The USD 470 Board of Education was advised Monday that including prayer at board meetings would present a significant constitutional risk, according to guidance from the district’s legal counsel.
Counsel told board members that school board meetings differ from city or county meetings because students are frequently present and involved, making the issue legally sensitive. A neutral alternative, such as a moment of silence, was discussed.
Following that discussion, the board approved several personnel actions, including the resignation of Tyler Henderson as head girls basketball coach at Arkansas City High School. Blake McDonald was named interim head coach for the remainder of the season. The board also accepted the resignation of Elizabeth Ochoa, a second-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary.
Board members also addressed the district’s voter-approved bond issue, authorizing administrators to lock in interest rates and proceed with selling the remaining bonds after Jan. 15. Financial advisor Greg Vahrenburg of Raymond James said the remaining bonds are expected to be issued at a lower average interest rate than originally projected, allowing the district to deliver promised improvements at or below anticipated costs.
Several policy updates recommended by the Kansas Association of School Boards were approved, including clarifications on executive sessions, board membership language, graduation requirements and updates to human sexuality education terminology. Policies addressing the use of artificial intelligence in schools and the handling of controversial issues in classrooms were tabled for further review.
The board approved more than $248,000 in purchases to support district operations, including four district vehicles totaling $208,446 and a new forklift costing $40,555.
At the high school level, board members reviewed proposed course changes for the 2026–2027 school year, including adding non-competitive debating and speaking, fundamental geometry, and a U.S. wars and military conflicts course. Music appreciation would be removed under the proposal. No action was taken.
The board authorized the district to apply for continued Head Start funding for the 2026–2027 school year and received updates on technology improvements through the federal E-Rate program, which is expected to cover 80 percent of internal network costs.
Multiple executive sessions were held, including discussions related to the superintendent search and non-elected personnel. No action followed.