LeRoy, Kan. (April 21, 2025) — The journey to this groundbreaking day began in the fall of 2021. USD 245 pursued a bond election, their first since 1980 when a gym was built in LeRoy. The district’s aim was to identify and address the evolving needs of students, staff, and facilities.
According to USD 245 Superintendent and K-5 Principal Matt Thomsen, the initial step involved bringing in professional experts to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment of all USD 245 facilities. Transparency remained a cornerstone of this initiative, as the findings were openly shared with stakeholders, ensuring a community-driven approach. Armed with this data, the USD 245 Board of Education selected a construction manager at risk (CMAR) to lead the subsequent phases. DCS Services was chosen through a community-led committee, marking the beginning of the substantial work ahead.
Surveys were distributed to every registered voter within the district, seeking their input on potential improvements. After extensive analysis and discussion, the Board identified that a $2 million bond proposal had a promising chance of success.
Community meetings were organized, providing a platform for questions and addressing concerns. On May 14, 2024, the bond question was finally put to a vote. The steadfast dedication and determination of the USD 245 Board of Education, coupled with the unwavering support of the community, led to the bond’s approval. The district not only fulfilled its promises to stakeholders but also surpassed expectations by adding a middle school science classroom through strategic use of available space.
Guided by the assessment from DCS’s, the Board prioritized several critical projects:
- A new science classroom for high school students, with a projected completion date in November 2025.
- A new agriculture/metals shop, also planned for completion by November 2025.
- A new fire alarm system at Southern Coffey County Elementary in Gridley, which has been successfully installed and is operational.
- Two new modular PreK classrooms in LeRoy and Gridley, expected to be ready by August 2025.
“The journey wasn’t always easy, but the outcome is one that will benefit generations of Titans,” Thomsen stated. “We’ve built more than facilities—we’ve built a stronger future.”
