Were Great Bend kids excited about starting a new school year this week? The teachers and staff sure were.
They’ve been talking about it for weeks.
At a July school board meeting, Assistant Superintendent Khris Thexton gave his monthly report of projects going on at the buildings – things like repairing roofs, sanding gym floors and installing new “graffiti-proof” bathroom stalls.
This week, the district employees held their third annual Back to School Bash which was part pep rally followed by an inspiring message, “You Can Make a Difference,” by keynote speaker Judge Tom Webb.
Superintendent Brad Reed also addressed the employees, commenting on the community support Great Bend USD 428 receives. He noted the USD 428 Education Foundation has provided more than $75,000 in the past two years. (The Foundation’s annual fundraising dinner will be on Nov. 22 this year.) Reed also praised community leaders including first responders. When he mentioned our police officers, an auditorium full of educators stood and applauded.
That same evening, at the August school board meeting, Reed shared a list of accomplishments from the past school year. The list was published in the Great Bend Tribune on Wednesday and can be found on the website, www.gbtribune.com.
Yes, the grown-ups are excited about school starting, and for positive reasons. We can’t wait to see what’s next ...