The USD 470 Board of Education recognized student and staff accomplishments, approved the sale of general obligation bonds and took action on policies, personnel and future projects during its most recent meeting.
As part of a good news report, the board recognized December Top DAWGS for their dedication to students and colleagues. The board also celebrated Arkansas City High School sophomore Chloe Cales, who was elected KAY Region 6 president.
Additional recognitions included Logan Caywood, ACHS choir director and a semifinalist for the CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence Award; MJ Harper, who recently served as a Southeast Kansas Music Educators Association middle school choir clinician; and Anthony Moore, an ACHS senior selected for the all-state honor orchestra. Continue story below ad.
The board approved the sale of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026. District officials reported strong investor interest in the bond sale, allowing interest rates to be lowered. The final true interest cost is expected to be about 4.43 percent, well below the 5.08 percent rate previously shared with voters, reducing overall borrowing costs for the district.
Board members also approved several policy updates recommended by the Kansas Association of School Boards to ensure district policies remain current, aligned with state law and consistent with best practices. Approved updates included policies addressing the use of artificial intelligence, religion in curriculum and school-sponsored activities, religious objections to activities, enrollment of nonresident students, the district’s bullying prevention plan and placement decisions for adult students seeking a diploma.
Two policies — addressing controversial issues and school visitors — were tabled for further discussion.
In personnel action, the board accepted the resignations or retirements of Bryanna Butler, bus aide; Shila Greathouse, Student Assistance Team member at Jefferson Elementary; and Aubrey Stangl, bus aide. Approved hires included Chelsea Crull, Student Assistance Team member at C-4; Phillips Lewis, middle school custodian; and Nicole Harper, middle school assistant track coach.
In other business, the board approved committee and warrant review assignments for the coming months and authorized the district to release a request for proposals for E-Rate Category 2 network equipment. The project is part of the district’s multi-year internal network replacement cycle, with the federal E-Rate program expected to cover 80 percent of eligible costs.
Board members approved proposed non-career and technical education course changes at ACHS for the 2026–2027 school year, including the addition of Non-Competitive Debating and Speaking, Fundamental Geometry, and U.S. Wars and Military Conflicts. Music Appreciation was approved for removal following the annual course review process.
The board received updates on current state legislative activity, bond-funded construction planning, technology purchases for the 2025–2026 school year, and the district’s Driver’s Education program. Members also reviewed conceptual designs for secure entry improvements at Adams and Roosevelt elementary schools aimed at improving visitor management and school safety.
The board held executive sessions related to non-elected personnel and a complaint and approved a one-year contract extension for all building administrators under current terms.