The Arkansas City school board has approved spending $34,385 to replace a failed pool heater at Arkansas City High School.
The board approved a contract with Waldorf Riley Heating Cooling and Plumbing during its Monday meeting. The new heater is expected to arrive in 40 to 75 days, with installation expected to take about seven days.
The project will be paid for through the district’s Capital Outlay fund. Once the work is complete, the pool can return to regular use by students and the community.
Several community members spoke to the board about the pool heater and expressed support for getting it repaired.
In other business, the board set Saturday, May 15, 2027, at 7 p.m. as the date and time for the ACHS commencement ceremony. Setting the date now will allow school officials to begin planning and provide information to seniors and their families. Continue story below ad.
The board also discussed the possibility of adding middle school soccer. District officials reviewed student interest, participation at surrounding schools and expected costs. Administration will continue studying whether adding the program is feasible.
Another proposal under consideration would allow students to personalize their assigned parking spaces with approved designs.
The proposed one-year pilot program would be voluntary and include a $10 donation. Guidelines would be established for designs, safety, cleanup and maintenance.
Board members also reviewed student participation in Cowley College concurrent enrollment courses and discussed efforts to make additional college-level courses available on the ACHS campus.
Adams Elementary students and staff gave a presentation on efforts to strengthen independent reading. The presentation included book checkout trends, student feedback and ways teachers are encouraging accountability and helping students develop stronger reading habits.
Adams Principal Rosann Meier also updated the board on bond construction at the school. She said work has been going well and praised the construction team for keeping school officials informed and minimizing disruptions to students and classroom time.
The board accepted a $300 donation from Cowley County to support school supply needs throughout the district.
Board members also reviewed recent student assessment results, district finances and plans for measuring staff climate. A staff survey is planned for October, with another expected in the spring.
The board approved updates to its Title I Programs policy to better align with current federal requirements and Kansas Association of School Boards recommendations.
In personnel action, the district hired Samantha Jubeck as an ESOL SAT at Frances Willard, La Donna Shanmugakani as an SAT at Adams and Aubreyr Stangl as a bus aide.
The board also accepted the retirement of elementary library media specialist Kimberly Ford, effective July 5, 2027.
