Arkansas City High School’s FFA program will be recognized on the national stage this fall.
Sponsor Kasie Bogart has been selected to receive the Honorary American Degree, while student Stetson Shook will be awarded the American FFA Degree during the National FFA Convention in October.
Both honors are among the most prestigious in the FFA organization and highlight the program’s strong impact on students and the agricultural community.
ACHS Student Chosen for National SADD Leadership Role
ACHS student McKinley Huddleston has been named to the 2025-26 SADD National Student Leadership Council. She will represent Kansas while helping to promote student health and safety nationwide.
Students Attend Boys and Girls State
Five Arkansas City High School students took part in Kansas Boys and Girls State this summer.
Participants included Kennedy Barnes, Mykaylee Goff, Swea Gootee, Genevieve Herrera, and Conner Harris. The American Legion-sponsored program gave students opportunities to campaign, run for office, and serve in government roles while building leadership skills.
After-School Program Budget Approved
The Board of Education approved funding for the 2025-26 After-School Program. The program will continue using the MindCraft framework for grades 3–5 and provide academic support and tutoring for grades 3–12.
Personnel Moves
- Resignation:
– Makena Watkins, Intensive English, Adams - Reassignments/Transfers:
– Alyssa Shultz, from PE/Locker Room Aide at ACMS to ISS Aide at ACMS - New Hires:
– Billy Bearden, Accompanist, ACMS
– Sarah Gepner, SAT, C-4
– Jesse Hernandez, Lunch/Office Aide, Roosevelt
Other Board Business
- Visitors Carl Bowman and Terry Newman raised questions and shared comments on the proposed bond issue.
- Russel Gregory, Maintenance Supervisor, reported on summer projects, which included playground inspections, HVAC service, flooring and roofing updates, and storm cleanup. Fall work will focus on concrete, electrical, HVAC, and facility upgrades.
- The district will dispose of two older Suburbans totaled in the June 17 hail storm.
- The Board held an executive session to discuss student safety and security.
- Approval was given for ACHS FFA students and sponsors to attend the National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Oct. 27–31, 2025, and for ACHS journalism students to attend the National Journalism Conference in Nashville, Nov. 12–16, 2025.
- Principals reported early success with the new cellphone/PED policy using Yondr pouches. Early signs point to better focus and fewer classroom disruptions.
- The Board approved the use of SuperEval, a cloud-based system for administrator evaluations, aligning with Kansas guidelines.
- Preliminary district enrollment as of Sept. 8 stood at 2,834 students, with official numbers to be reported Sept. 22.
- Eric Burr presented a proposal for an ACHS Hall of Fame, with first inductions planned for Arkalalah 2026.
- The Board discussed dissolving the Lincoln Elementary petty cash account and allowing schools to use debit cards tied to existing petty cash accounts.
- The district received an update on mold testing at ACMS. Problem areas have been treated, with additional testing ordered to ensure safe environments for staff and students.
- Leaders also reported progress toward the upcoming bond election, including community presentations, site council discussions, and preparation for a review by the State Board of Education
