October 2026 Maize Pulse

One of the 12 lead measures in our Lead Forward strategic plan is to provide impactful professional learning as part of our commitment to attracting expert educators. We know student achievement depends on the people who support our students every day. By investing in our employees’ growth, we strengthen our efforts to improve graduation rates, postsecondary success, and reading and math proficiency.

Since 2023, we have expanded professional learning opportunities to help employees build their skills, strengthen their practice, and better support students. From new teacher support to role-specific training, these opportunities help our staff members continue to learn and grow throughout their careers. As the Wichita area’s 11th largest employer, we remain focused on growing the capacity of all of our employees.

Did you know?

• Our educators help guide professional learning. Our Professional Development Council includes teachers and administrators from every school who review survey data and recommend relevant, effective training.
• Our staff members put learning into practice. Nearly 92 percent of those surveyed report that they are likely or very likely to apply what they learn through professional development to their classroom instruction or specific job responsibilities.
• We invest in our paraprofessionals. Our Para Academy provides four focused training days on topics including literacy, behavior, and de-escalation. We also support paraprofessionals who want to pursue teaching careers within our district, and some become our newest teachers.
• We build skills across every department. Clerical employees receive training in areas including human resources, finance, communications, and data. Transportation, Food Service, and other teams receive industry-specific training to stay current on best practices and professional standards.
• We develop strong leaders. Supervisors across the district participate in management and leadership training to strengthen their ability to support and empower their teams.

Much of this learning takes place during Early Release Wednesdays and scheduled days throughout the school year, including our next districtwide no-school professional development day on Nov. 2.

Thank you for supporting these opportunities for our employees. When our staff members continue to grow, they are better equipped to support our students, strengthen district operations, improve our learning environment, and elevate student learning.

Dr. Raquel Greer

Maize USD 266 Superintendent

• On X: @rockigreer
• Email: rgreer@usd266.com
• Online: www.usd266.com/superintendent

Congratulations to the following two Maize USD 266 seniors, recently named National Merit Commended Students! This honor is part of the National Merit Scholarship Program and is given to 34,000 seniors nationwide who are high scorers in recognition of their outstanding academic promise. An additional 16,000 students are named National Merit Semifinalists. Congratulations!

Congratulations to Maize South Middle School Principal Cort Haynes, 2027 Kansas Principals Association Kansas Middle School Principal of the Year for Area 3! He is being honored for his positive impact on students, staff members, and the school community.

Congratulations to Maize Central Elementary School 2nd-grade teacher Andrea Reed and Maize High School math teacher Jenny Meirowsky, who were both recently surprised with the news that they are Maize USD 266’s nominees for the 2028 Kansas Teacher of the Year!

The annual Kansas State Department of Education award recognizes and celebrates exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance, and the teaching profession. We’re proud to celebrate these two outstanding members of our #MaizeFamily!

Congratulations to Maize USD 266 Multimedia Communications Specialist Stephen Brubaker, winner of the Kansas School Public Relations Association Newcomer of the Year Award. The state award recognizes a Kansas public school communications professional who is committed to a creative, dedicated, and professional approach to school communications.

Stephen is a member of the district's Communications Department and supports the district through videography, photography, social media, and sharing the stories and successes of Maize USD 266 students, staff members, and schools.

November

• Monday, Nov. 2: No school, Professional Development
  
• Monday, Nov. 23 through Friday, Nov. 27: No school, Fall Break

December

• Tuesday, Dec. 22: End of Term 2
• Wednesday, Dec. 23, through Thursday, Dec. 31: No school, Winter Break

January

• Friday, Jan. 1: No school, Winter Break
• Monday, Jan. 4: No school, Teacher Work Day
• Tuesday, Jan. 5: No school, Professional Development
• Wednesday, Jan. 6: Start of Term 3
• Monday, Jan. 18: No school, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Maize USD 266 Superintendent Dr. Raquel Greer and district leaders are visiting schools and departments across the district this fall to share information about the proposed Build for the Future: 2027 Bond plan and answer questions.

The visits are part of the district’s ongoing effort to keep employees, families, and community members informed about the proposed $213 million plan ahead of the March 2, 2027 bond election. District leaders have also shared updates with stakeholder groups, including District Site Council and parent-teacher organizations (PTOs). Presentations for building site councils are scheduled for later this semester, providing additional opportunities to learn about the proposal and ask questions. Earlier this fall, district leaders shared the plan with community leaders at the Rotary Club of West Wichita.

The bond plan was developed through a collaborative process that began in October 2024 and included more than 1,000 volunteer hours, along with input from students, parents, employees, and community members. The Maize Board of Education and Kansas State Board of Education approved the plan this summer.

The proposed bond plan is centered on three priorities:

1. Strengthening safe and secure campuses
2. Advancing educational opportunities for all students
3. Partnering for community success

Feedback gathered during the planning process helped shape updates to the proposal, including additional parking and traffic improvements at several campuses, additional restrooms, Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) classroom remodels at both high schools, baseball and softball facilities at Maize High School and Maize South High School, and a track at Maize South Middle School.

Before these updates were made, 75 percent of those who provided feedback indicated positive support for the plan.

Later this semester, building floor plans and architect renderings are expected to be available to help families and community members take a closer look at the proposed improvements for each school.

Community members can review the proposed projects, follow the planning timeline, find opportunities to learn more, and submit questions by clicking here to visit www.usd266.com/bond.

Busy mornings can make breakfast at home a challenge. School breakfast offers students a convenient, tasty way to start the day with a balanced meal that includes protein, fruit, and whole grains. The weekly breakfast menu provides a variety of entree choices for students, including breakfast burritos, sausage sandwiches, and egg bites, along with special quarterly menu items featuring fresh, locally baked cinnamon rolls or Carmelitas from MOXI Junction in Maize. Breakfast side options include fresh fruit, yogurt, and juice.

Why choose school breakfast?

• Ready to learn: Eating breakfast helps students fuel their bodies and minds for the school day.
• Less morning stress: Save time during the morning rush and let Maize USD 266 Food Service take care of breakfast at school.
• A second chance for high school students: Not hungry first thing in the morning? High school students can stop by the cafeteria after first block for a mid-morning breakfast when their appetite kicks in.

Explore the school breakfast and lunch menus and learn more about Maize USD 266 Food Service.

The Maize Board of Education's next regular monthly meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, 2026 at the Maize Performing Arts and Aquatics Center (MPAAC), 1155 W. Academy in Maize. The school board also has a special meeting scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 at MPAAC to interview construction management at-risk firms related to the bond plan. Interviews will be conducted in executive session in accordance with state statute, and board action may be taken after executive session. Meetings are open to the public. Find a link to meeting agendas and minutes, school board member information, and policies at www.usd266.com/schoolboard.

From keeping schools clean and welcoming to supporting students in the classroom and leading a school kitchen, our team members play an important role in helping students succeed. Maize USD 266 offers competitive pay, paid time off, benefits, and retirement options. Explore our current openings:

• Maize South Intermediate School custodian
• Maize Special Education Cooperative paraeducator at Andale Elementary School
• Hope Learning Center kitchen manager in Mount Hope

Students in grades 7 through 12 are invited to apply for Student Enrichment Grants of up to $500 to support opportunities such as leadership seminars, educational camps, community service projects, and more.

Recent Student Enrichment Grants have funded service projects, space camps, medical conferences, educational tours in New York City, and more.

What possibilities could grant funding open for you?

Applications are due by Friday, Oct. 30.

The Maize Education Foundation’s board of directors recently toured Maslow’s Pantry to learn more about how this valuable resource supports Maize USD 266 students and families. After making a donation to Maslow’s Pantry in September, the foundation was excited to see how that support is making a difference: Our donation helped to provide a month’s worth of food to more than 30 individuals. From providing essential supplies to creating meaningful job experiences for students, Maslow’s Pantry is making a lasting impact in our community. Click here to see more photos and read more about how Maslow’s Pantry supports Maize families.

Maslow’s Pantry is a student-led Maize USD 266 program that helps remove barriers to learning by connecting Maize students and families with food, clothing, hygiene products, school supplies, and other essentials. With students helping students, the program brings our #MaizeFamily together to support one another. Click here to visit our new web page to learn how families can request food and/or clothing assistance and how you can help through donations. Find a list of current needs, a link to an Amazon Wishlist, and answers to frequently asked questions.

The 2026 General Election is on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

• Want to verify your voter registration information? Click here to visit the Kansas Secretary of State VoterView web page. There, you can confirm your home address, polling place locations, and more.
• Need additional support? Call the Sedgwick County Election Office at 316-660-7100.

Maize South Elementary School third-grade students recently had a hands-on look at the future during Drip Into the Future at our Maize Career Academy! Students explored agriculture, energy, and natural resources through interactive activities including water filtration, green energy, squid dissection, and more.

Maize Intermediate School and Maize South Intermediate School fifth-grade students visited McConnell Air Force Base Oct. 23 for the Frontiers in Flight Airshow 2026 STEM Hangar. Our students explored interactive exhibits; learned about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); and saw the Air Force Thunderbirds in action. We loved to see our students explore new interests and discover the possibilities of STEM!

Maize Early Childhood Center's Big Truck Night Oct. 22 was a great evening for families to explore, learn, and make memories together. Students explored big trucks from throughout the community and representing a variety of companies and industries, including law enforcement, agriculture, construction, and education. Thanks to everyone who made the event possible, including our high school band students and community supporters!

Earlier this month, Maize Elementary School students completed their final laps of the annual MES Marathon event, reaching their goal of 26.2 miles after running a little each day for several weeks. Maize High School cheerleaders, the Maize High School band, families, friends, teachers, and more were there to cheer them on and show the runners just how proud everyone was of them.

On Oct. 22, our Maize High School Eagle and Maize South High School Maverick boys soccer teams faced off at Maize South High School, bringing fans together in the stands to cheer on our student-athletes and show their #MaizeFamily pride!