For several months, a community steering committee has assisted Great Bend USD 428’s administration and school board in studying building needs. Now the school district is ready to seek more local input with a series of community feedback meetings on upcoming decisions that will impact the school district and community at large.

The meetings are the next stage in the process of developing a long-term plan for the school district’s building and education needs. Great Bend residents are encouraged to attend upcoming community feedback meetings to learn more about the facilities analysis, demographic data and proposed master plan elements.

“The school district can help drive the local economy, which impacts and benefits more than just those with school-age children,” said Jason Mayers, steering committee member. “Decisions we make in the near future will impact generations to come. By giving our teachers the facilities and resources they need, we not only elevate our education system, but also make Great Bend a stronger community for current and future residents.” 

With assistance from SJCF Architecture, USD 428 and community members have been meeting for nine months to analyze district needs, regional demographics and projected trends for the district. Attendance and input by the general public at the scheduled community feedback meetings is essential to USD 428’s long-term facility planning efforts, organizers said. 

Community feedback meetings currently scheduled:

• Thursday, Nov. 15 at 5 and at 7 p.m. – Park Elementary School, 1801 Williams St.

• Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 6:30 p.m. – Great Bend Middle School Commons Area, 1919 Harrison St.

• Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 5 p.m. – Great Bend High School Auditorium, 2027 Morton St.