April 2025 Maize Pulse

In a growing, dynamic school district, thoughtful planning isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. As we shared a year ago, Maize USD 266 partnered with Davis Demographics to complete the Resident Student Forecast, a long-range enrollment projection. The findings confirmed what we’ve been seeing: our community continues to grow, and our schools must be ready to grow with it.

The report projected steady student enrollment increases in the next several years, followed by a period of stabilization. These projections help us make informed decisions — not only about how we use our space today, but how we prepare for tomorrow.

With that in mind, our Maize Board of Education this month voted once again not to offer open seats for nonresident students next school year. This allows us to prioritize serving students and families who live within our district boundaries while maintaining the optimal learning environments our students deserve. Please read more about this decision in the article below.

We’re also turning these insights into action. As part of our Lead Forward strategic plan, we’re moving ahead with an important goal: Build for the Future by accommodating expected enrollment growth, planning for innovative learning spaces and enhancing security of our school campuses. As shared in our December 2024 Maize Pulse, we launched our Facility Steering Committee, consisting of students, parents, employees, and community members, to help guide the future of our district’s facilities.

They have met multiple times this school year to review data and tour sites, including our Maize Career Academy and Maize Early Childhood Center. Check out photos from recent tours below in our 266 in Photos section! Additional visits throughout the district are scheduled through September 2025. They will learn about current strengths and needs as they identify priorities for the next five to 10 years, balancing immediate needs with long-term goals. Their work will conclude with a recommendation to the Maize Board of Education in late fall 2025.

Through this work, we’ll continue to build a future together that reflects our community’s values and puts students at the center.

Dr. Raquel Greer

Superintendent

Maize USD 266

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

Congratulations to Maize USD 266 Superintendent Dr. Raquel Greer, honored among the Wichita Business Journal’s Women Who Lead in Major Companies! She is one of 29 inspiring women recognized as leaders at some of Wichita’s largest and most influential companies and organizations.

Dr. Greer has been an educator and active community member in the Wichita area for 26 years and has led Maize USD 266 since 2022. When asked what she enjoys most about her role, she said she values connecting with people, building relationships, and collaborating on district needs—all to help our students.

We are incredibly proud of Dr. Greer and deeply grateful for her leadership and tireless commitment to our #MaizeFamily!

The Thursday, May 22, 2025 last day of school will be a half day, with dismissal times varying per school as follows and based on normal staggered start times. Lunch will be served, and after-school bus routes will be provided as normal.

• Maize Central Elementary School: noon dismissal
• Maize Elementary School: 12:10 p.m. dismissal
• Maize South Elementary School: 12:15 p.m. dismissal
• Pray-Woodman Elementary School: noon dismissal
• Vermillion Elementary School: 12:10 p.m. dismissal
• Maize Intermediate School: 11:15 a.m. dismissal
• Maize South Intermediate School: 10:50 a.m. dismissal
• Maize Middle School: 10:55 a.m. dismissal
• Maize South Middle School: 11 a.m. dismissal
• Maize High School: 11:05 a.m. dismissal
• Maize South High School: 11:05 a.m. dismissal
• Complete High School Maize: 11:45 a.m. dismissal
• Hope Learning Center: 11:30 a.m. dismissal

Please note that the last day of school for our Maize Early Childhood Center is Wednesday, May 21. The school will observe regular hours that day.

At the April 14, 2025 meeting, the Maize Board of Education unanimously approved the adoption of OpenSciEd as the new science curriculum for intermediate school (grades 5 and 6) and middle school (grades 7 and 8). This decision follows a thorough review and evaluation process and supports our commitment to providing engaging, student-centered learning experiences. The new curriculum will be implemented for the 2025-26 school year.

OpenSciEd is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards and features phenomenon-based, real-world learning. It includes interactive lessons, embedded videos, and resources for both intervention and enrichment. Teachers will also receive professional development to support a smooth transition.

This update is part of our broader effort to enhance science instruction across all grade levels, including the addition of dedicated STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) teachers and weekly STEAM instruction for students in elementary school (kindergarten through fourth grade). You can click here to read a December 2024 article about this expansion.

Thank you to our educators who participated in curriculum pilots and to community members who provided feedback during the curriculum feedback process and events.

On April 14, 2025, the Maize Board of Education unanimously voted that Maize USD 266 will not offer open seats to nonresident students for the 2025-26 school year. This decision reflects current enrollment capacity limits and projected growth outlined in a recent demographic study, which shows the district does not have capacity to accommodate additional nonresident students next year.

While student-teacher ratios across the district generally remain within ideal ranges, several areas are at or slightly above capacity, including:

• Kindergarten: above capacity in all five elementary schools
• 3rd and 4th grades: at the upper limit of capacity across all elementary schools
• 6th grade: above capacity at Maize Intermediate School and nearing capacity at Maize South Intermediate School
• Maize South High School: average core class sizes across all grades are nearing the upper limit of capacity.

The district will continue to monitor enrollment closely to preserve high-quality learning environments. The demographic study projects continued growth in resident student enrollment through the 2028-29 school year.

Maintaining optimal student-teacher ratios and ensuring sufficient physical space are essential to both student success and responsible fiscal management. These spaces include classrooms, hallways, commons areas, dining spaces, playgrounds, parking, and offices. In alignment with our commitment to instructional quality and efficient use of resources, the district cannot enroll students who reside outside district boundaries. A state law requires school districts to publicly share this information.

This decision does not affect current board policy regarding children of Maize USD 266 employees — those students will continue to be welcomed in our schools.

The Maize Board of Education's next regular monthly meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 12, 2025 at the Maize Performing Arts and Aquatics Center, 1155 W. Academy in Maize. 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. Regular monthly meetings are broadcast live at bit.ly/Maize266YouTube.

On April 21, 2025, the district hosted the annual joint meeting between the Maize Board of Education, City of Maize, and Maize Recreation Commission. Leaders from each organization, including Superintendent Dr. Raquel Greer; Executive Director of Health, Safety, and Prevention Tim Brant; and Executive Director of Operations Darin Augustine presented updates about district initiatives. Leaders from the city, rec, Maize Police Department, and Maize Public Works provided updates about strategic plans and projects. We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with partnering organizations to support the Maize community and Maize USD 266 students.

Maize High School and Maize South High School have both been named a 2025 All Star High School, recognizing each school's dedication to supporting students' post-high school success. The schools will be honored during the May 14 Kansas Board of Regents meeting. The annual program guides students through college applications and financial aid, while promoting a supportive, college-focused school environment.

Congratulations to the Maize Career Academy VEX Robotics team! Team X, also known as Unhinged, won the state championship in Design Process. Student members are Maize High School seniors Adria Dumler, Easton Grantham, Gage Wiley, and freshman Lincoln Auten.

Maize USD 266 teams Revelation and Genesis also made it to the state finals, and all three teams earned qualification to the VEX Robotics World Championship. Those three teams are among only six teams from Kansas to qualify for Worlds.

Congratulations to Henley Murrey-Brent, a Maize Virtual Preparatory School graduate, who was named a 2025 National Merit Finalist! The National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognizes around 15,000 Finalists each year nationwide for their exceptional academic performance. Henley graduated early and is now studying Kinesiology at Kansas State University.

Congratulations to our Kansas Governor Scholars! The Governor's Scholars program honors the top academic 1 percent of Kansas high school seniors. Scholars are selected from accredited public and private schools in the state.

Congratulations to Maize High School junior Zachary Rife, who is a 6A state champion in two events in boys swimming. He won the state competition in both 100-meter freestyle and 200-meter freestyle. He set the school record in the 200 with a time of 1:40.02 during prelims, breaking the record he set earlier in the season. The previous record was set in 2015. This year, he also set the school record in the 500 with a 4:41.29. That record had stood since 2011.

Congratulations to our student wrestlers for their outstanding season! Recognitions included Maize High School sophomore Everett Joyce, who maintained a 4.0 grade point average and a wrestling record of 33-1. He was a state runner-up as a freshman. Check out additional notable student wrestling achievements below.

Congratulations to Maize Intermediate School Principal Kevin Roulhac, named Kansas Elementary Principal of the Year for Area 3! He is one of four principals across Kansas to receive this honor.

Congratulations to Vermillion Elementary School Assistant Principal Megan Hemmerling, named Kansas Assistant Principal of the Year for Area 3! She is one of four assistant principals across Kansas to receive this honor.

The awards celebrate their excellent performance and dedication to the children of Kansas. We are so proud to have them as part of our #MaizeFamily!

During a recent Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) luncheon in Wichita, Maize USD 266 teachers Ashley Best and Ashley Zevenbergen were honored along with their fellow 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year nominees.

This prestigious recognition honors outstanding teachers who excel in the classroom and contribute to the success of their schools and communities. Vermillion Elementary School teacher Ashley Best and Maize Middle School teacher Ashley Zevenbergen exemplify the qualities of excellent teaching through their passion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to students. They are known for creating supportive, engaging learning environments where all students are encouraged to grow and thrive.

March 25, 2025 was a historic night for Maize South High School as the Mavericks girls soccer team took the field for the first game at our new soccer facility! This marks a major milestone for our district and student-athletes, providing a top-notch space for competition and growth. Here's to many more games and memories ahead!

Director of College and Career Readiness Dr. Lindsay King represented Maize USD 266 when she served as a panelist at the Wichita Business Journal’s 2025 Talent Summit. She shared insights on the vital role K-12 education plays in workforce development. Speaking alongside leaders in education and industry, she highlighted how schools are equipping students with employability and soft skills, increasing career awareness starting in elementary grades, and responding to the evolving needs of Wichita-area industries.

We’re excited to share that we surpassed our goal for participation in the recent SCOPE survey. Thank you for making it happen! Your feedback through the School Communication Performance Evaluation (SCOPE) has provided us with valuable insights that will help us strengthen how we connect with you.

The survey, conducted by an independent research team from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), was designed to help us improve our communication efforts. Your voice matters, and we are truly grateful for the time and care you put into helping us grow and improve. Thank you for partnering with us to make communication better for everyone in Maize USD 266!

In celebration of Read Across America Week this March, Maize Elementary School’s kindergarten classes had a special visit from Dr. Sheree Utash, president of WSU Tech. Dr. Utash came to read and speak to the students about a book she co-authored, which features a young girl engineer—an inspiring story to encourage girls in STEAM! The visit, on Friday, March 7, 2025, was a wonderful opportunity to inspire our students to pursue their dreams.

Maize South Elementary School hosted its first Career Day, giving students the chance to explore a variety of professions. Students rotated between eight presenters, learning about careers in social media, law enforcement, healthcare, engineering, and more. The gym featured booths from more than a dozen companies, while even more businesses set up interactive stations outside in the bus loop. This exciting event provided hands-on career exploration, inspiring students to think about their futures in a fun and engaging way!

Our Maize Parents as Teachers (PAT) program recently brought more than 150 parents and children together for a spring egg hunt at our Maize Early Childhood Center. The event offered a fun opportunity for children to explore and play while parents and caregivers connected with one another.

Parents as Teachers is a family support program serving children from birth to age 5. It’s designed to help our youngest learners grow, explore, and thrive by equipping families with the tools and support they need during those crucial early years. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the day special for our Maize families!

Maize USD 266 students are growing their own fresh produce through Cultivate Maize, our district’s hydroponic gardening program. With more than 35 farm stands and more than 7,000 plants harvested, students gain hands-on experience in sustainable gardening while enjoying school-grown produce in their lunches. From learning about specialty crop farming to exploring it as a potential career, Cultivate Maize is planting the seeds for a healthier, more sustainable future!

Members of the Facility Steering Committee are in the process of visiting various locations throughout the district to learn about challenges and opportunities at each school. In March 2025, they visited the Maize Career Academy and learned about the career pathways and specialized classrooms. In April 2025, they visited the Maize Early Childhood Center and learned about programs and classes for our youngest learners ages birth through 5.

Each year, the Maize Education Foundation proudly offers a $500 Legacy Scholarship to one graduating senior from both Maize High School and Maize South High School. This spring, we are pleased to announce that a generous donation from Peoples Bank and Trust will allow us to award two scholarships at each school!

Thank you to Peoples Bank and Trust and to all of the seniors who applied for scholarships. Award recipients will be announced at each school’s Awards Night on May 7, 2025.

We're hiring passionate educators for the 2025-26 school year who are ready to grow alongside students and make a lasting impact. Whether you’re just starting your teaching journey or bringing years of experience, you'll find a welcoming team, strong support systems, and a community that values the work you do every day. Join us in shaping bright futures—one classroom, one student, one lesson at a time. Apply today and be part of our exciting future!

Ready to plant roots in a career that helps students thrive? We are hiring a full-time Grounds Assistant to help us grow beautiful, safe, and welcoming outdoor spaces for our students, employees, and community. From mowing fields and planting flowers to preparing playgrounds, this hands-on role is perfect for someone who takes pride in their work and understands the impact of a well-maintained environment on student success. With competitive pay, great benefits, and a supportive team, this is your opportunity to make a visible difference every day. Let’s grow together—apply now!