The Arkansas City Board of Education has approved $3.35 million in heating and cooling improvements at Adams and Roosevelt elementary schools as part of the district’s voter-approved bond projects.
The project includes replacing 31 heating and cooling units — 22 at Adams and nine at Roosevelt — along with related electrical, roofing and plumbing work.
Winfield Plumbing and Heating was awarded the HVAC and plumbing contracts, while Linder and Associates Electric received the electrical contract.
Initial bids came in higher than anticipated, prompting district officials to work with construction and design teams to review costs and prioritize equipment replacements.
Those adjustments brought the project approximately $413,000 under its original Phase 1 budget. Equipment not replaced during this phase could be addressed in future improvements.
Construction is expected to begin in May 2027 and be completed before classes resume in August.
ACT Scores Reviewed
In other business, the board reviewed ACT performance at Arkansas City High School, where the average composite score declined slightly despite a significant increase in student participation.
During the 2025-26 school year, 151 students earned college-reportable ACT scores, with an average composite score of 18.2, compared with 18.6 the previous year. Nearly 50 more students took the test.
Reading was the strongest subject area, while math and English remain areas targeted for improvement.
The high school offers Saturday ACT workshops, a college test preparation course and additional practice opportunities.
Counselors also meet individually with juniors and seniors to discuss college, career and military options after graduation.
Other Business
The board also:
- Approved out-of-state travel for ACHS yearbook students and their sponsor to attend a workshop in Grapevine, Texas, April 30 through May 2, 2027. The district will pay only transportation and fuel expenses.
- Reviewed the district’s Capital Outlay budget as administrators develop a three- to five-year plan for facility improvements, equipment purchases, technology needs and unexpected repairs.
- Discussed potentially hiring a consultant to maximize federal E-Rate funding for internet and network improvements. The program currently covers 80% of eligible district costs.
- Heard a presentation from Chartwells, the district’s food service provider, on student engagement, nutrition education and improvements to meal quality.
- Approved the hiring of Kaley Gallegos Mendoza as an ESOL student assistance team member at ACHS, Bret Grose as assistant girls wrestling coach, Melissa Kollmeyer as assistant softball coach and Olivia Morrow as a prekindergarten student assistance team member at Adams.
- Accepted the resignations of district mechanic Joshua Fleig and Adams prekindergarten student assistance team member Crystal Snyder.
The board also met in executive session to discuss non-elected personnel. No action followed.
