MCPHERSON, Kan. – The USD 418 Board of Education is finalizing a facility proposal this week, after over a year and a half of work on the project.
The $88 million proposal focuses on upgrading aging high school facilities with a new academic building for grades 9-12, as well as renovations to the Performing Arts wing, CTE classrooms, and Roundhouse. Elementary buildings and the middle school will see upgrades to security, student safety, and mechanical systems.
The board has been working to craft a proposal since August 2021. After numerous community sessions, community surveys, meetings with district staff, many board work sessions, and review of the facilities study, the board narrowed the bond focus significantly from the 2021 bond proposal.
“Community input has been a cornerstone in this process,” said Brian Meek, USD 418 Board Member. “This input, along with insights from educators have been instrumental and driven the size and scope of the project. We are optimistic that this effort will translate to continued support for USD 418 students and staff.”
2023 Proposed Bond Scope
McPherson High School (9-12)
- Construct new academic building
- Renovate and repair Performing Arts wing, CTE classrooms, Roundhouse and other existing
- academic spaces
- Improve exterior athletic facilities
- Perform mechanical system upgrades
McPherson Middle School (6-8)
- Maintain existing building
- Create safe and secure entrances
- Complete some interior renovations, including ADA and student safety upgrades
- Perform mechanical system upgrades
Elementary Schools (PreK-5)
- Maintain all existing buildings
- Create safe and secure entrances
- Renovate and repair some interior spaces, including student safety upgrades
- Perform mechanical system upgrades
At the final community meeting on January 23rd , several patrons voiced concern that the proposed bond scope is not large enough to meet the long-term needs of the district.
In response, board chairperson Ann Elliott said, “We see this bond as the first step of a greater facilities plan to set our district up for success for the next 50 years. We know there are needs beyond this scope, but community input tells us we need a phased approach for this proposal to pass.”
