From the Superintendent
Hello, USD 231 Patrons and Employees.
This update includes several important notes, and I thank you in advance for taking the time to read them.
April 1 Voting Deadline
First and foremost, every registered voter in your home should have received a mail-in ballot for Bond 2025. If you would like a recap of all of the research, community input, planning, and how this will impact the school(s) your children attend, please click HERE. Most importantly, please model for your children the importance of voting. The outcome of this bond will not only impact your children, but the future of children for DECADES to come.
For a two-minute video overview of what the Bond will provide, click HERE.
Elimination of the United States Department of Education
You may have seen news this past week that an executive order has been issued to eliminate the federal Department of Education. We are writing to provide an update so you know how this might affect you and us as a district.
The current iteration of the Department of Education was created in 1979. In addition to distributing funds for educational programs and services, important functions of the department include providing oversight regarding the implementation of special education laws that ensure all students receive a free and appropriate education, and ensuring compliance with civil rights laws. Although we don’t have clarity about how abolishing the Department of Education will impact education in this country, we will continue to advocate for federal programs that provide resources for students and the necessary funding for essential services.
Fortunately, our educational system is largely based on local control. The USD 231 Board of Education sets policies and governs what happens in our district. Local administrators hired by the superintendent manage staff members. The Kansas State Department of Education provides oversight and guidance at the state level. None of that changes because of this order.
Here’s what absolutely doesn’t change: Our educators and staff members show up every day to do what's best for our students. That will never change. We will continue to be here for your children, no matter what happens in Washington or Topeka.
Along the same lines of national news and, I am including the following information regarding immigration enforcement. As a reminder, we serve all students who reside within the Gardner Edgerton school district. To be proactive, we met with our local immigration authorities and they assure us they will not take any action at a school or on a bus (stop) unless there is an immediate danger to students or staff. The Gardner Police Department indicated that this is how they will operate as well.
We have worked with our building principals and First Student to ensure they are up-to-speed regarding our district's policies surrounding law enforcement officers communicating with students on school grounds. We will always contact parents when a law enforcement official wishes to speak with a student. The only exception is if the Department for Children and Families (DCF) is investigating abuse by a family member. In that case, the agency will contact the parent.
Kindergarten Families - Reminder of NO SCHOOL on April 2.
This is a reminder that there will be no school for Kindergarten students on April 2 due to next year’s Kindergarten Registration event. We appreciate your understanding as we welcome our incoming Kindergarten class!
Thank you again for taking the time to read this important news, and for your support - not only of your own student(s), but for the support of students who will walk the halls of our schools for YEARS to come.
Sincerely,
Brian
#WeAreUSD231 #Forwardas23ONE #VisionForward
Policy Review Committee
The Policy Review Committee is responsible for reviewing, updating, and recommending policies that govern the district's operations. The committee ensures that policies remain legally compliant, relevant, and effective in addressing the needs of students, staff, and the community. The key purposes of the committee include:
Ensure Legal Compliance – Reviews policies to align with federal, state, and local laws, as well as regulations from governing education agencies.
Maintain Relevance & Effectiveness – Evaluates whether existing policies meet current educational needs and best practices.
Address Community & Stakeholder Input – Considers feedback from parents, staff, and community members to improve policies.
Support Board Decision-Making – Recommends policy updates and new policies for approval by the school board.
Clarify Procedures & Expectations – Ensures policies are clearly written and provide consistent guidance for students, staff, and administrators.
Review Emerging Issues – Monitors trends and issues in education, such as technology use, student safety, and equity, to proactively adapt policies.
This committee includes board members, administrators, teachers, and community representatives to ensure diverse perspectives in shaping district policies.
To express interest in serving on this committee, click HERE.
