McPHERSON, Kan. — A large audience was in attendance for Thursday evening’s USD 418 Candidate forum hosted by the McPherson Chamber of Commerce Civic Affairs Committee. During the nearly hour-long event candidates were asked a series of questions submitted by audience members, the first of which dealt with the top challenges facing the district.
Current Board president Lara Vanderhoof said one issue is building trust in the community. “There Still seems to be some division, and some misunderstanding perhaps, and it’s causing us to have some struggles with understands what needs and priorities are from different perspectives.
Incumbent Perry McCabe, who was an administrator in USD 418 from 1989 to 2001 and has also held administrative roles in the Buhler and Haysville districts, noted the district had changed dramatically since he took early retirement from USD 418 in 2001. He cited such things curricular problems, infighting among the board, and others, noting COVID also contributed in recent years,
Sherrie Sparks was appointed to fill an unexpired term on the board and is seeking a full term She said another challenge deals with collaboration with the broader community at-large. There’s competing needs, and trust is also an issue, but “also the idea you’re here to support each other.”
The 4th candidate, Blaine Janssen, a McPherson Police officer, cited recent changes to standards made by the Kansas State Board of Education, along with an “overwhelming” of teachers. “They can only do so much, but they do so much, and they are starting to get their attention divided and not able to give attention to each and every student as they could.
One question asked of the candidates was whether the board should move to a more proactive approach rather than a reactive one. McCabe said since the current board took office,they have been more proactive, having undertaken a new strategic plan, after which they began discussions on a future bond issue. The district is presently working with an architect on developing concepts which citizen input is being sought on.
Sparks said they are taking a long range look at things. “we’re not looking to develop the next “one and done” issue. We’re looking for something sustainable and long term that will meet the needs of the community,” she explained.
The candidates were also questioned about a strategic plan adopted in 2023, Vanderhoof said work is moving forward on that, parts of which will help shape the district going forward. McCabe said “We need to have students leaving our system that are employable, connected, and are good citizens of our community, our state, and out world.”
Recent declines in enrollment within USD 418 were also addressed by the candidates, noting this is not an issue unique to this district. Vanderhoof pointed out declining birth rates are a factor, along with affordability of housing in McPherson and curriculum alignment.
McCabe said it all comes down to facilities and making them top notch. “They used to be, now they’re not,” he said, noting this partly is the aftermath of actions by the state several years ago that cut funding available for capital outlay.
Sparks said the district needs to make schools attractive for families coming to the community. Janssen noted USD 418 is losing a lot of students to surrounding districts and bullying along with facilities are factors in this. The increased use of online education during the COVID pandemic.
One question asked dealt with student discipline policies related to alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Sparks said mandatory policies need to be looked at including support that is not accomplished by just kicking out a student for a day or two, but by addressing the issues that cause this in the first place.
Janssen, who is a DARE officer in local schools, said he would like to see a canine program brought back to USD 418. While it would be a major investment for law enforcement, Janssen said they can be a valuable asset if used directly. Based on discussions with elementary principals, he said there is a need for follow-up services. They need a help network system. The need the follow-up because when they just go home all they end up is being unattended,” he explained.
Vanderhoof said she would like to see more use of the restorative justice systems now in place in local schools, saying “We can connect students with services be it in school or outside.” Vanderhoof added utilizing parents and other volunteers in the schools can be a great help.
Another question dealt with bringing a building trades program back to the district. Allfour candidates were supportive of that, with Janssen noting this could also take advantage of the many talented professionals in the communities. Vanderhoof said this could also build upon existing Career and Technical Education programs.
Bullying was also brought up by both Janssen and Sparks when asked about safe and secure schools. Building security was also touched on by the candidates, Janssen and McCabe noting issues dealing with the number of entries and exits with McPherson High School in particular. Only two schools in USD 418, Lincoln and Washington Elementary, are considered secured as to entrances and exits.
McCabe cited the situation at McPherson High School with the sheer number of entryways there. He noted Buhler High School has the same issue, and pointed out it is very difficult to monitor that many entry and exit ways.
The final question asked of the board dealt with what they felt the highest budget priorities should be. Janssen said as far as facilities, he would like to see both a new high school and middle school, close together, along with improving teacher salaries.
Vanderhoof said teacher pay and benefits should be a top priority, while McCabe also cited facilities along with bringing their concerns, including funding for special education, to legislators. The lack of state money led USD 418 to have to put in some $700,000 into this year’s budget for special education.
Sparks said she would want to have input from citizens on what those priorities are, as their viewpoints are what should matter. She did note teacher salaries and benefits would be a big priority, as that is what the district spends the largest share of it’s budget on.
Advance voting is now in progress for the election, and that can be done during business hours at the McPherson County Clerk’s Office in the lower level of the Courthouse through 12 noon Monday, November 3rd.
