The Arkansas City USD 470 Board of Education approved a pay increase for building substitutes, reviewed progress on district construction projects and received an update on strategic planning efforts during its latest meeting.
Board members approved a three percent pay increase for the district’s six building substitutes for the 2026-27 school year. The increase will be retroactive to the beginning of each employee’s work this school year.
The board also received an update on the district’s strategic planning process, which included a community survey distributed in September to students, staff, families and community members.
Approximately 35 people participated in an initial planning session Sept. 30.
Feedback gathered through the survey and meeting has helped shape an early draft of the district’s mission, vision, core values and priorities. A second stakeholder meeting is being planned to further refine the proposal before it returns to the board for discussion.
Board members also reviewed ongoing construction projects funded through the district’s bond program.
Construction continues at Adams and Roosevelt elementary schools, while planning moves forward on additional projects. District officials are reviewing heating and air conditioning bids and replacement priorities to ensure the most pressing needs are addressed within the available budget.
The board also discussed proposed technology purchases for the 2027-28 school year, including student devices, teacher computers, classroom equipment and network improvements.
Discussion included balancing technology needs and costs with efforts to reduce student screen time. No purchases were approved.
In other business, the board authorized Superintendent Will Pfannenstiel to finalize an Environmental Use Control Agreement for district-owned property at 715 S. First St., the site of a former gas plant.
The agreement is part of an ongoing environmental cleanup process and restricts digging or other soil disturbances in a small portion of the property without state approval.
The board also approved seeking proposals for employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting services.
The district has worked with Gallagher for several years but plans to compare services, costs and employee support offered by other providers. No changes to employee benefits are currently planned, and a recommendation is expected in December.
Athletic Director Aaron Bucher provided an informational report on esports, flag football, Kansas State High School Activities Association classifications and league developments.
The presentation followed an earlier discussion about middle school soccer and was intended to keep board members informed about potential athletic and extracurricular opportunities. No decisions were made.
Board members also accepted a $700 donation from Soroptimist of Arkansas City to help purchase clothing for students at the district’s six elementary schools and Arkansas City Middle School.
Several students and staff members were recognized during the meeting.
Kerri Beard of Arkansas City Middle School and Ashlee Rose of Adams Elementary were recognized as the district’s Kansas Teacher of the Year nominees. Tiffany Rhoades of Arkansas City High School was named USD 470’s Kansas Horizon Award nominee.
ACHS senior Shihan Fang was recognized as a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist. Semifinalists represent less than one percent of high school seniors nationwide and are among the highest-scoring students on the qualifying examination.
The district also recognized September Top DAWGS Lin Gardner, Jennifer Graham, Bryson Hasty and Hailey Kilpatrick.
Union State Bank was recognized as a Bulldog Backer for its support of district students and staff.
Personnel actions included the hiring of Marissa Francisco and Maya Gentry at Jefferson Elementary, Melony Harmon as a bus driver, Heidi Howcroft at IXL, and Briant Osborn and Braylee Ruyle as head and assistant girls wrestling coaches, respectively, at Arkansas City Middle School.
The board also accepted the resignations of Sierra Elms at IXL and Emily Munoz at Jefferson.
Board members concluded an executive session to discuss non-elected personnel. No action was taken afterward.
