January is School Board Recognition Month across the State of Kansas, and provides a great opportunity to say thank you to the USD 428 Board of Education members who are committed to the success of every student in our community, district officials said. 

Great Bend USD 428’s board of education members are:

• Jacquie Disque, elected to serve from 2018-2022

• Aaron Emerson, 2020-2014

• Deanna Essmiller, 2018-2022

• Chris Umphres, 2015-2024; Umphres currently serves as president of the Board of Education and begins his second term this month.

• Lori Reneau, 2015-2024; Reneau currently serves as vice-president of the Board of Education and begins her second term this month.

• Don Williams, 2018-2-22

• Susan Young, 2015-2024 

Elected at-large to serve a four-year term, these seven community leaders volunteer hundreds of hours attending meetings, reading reports and discussing plans and programs to support educational achievement. 

“Our board members develop policies and make complex decisions that shape the future of our education system. They are accountable for an annual budget of nearly $60 million, 2,800 students, nearly 700 employees and 11 buildings,” said Khris Thexton, USD 428 superintendent. 

A board member’s responsibility goes far behind the monthly meeting, however.

“They also meet with legislators and other policy makers to advocate for our schools to make sure every child has access to an excellent education. We are grateful to have this opportunity to formally say ‘thank you’ to each of them,” said Thexton. 

USD 428 encourages the entire community to thank a school board member, not only this month but throughout the entire year. 

The USD 428 Board of Education meets regularly on the second Monday of the month at 5 p.m. at the USD 428 District Education Center, 201 South Patton Road. The next meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Monday, January 13, when the board will again be recognized.

Archived board reports and more information are available online at www.GreatBendSchools.net.