McPHERSON, Kan. — Work to address drainage issues at McPherson High School and to replace the Roundhouse floor destroyed by June flooding was, by and large, given the green light by the USD 418 Board of Education last night. The board voted 5-0 to proceed with construction of new detention ponds along with dealing with temporary drainage issues, and to move forward with floor replacement starting with concrete and electrical work.
The actual floor replacement, with an understanding if a temporary floor option comes to pass, could be delayed to spring. Board member Chelsea Busch passed information along about a temporary court concept through Kingdom Courts, which was recently used by another Kansas School District.
During the meeting, Duane Cash from incite Design Services said issues were found with an existing drainage pipe around the welding shop that may have contributed to the issue It was found the pipe was able to carry about 30 percent of what it should have due to a combination of sediment accumulation and settling of the pipe over the years.
Prior to the discussion of this, MHS volleyball senior Elle Polson addressed the board and voiced frustration they have about information on this “We really don’t know what’s happening, like we’re getting information through a grapevine, but we haven’t heard from anybody really what exactly is happening and what the steps are from here,” she told the board, also expressing concerns this could cost them the opportunity to host a substate tournament later this season.
McPherson USD 418 Superintendent Shiloh Vincent told the Board of Education Monday the district finally received 2025 state assessment results last week. The Board would normally have reviewed this in June, but it was delayed this year to a change in the assessments because of some issues that came up with inconsistency between it and other testing.
During the meeting the board accepted a number of donations, including an assortment of school supplies collected by JAR Performance Automotive for McPherson High School, and a $2,000 donation from Noble Edwards for student and teacher needs at McPherson Middle School. It also approved closing petty cash accounts at the four elementary schools and Early Childhood Office which are no longer needed as the need for it has been replaced by use of purchasing cards and requisitions.
Other donations included $50 from the MHS Class of 1973 in Memory of Judi Metheny for student and teacher needs; $135 from Connie Miller for a negative lunch account balance for a middle school students, $114.45 for Eisenhower Elementary School from Kroger; and for Washington Elementary School a $500 grant from the Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel Foundation Board for purchase of pulse oximeters or any fitness related items for PE classes, and playground balls, board games and snacks for students from the Pfizer Global Alliance colleague resource group.
The Board approved an out of state travel request submitted by the MHS and MMS Music Directors involving a trip by performing arts students on a trip to Chicago that would include visits to world class venues such as the Chicago Symphony Center and Art Institute among others and expand student cultural and educational experiences. It also approved early graduation requests submitted per board policy.
