Meeting Summary:

The USD 428 Board of Education met on September 14 to conduct the Revenue Neutral Hearing, 26-27 Budget Hearing, and the regular monthly meeting. The meeting included presentations on

Upcoming Meeting Dates/Events:

Sept. 28 - USD 428 Reunification Safety Exercise, all staff participation
Sept. 30 - BOE Luncheon Meeting, 12pm at Little Panthers Preschool
Oct. 9 - Fall Homecoming vs. Liberal, parade at 3:00 p.m.
Oct. 12 - BOE Regular Meeting, District Education Center at 5 p.m.
Nov. 6-8 - Annual KASB Convention, Wichita, KS
Nov. 12 - Red & Black Ball, USD 428 Education Foundation Annual Dinner & Auction

The RNR Hearing was held on Sept. 14 at 5 p.m.; there were no public comments. All BOE members voted by roll call to approve the resolution to exceed the RNR Tax Rate for the 26-27 Budget.

No visitors or public comments were received during the 26-27 Budget Hearing. The budget hearing included a review of the District Needs Assessment, which guides budgeting and fund allocation to meet students' and the district's needs.

During the summative review of the budget, Mr. Popp discussed the budget and the .972 total mill increase from the previous year, included in the Supplemental General (LOB) and Capital Outlay. The .972 mill increase is estimated to generate an additional $266,936 in local tax dollars.

E-Sports Update @ GBHS Presentation

Jake Hofflinger, GBHS E-Sports coach, and Kindric Castro, assistant coach, presented to the USD 428 Board of Education, sharing the success of its inaugural season and outlining plans for the 2026–2027 school year. Driven by strong student interest, the program has expanded significantly—doubling its PCs and Nintendo Switch stations in a newly dedicated esports room and registering 69 members for the upcoming season.

Inaugural Season Retrospective In its first year, the Panther Esports program fielded five teams across three titles, competing in Super Smash Bros., Rocket League, and Mario Kart. Highlights from the debut season included a playoff run where one squad missed qualifying for the state tournament by just a single match.

New Titles for the 2026–2027 Season Following KSHSAA's approval of new competitive titles for state play, the board considered approval for two additional games to expand student opportunities:

Marvel Rivals: Added for immediate competition this season, this free-to-play, PC-based title features stylized comic-book action rated T for Teen. Program coaches highlighted strong enthusiasm for the game's 6-person team format, noting that the objective-based, six-player setup fosters communication, strategy, and collaborative teamwork.
Madden NFL: Approved for future integration as student interest grows, this E-for-Everyone football simulation will offer one-on-one competitive play once roster demand supports it.

Official game nights for the new club season begin on September 23. View the full presentation, here.

Director's Report: Shelby Zuniga, District Accountant

Shelby Zuniga provided a financial update detailing the district’s revenue sources and expenditure allocations. 24-25 and 25-26, revenue went from $57.36 million down to $56.54 million, while total spending will rise from $58.67 million to $62.29 million.

Where the Money Comes From: State funding—derived from state income and sales taxes—remains the primary revenue driver for USD 428, growing from 61.3% ($35.15M) to 63.7% ($36.03M) of the total budget. The remaining funding is supported by:

Special education co-op and health care reserve payments (13.6%–13.7%)
Local property taxes (9.8%)
Federal taxes (8.0%)
And local receipts such as student fees, food service, interest, and donations (4.9%)

Where the Money Goes: The vast majority of the district's expenses go directly to its staff. Personnel costs (wages and benefits) are increased from 71.4% ($41.87M) to 73.4% ($45.69M) of total expenditures.

Day-to-day operations—which fund textbooks, classroom supplies, food services, utilities, and travel—represent the second-largest commitment at 18.9% ($11.79M) of the upcoming budget, down from 21.4% ($12.56M). The remaining expenditures cover capital projects such as site improvements and facility renovations (4.1%) , purchased professional services like IT support and virtual enrollment (2.6%) , and property maintenance services (1.1%).

Regarding the 26-27 budget, Zuniga said the future of the Kansas school funding formula, declining enrollment, and rising expenses will affect operations. The district will review spending in several areas.View the Full Presentation here.

A. Approval of Resolution to Adopt Local Option Budget (LOB) Percentage - approved

All boards of education must annually adopt a resolution setting the Local Option Budget (LOB) percentage. The maximum percentage that may be authorized is the statewide average of 32.4%, unless the district has passed a resolution to exceed the statewide average. The district recommended adopting the statewide average of 32.4% as our LOB percentage.

B. Approval of Workers' Compensation Audited Adjustment - approved

The annual gross Workers' Compensation premium through KASB is based on the estimated payroll at the beginning of the year and is then audited and adjusted based on the actual payroll at year-end. Audited figures for July 2025 through June 2026 show a refund balance of $2,561.

C. KASB Delegate Assembly - approved

The KASB Delegate Assembly is the Association’s Annual Business Meeting. Each KASB member entity designates a voting delegate to represent its local Board of Education and to vote on 2027 legislative priorities. Voting delegates will select a KASB President-Elect Designee and vote on proposed changes to the KASB Constitution and to our Legislative Positions and Priorities, which guide the Association’s legislative efforts. Aaron Emerson, Vice President, will be registered as the USD 428 Delegate, and Randy Wetzel will serve as the alternate. The Delegate Assembly is scheduled for November 15. KASB will send delegates a link to submit their electronic vote.

D. Approval of 10 Passenger Vans - approved

The district has received a state government contract quote for two 2027 Ford Transit T350 low-roof, 10-passenger vans, priced at $61,226 each, for student transportation. These vehicles provide a great convenience for our smaller teams and save bus miles for groups of 15-20. They also meet the 10-passenger vehicle limits established by state law.

A. New Teacher Mentor Program & Pre-Service Teachers

USD 428 provides a two-year mentorship program for new teachers. First-year teachers and their assigned mentors meet weekly, while second-year teachers meet with their mentors every other week. Additionally, experienced teachers new to the district are paired with an Ambassador to help them acclimate to a new building at the start of the school year. Mrs. Blevins also shared how USD 428 supports student teachers, those in Transition to Teach programs, RTAP, and internships.

We want to thank and acknowledge the teachers who are supporting the profession and their colleagues in our district!

48 Mentor Teachers supporting new teachers who are in their first or second year in the profession.
14 Ambassadors supporting veteran teachers who are new to USD 428
6 student teachers
4 "transition to teach" program members
19 Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program members
6 Interns

B. Effective Use of Instructional Technology

Mrs. Blevins shared an update to conversations happening at the state board of education regarding the effective use of instructional technology, casually referred to as classroom "screen time." The philosophy of the state board seems to prioritize face to face interaction and quality instruction, understanding that technology plays a necessary role in the classroom and education. Mrs. Blevins shared that recommendations and/or state board policy may come as early as October or November, with a timeline for district to provide plans for implementation by Fall 2027. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

C. Curriculum Meetings

▪ Curriculum Steering Committee: 9/8/26 minutes, next meeting 10/13/26

▪ Professional Development Council (PDC): 8/17/26 minutes, next meeting 9/14/26

A. Student Immunizations

Required and recommended student immunizations are to be updated by October 1. School nurses monitor student immunization records and report information to the principals to enforce the policy. To avoid exclusion, one of the following must be submitted to the nurse’s office:

Proof of receiving the vaccine.
An annual written statement signed by a licensed physician stating the physical condition of the child to be such that the tests or inoculation would seriously endanger the life or health of the child.
A written statement signed by one parent or guardian that the child is an adherent of a religious denomination whose religious teachings are opposed to such tests or inoculations.

B. Expectations for Activities and Events

Good sportsmanship is essential for creating a positive sports environment at athletic events within our schools and community. Mr. Popp shared a friendly reminder regarding sportsmanship and respect, as well as expectations and district policy for students attending events.

C. Safety Committee Update

The District Safety Committee meets monthly. Mr. Popp will provide an update on the committee’s targets and goals for this year.

D. Upcoming Projects

Board members and the administration will review upcoming district projects that will require completion. ▪ Camera replacement – Jefferson, Lincoln, and Eisenhower Elementary Schools ▪ Roofing Schedule – GBHS Fieldhouse, Riley Elementary ▪ GBHS Parking Lot

Information Items provided by Khris Thexton, USD 428 Superintendent of Schools

A. Enrollment Numbers Update

Mr. Thexton provided the Board with a chart tracking enrollment over the past 5 years. While the 26-27 numbers are still unofficial, the information illustrates declining enrollment numbers. District across the state and US are seeing similar trends with the decline in birth rates. Last year, our of 280 school districts in Kansas, only 13 reported flat, or increased enrollment. This is a concern for Kansas schools as state funding is primarily tied to student enrollment numbers.

The document also includes USD 428's free and reduced lunch percentage over the same time. Our district has been at roughly 67% for several years. Read more...

B. 32nd Annual Kid’s Ag Day

Mr. Thexton expressed gratitude for the volunteers and staff that make the Annual Kid's Ag Day a success. This year's event was held on September 9 at the Expo Complex and welcomed hundreds of area 4th graders to learn more about agriculture, where our food comes from, and careers in ag. It's a very popular event year after year.

C. Suicide Prevention Month and Week- September 13-19, 2026

The triennial global theme (2024-2026) is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”

In addition to awareness efforts, USD 428 Staff members receive two different trainings on Suicide Prevention each year. Our School Counselors and Student Family Advocates are also available for support.

D. Fire Safety and Awareness Week, October 4-10, 2026: “Charge into Fire Safety! Safe Charging is a Superpower.”

This year’s campaign focuses on everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keep homes and communities safer. The GBFD will be visiting all schools in October to share a fire safety demonstration.

Grants and Contributions - approved

GBMS wishes to accept a $150 contribution from the GBMS Booster Club to purchase prizes for Paw Mart Bucks.

GBHS Activities Department wishes to accept the following contributions:

$1,500 from Coach Taylor Satterthwaite to go towards the GBHS Boys Basketball program.
$350 from Bank of the Plains to sponsor a Pep Club Megaphone
$500 from Carol M. Hopkins to support the GBHS Band trip.
$744.95 from football players who opted to purchase their football helmet to keep post season.
$6,398 from Norlin Inc., for a GBHS Cheer fundraiser.

GBHS Activities wishes to accept the following contributions from the Panther Booster Club:

$414 to pay for student entry fees to attend the regional softball tournament
$100 to pay for KSHSAA for state tournament ads for softball and baseball
$695.50 to go towards tennis uniforms
$1102.84 to purchase softball helmets
$7220 towards second half payment of the golf simulator

GBHS Activities - Vendor Incentives

$81.00 - BSN Sports
$14.91 - Ohiopyle Prints