HOISINGTON — After a community meeting on March 21, to help establish the needs and wants for the USD 431 Strategic Plan, it became apparent to Board President Dean Stoskopf that the Hoisington school district needs to continue with its daycare project.

“Patrick (Crowdis) has been trying to figure a way to do it with grant money to get that done. It’s a big enough issue that we may need to commit some school dollars to get this thing kicked off,” Stoskopf said. The project had stalled due to a lack of grant funding opportunities.

Superintendent Crowdis reported his discussion with Sara Arnberger, Great Bend Economic Development Inc. President.

“She had put the bug in my ear that we might partner together,” Crowdis said. “Great Bend Economic Development has access to some grants and some other sources to help jump start, not only just Great Bend but Barton County.”

Board member Sara Tarlton expressed concern about who would control the daycare. Crowdis explained that the Great Bend Daycare would take over staffing so USD 431 would need a Memo of Understanding to maintain some autonomy. The board members expressed they were comfortable to have Crowdis continue his discussions with GBED concerning the daycare options.

Other discussions

Board members continued discussions concerning the track and field upgrades, with a review of the placement of the pits for the throwing and jumping areas.  

Teacher grant funds were released to nine teachers. Some funds remained that were budgeted this year. The board asked that those remaining funds be made available to new hires for the next school year.

Riley Brungardt and Stephanie Kaiser were hired as middle school cheer coaches.

Katrina Lutters was hired as a teacher and head high school girls basketball coach.

Tony Lutters was hired as a teacher and assistant high school girls basketball coach.