Superintendent's Message: The Impact of the Pottawatomie County Half-Cent Sales Tax on Bethel Public Schools
Dear Parents, Students, and Community Members,
In November 2015, the citizens of Pottawatomie County made a resounding statement in support of local education by approving a half-cent sales tax increase. This funding initiative, collected and overseen by the Pottawatomie County Commissioners, has provided vital resources to every school district in the county, including Bethel Public Schools.
Since revenue collection began in July 2016, these funds have played a crucial role in enhancing our schools, benefiting both students and staff. The allocation is based on student enrollment, ensuring an equitable distribution of resources across the county. Initially estimated to generate $286 per student annually, this funding has allowed us to make significant improvements without relying on salary budgets.
Investments in Our Schools
To date, Bethel Public Schools has received over $3.7 million from this program. The Board of Education has prioritized capital improvements, technology advancements, safety enhancements, and transportation upgrades. Here are some of the key investments made possible by the half-cent sales tax:
Technology Enhancements
Upgraded classroom technology across all district sites to support digital learning and improve instructional tools.
Transportation Upgrades
Purchased new school buses to enhance safety and reliability for both daily routes and extracurricular activities.
Textbook Purchases
Supplied new textbooks for Bethel Elementary and Bethel Middle School, improving access to updated learning materials.
Athletic and Extracurricular Support
Purchased new marching band uniforms for Bethel High School, enriching student experiences and school spirit.
Updated football uniforms for the Bethel High School football team, ensuring athletes have quality equipment.
Utility Costs
Covered district utility expenses over multiple school years, allowing more funds to be directed toward student-centered initiatives.
Facility Improvements
Installed a new HVAC system in the Bethel Activity Center, creating a safer and more comfortable environment for school events.
Looking Ahead: Ensuring Continued Support
With the sales tax measure set to expire in June 2026, it is imperative that we consider its renewal. Schools throughout the county are hopeful that citizens will once again recognize the importance of this funding by voting to extend or make the tax permanent. A county resolution and vote on this issue are expected in mid-2025.
The Pottawatomie County Half-Cent Sales Tax has been transformative for Bethel Public Schools, enabling us to invest in critical resources that would otherwise be out of reach. As we approach the 2025 vote, we encourage our community to stay informed and engaged in the discussion surrounding this essential funding source.
Your continued support directly impacts the quality of education in our district. Together, we can ensure that Bethel Public Schools remains a place of opportunity, growth, and excellence for future generations. Thank you for standing with us!
Sincerely,
Dr. Matt Posey, Superintendent
Bethel Public Schools
Teen Dating Violence Awareness
February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. This is an issue that impacts everyone. Not just teens, but their parents, teachers, friends, and communities as well. Studies show that approximately 10% of adolescents report being the victim of physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner. Adolescents in abusive relationships often carry these unhealthy patterns of violence into future relationships. Children who are victimized or witness violence frequently bring this experience with them to the playground, the classroom, later into teen relationships and, ultimately, they can end up the victims and perpetrators of adult intimate partner violence. Here are some warning signs of an abusive relationship.
- Name calling
- Isolation
- Explosive temper
- Put downs
- Checking your phone without your permission
- Excessive testing
- Possessiveness
- Jealousy
- Blaming you for their problems
- Monitoring your location
- Threats of harm
- Controlling behavior
If you know a teen or parent that could benefit from speaking to someone please connect with them at the National Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-9474 or text "loveis" to 77054. You can also have a live chat at loveisrespect.org.
Mrs. Darcey Adamek, M.S., LPC, LMHP
Bethel Schools Licensed Mental Health Provider
405-273-7632 ext. 8194
Give Kids a Smile Day
Mrs. Becky Drew visited the BLE to conduct dental screenings for our students. Dr. Brian Drew, DDS participates in the American Dental Association's Give Kids a Smile Day, which is a community service project held on Friday, February 7th. They will complete needed dental work at no cost to our students or their families. Some of the services they will perform will be fillings, sealants, dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and extractions.
SchoolCare
If you have not completed your child's online health enrollment or if you need to make updates or changes to their health record, follow the direct link below to do so:
https://secure.caredox.com/enroll/bethelpublicschools
If a parent clicks into the link above now or before the end of the year's roster rollover, they will be directed to fill out the health registration for this year (the 24/25 school year).
The 25/26 health registration will only be open/available once WenGage sends the updated student enrollment with the next grade levels for students moving up.
Thank you,
Michelle Jackson, RN, BSN
Bethel School Nurse
