The USD 470 Board of Education on Monday approved the formation of a Construction Manager at Risk committee to help guide upcoming bond-related facility projects following voter approval of two bond questions in November 2025.
The measures include a $52.7 million bond issue for improvements at Arkansas City Middle School and other districtwide upgrades, as well as a second $14 million bond to fund a new prekindergarten center.
The committee will include district staff, school leaders and community members who will review proposals and recommend partners for the district’s next phase of construction work tied to those projects.
In addition to bond planning, the board recognized the Arkansas City High School jazz band for finishing as state runner-up at the Kansas Bandmasters Association Championship. Several staff members were also honored as February Top DAWGS, including Maria Mendez of Adams Elementary, Sarah O’Donnell of ACHS, Deb Richardson of C-4 and Anna VanDyke of Transportation.
The board also heard a presentation from Adams Elementary highlighting its fine arts program, with staff outlining how music and arts support student confidence, creativity and teamwork. Students in the school’s after-school music exploration class performed during the report.
In other action, the board approved continuation of the Jobs for America’s Graduates program at ACHS for the next school year. The program serves more than 100 students annually and focuses on helping them stay on track academically while building career and life skills.
In personnel matters, the board accepted the resignation of Cindymarie Townsed, reassigned Eric Swanson from assistant principal at Adams Elementary to a math teacher position at ACHS, and approved the hiring of Antonia Villa as an elementary principal.
Additional business included accepting a $25 donation to the Warm Hearts Fund, renewing membership with the Kansas Association of School Boards, and approving a lease-purchase agreement for replacement of school buses.
The board also approved moving forward with a request for proposals for shade structures at the South Athletic Complex and the purchase of new laptops for staff as part of the district’s technology cycle. Continue below ad.
Board members received updates on state legislation, including a proposed cell phone bill that could affect staff communication with students, as well as early budget projections for the 2026-2027 school year. They also reviewed options for replacing the Bulldog Stadium scoreboard.
The board discussed improving student attendance, noting gains across the district and reviewing a new staff attendance guide aimed at maintaining consistent practices.
The meeting concluded with executive sessions for non-elected personnel and negotiations.
