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Great Bend USD 428 Quick Reads - April 11, 2022
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Abby Jonas, a kindergarten teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, talks to the school board about the K-6 math curriculum committee’s recommendation at the March school board meeting. Next, USD 428 will look at the next math curriculum for grades 7-12. - photo by File photo by Susan Thacker/Great Bend Tribune

Congratulations to the State Champions


Four Great Bend High School students have earned the coveted title of being a 2021-2022 5A State Individual Champions. The USD 428 Board of Education congratulated the outstanding athletes when it met Monday. Superintendent Khris Thexton said the students did not attend the meeting in person because there are so many activities going on, but they will get together soon for a photo. Meanwhile, the board recognized boys wrestling champs Kaden Spragis (120) and Wyatt Weber (138), and girls wrestling champ Breanna Ridgeway (132). All of the wrestlers are seniors. Girls bowling champ Kaylin Wahlmeier, a sophomore, was in the 752 series.

Head Wrestling Coach Nathan Broeckelman and Head Bowling Coach David Feldbauer were also congratulated. 

“Congratulations to all of those involved for their success and all of their hard work,” Thexton said.

Head Wrestling Coach Nathan Broeckelman and Head Bowling Coach David Feldbauer were also congratulated. 

“Congratulations to all of those involved for their success and all of their hard work,” Thexton said.


COVID Operations remain calm


The COVID Operations plan at Great Bend USD 428 continues with only a few new cases appearing, Superintendent Khris Thexton told the school board Monday night. After two weeks with zero active cases in the schools and district buildings, USD 428 started the week with one active case at Riley Elementary School.

“There is nothing new to add,” Thexton said for this month’s report to the board. “We’ve been pretty calm on the COVID front.”

This time last year the district dropped its mask requirement. At this time, the district is not doing testing at the schools.


School board takes first look at 2022-2023 handbooks


Proposed elementary school, middle school and high school student handbooks were presented at the Great Bend USD 428 Board of Education on Monday, along with propsed teacher handbooks for the same schools. Assistant Superintendent John Popp said this was the first reading and approval will be requested at the May board of education meeting.

Popp didn’t go through the changes in the handbooks but said there were no major revisions. The handbooks are updated each year so they continue to align with board policies.


K-6 math curriculum approved; 7-12 pilot is next


The Great Bend USD 428 board of education on Monday approved the next math curriculum for grades K-6 that was presented to board members in March. Assistant Superintendent Tricia Reiser said the enVisionmath curriculum will be used at all five elementary schools. It was recommended by the curriculum study committee for its engaging enrichment activities, rigor and high artistic quality that is stimulating and interactive for students. The cost is $276,871.90.

Assistant Superintendent John Popp said the 7-12 math curriculum committee has selected two programs to pilot at Great Bend Middle School and Great Bend High School next year. The same process was used for the K-6 recommendation. The two programs being tried are McGraw Hill’s “Reveal Math” and Savvas’ enVison Math.

Popp said one possible concern among teachers is that the curricula don’t start with a lot of review. “The rigor starts much faster,” he said, compared to previous materials. However, Popp said that might not be a bad thing. “I believe our students rise to our level of expectations.”


Board hears update on Support Services


The Construction Manager at Risk for the creation of a Support Services complex at 625 East 10th St. has met with the district architect, Terry Wiggers, Assistant Superintendent John Popp told the Great Bend USD 428 Board of Education on Monday.

“We’re anxious to get going.”

The district purchased the former Central Power Systems & Services property in December for $1.55 million and recently hired McCownGordan Construction as the CMAR. Wiggers is with Schaefer Johnson Cox Frey Architecture in Wichita. The plan is to create a complex for the maintenance, transportation, custodial and grounds services, and food service.

“We got a great deal when purchasing that building,” Popp said.

The property includes a 33,000 square foot building and Popp said renovation will cost less than building new. However, because of inflation “it could be more costly” than the estimated $4.6 million suggested last December by Superintendent Khris Thexton.

That estimate included $2.6 million to renovate the existing facility, which does not include a food services facility. For those who have asked, Popp said the bus barn will be fully ventilated separately from the food services facility, which would be added later.


Park Principal resigns to take job at Eisenhower


The Great Bend USD 428 Board of Education on Monday accepted the resignation of Park Elementary School Principal Adam Cline at the end of the school year. Cline will return to his former position as the instructional math coach at Eisenhower Elementary School.

Cline became the Park principal for the 2021-2022 school year, following the retirement of Phil Heeke.

The board also approved the resignation of Jennifer Christiansen, an art teacher at Great Bend High School.

New appointments, in addition to Cline, were Morgan King as a school psychologist for Barton County Special Services, Jordan Hammack as a GBHS science teacher and Rachel McCluskey at a special education teacher for Barton County Special Services in Ellinwood. Hammack and McCluskey are both in the transition to teaching program that is designed to fill teaching vacancies in school districts through an alternative route to teacher licensure. It includes the recruitment and training of professionals seeking a chance to enter the teaching profession.


Panther Booster Club buys jerseys


The Panther Booster Club has donated $2,240.32 to the Great Bend High School Volleyball team to buy jerseys, Superintendent Khris Thexton said. This and other contributions or grant applications were approved Monday by the school board:

• The Fraternal Order of Police donated $350 to the GBHS JAG (Jobs for Americas Graduates) program.

• Euphoria Dance Studio donated $100 to the GBHS Variety Show.

• Big Iron Auction donated $250 and Burlington Welding donated $50 to the GBHS FFA.

• GBHS science teacher Ken Botzung will apply for and accept a $500 grant from  Midwest Energy Community Fund for a portable light unit for growing plants.