas City Teachers Association for the 2026-27 school year at its June 8 meeting. The proposed contract features an increase in the non-indexed salary amount from $2,750 to $3,000, continued step and column movement and an increase in the paid leave buyback rate. Additionally, the agreement introduces a revised calendar that grants students and staff a full week off for Thanksgiving. The contract, which carries an estimated cost increase of 1.89%, now awaits a final ratification vote by union members.
District faces 12% hike in property and liability insurance
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — The board approved the annual renewal of the district's property, liability and student accident insurance policies for the 2026-27 school year, absorbing a significant cost increase. Property and liability premiums will rise by approximately 12%, jumping from $522,600 to $584,600. Additionally, student accident insurance will see a 3% increase, bringing the cost to roughly $37,300 for the upcoming academic year.
Workers' compensation premium spikes for upcoming school year
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Arkansas City Public Schools will see its workers' compensation insurance premium increase by nearly 60% for the 2026-27 school year. The board approved the renewal through the Kansas Association of School Boards, with the annual premium rising from approximately $90,500 to $143,300. District officials noted the program also provides the district with safety training, risk management support and legal assistance for claims.
Bond projects set to begin at local elementary schools
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Representatives from McCownGordon Construction and Schaefer Architecture presented an update on the district's bond projects, highlighting upcoming design and construction work at Adams and Roosevelt elementary schools. The projects will feature new secure entrances, office renovations and initial technology infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving school safety and visitor check-in procedures. Bids are expected this month with board recommendations anticipated in July, keeping construction on track to begin during the 2026-27 school year before efforts shift to Arkansas City Middle School and a new early childhood center.
Board advances plans for new Jefferson Elementary playground
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — The board authorized a request for proposals to design and construct a new playground at Jefferson Elementary. District administrators will oversee the bidding process and expect to review the submitted proposals and present a final recommendation to the board later this summer.
Board reviews proposed changes to cell phone and graduation policies
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Board members completed a first reading of several district policy updates recommended by the Kansas Association of School Boards. The proposed adjustments address attendance, graduation requirements, staff social media use and student cell phone regulations to align with recent state and federal law changes. The policies will be brought back for further review and potential formal adoption at a future meeting.
High school track athletes honored for state performances
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — The board recognized Arkansas City High School track and field athletes for securing six medals at the Kansas State High School Activities Association 5A State Track and Field Championships. Because the KSHSAA awards medals to the top eight finishers in each event, the team brought home six medals overall. Senior Karson Palmer led the Bulldogs with silver medals in both the shot put and discus. Junior Harper Webb earned runner-up finishes in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes and placed fourth in the 400-meter, while senior Gabby Banta took fourth place in the discus.
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