On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays High principal, Shawn Henderson shares information about the end of the school year at Hays High.   Transcript: EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.   James Bell  Hays High is getting ready for graduation weekend. Principal Shawn Henderson stops by to share some of the details on this episode of the Post Podcast.   Shawn Henderson  On the night, we had our big athletic and academic awards night. And what a great time to come together and really see all the great things that our students are doing. It's really fun to see.   James Bell  Yeah, you know, as we're wrapping up the year, I wonder if there's any particularly notable things that come to mind that you want to discuss with us before we move on and talk a little bit about the graduation ceremonies coming up this weekend?   Shawn Henderson  Well, you know, I have an interesting perspective, because I'm the new guy, I always say I have the new guy card, it's just part of part of being the new principal. And so my new guide card is going to wear off soon. And that's great. What it means is, is I've got some perspective, I got to see what, what our school is all about. And what it's about is some really great people and great students, great teachers. And, you know, it's just there's a lot to be proud of. And again, going back to Monday night, that's when you can smile and say look at the scholarships. Look what these students have done. Look what the accomplishments have been. And it's really humbling to see just the amazing thing our students are doing. That's awesome.   James Bell  And some of those students so seniors, they're wrapping it up today, right?   Shawn Henderson  Yeah, really wrapping it up. They did a great job this morning. I have to brag on him in a world where you could Google senior pranks that would be not wonderful. Our students were in the parking lot. They were playing cornhole. Spikeball, I think is that the one that hits off the little trampoline? They're smiling. And, you know, I just, I think that's real. And then they cleaned up after themselves and went right to class. I mean, again, just, we're just proud of them. And I have to say, too, I am the new principal. And I'm also a dad. So I have a senior that's graduating as well. So this will be my first graduation with Hayes high, but it's also I get to be the dad too. So that's exciting. Wow. Yeah,   James Bell  that's a that's got to be just an emotional jumble.   Shawn Henderson  There's a lot of truth to that already got some pictures. So she wanted to take a picture this morning. So anytime the kid asks that you, you roll, so   James Bell  absolutely, absolutely. So yeah. So let's talk a little bit about graduation coming up. I believe that is this Sunday. Right? It is   Shawn Henderson  Sunday. And it is. So we've got Sunday at 130. And it's going to be right there at Fort Hays, our great partner who allows to us gross Coliseum. So yes, Sunday, May 15 2020 to 130 will be our graduation. Very cool. What   James Bell  do people well, you know, what do attendees expect in that event? Is it is it going to be similar to years past? I know. And again, as you mentioned, COVID kind of threw everything into a cocked hat for a couple years. But back to normal this year. Right? It is   Shawn Henderson  yeah. And we're excited to have everybody, everybody back. There are no restrictions in terms of seating or anything like that. We'll, we'll be there and we'll be ready to go. We are trying something new. I think that's kind of neat is the band is going to play basically, in the program that I'm looking at. Right, right in front of me, it says various selections, Prelude concert. So kind of neat. So for 20 minutes prior to graduation, we'll have our fantastic band plan music to kind of set that tone, which I think is really neat. Namely, because I used to be a band director before I was a principal. The more band music, the better. But yeah, so I think that I think that will already add kind of a neat feel to the event.   James Bell  Absolutely. And then again, is it just the standard kind of graduation you got? You're forgetting the name of it like the the class leader, the valedictorian, valedictorian speeches, and, sorry, go ahead. Oh, we   Shawn Henderson  don't have a lot of speeches like that from students that traditional Hays high is that the students select a speaker and this, this hurts Miss Diane Mason, which is actually really cool, because Diane is retiring at the end of the year. And so the fact that the kids picked her I think is really neat. So to kind of bookend her her career here, she's going to be our, our speaker, and her addresses called what the rabbit knows. So I'm excited to see, see and hear what she has to say. But yeah, it's kind of fun.   James Bell  Yeah, that's interesting. And I love that. So, you know, I don't know her. But most assuming she has been a longtime teacher at Hays high. Yes. That's really cool. I know, like a lot, a lot of schools that a lot of the kids, they all they like to shoot for the moon and think about the famous people, the celebrities and to come and talk but to select somebody from inside the district that that's going to be like it personally rewarding. Yeah, I   Shawn Henderson  think it is. And, and I know she's excited about that. And I think like I said, I think it'll, I think it'll be good for our kids to, to hear her and to, to go out that way. Which I which I think is great. Very cool.   James Bell  You'll probably be sharing a few thoughts too, right?   Shawn Henderson  Oh, yeah. Not too many. But there'll be there'll be a couple. Yeah, a couple of thoughts there. My way I have to smile too is I'm looking at this program. The class model motto is I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22 So Taylor Swift ah, matter of fact, I think when the graduations over or that's what they'll hear is Taylor Swift. It's just kind of fitting for the class of 2022. Yeah, absolutely.   James Bell  All right. Well, what else? Do you folks need to know about the graduation? Or really just about the year in general?   Shawn Henderson  Oh, you know, I, you know, first of all, we're excited that there's gonna be a new haze high school built, so won't dive into that other than to, you know, say thanks, and an appreciation for the community. And I think that's really going to be fun. And even honestly, watching our seniors take part in that and be a part of that civic operation to go vote was was really neat to know, I think it's been a really good year. And I think we've had, you know, going back to these students, you know, we have 26 students, you know, again, on the danger, Hansen, over $330,000 in scholarships, just from that one, one operation alone. We've got students that are going into collegiate athletics and activities, we have folks that are going to be moving on to the armed forces. And like I say, you know, the word I always say is humbling. It's humbling to see what a whole community supporting in and working and helping our students, and then it's this time of year where you you take a step back and say, Wow, look at look at what they've done. So   James Bell  yeah, yeah. Love this time of year. Yeah. Although it's busy, right. It's busy, busy, busy. There   Shawn Henderson  is no doubt it's busy. Yes.   James Bell  All righty. Well, sir, yeah. Any other anything else you want to talk about before we go?   Shawn Henderson  No, I just think it's been a great year. I want to say thanks to the community for again, I will be putting away my new guy card soon. But I just appreciate the opportunity to be the leader of this this great school. Just so proud of the work of our amazing educators, staff and students and community that rallies behind them every day.

On this episode of the Post Podcast, USD 489 superintendent Ron Wilson and public relations director Chrisy Crough. Public Relations speaks with Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney about the next steps follow the passage of a district bond issue.   Transcript: EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.   James Bell  The USD 489 bond issue has passed. Now the district's work begins. Superintendent Ron Wilson speaks with Hays Post reporter Christina Janney about that along with public relations specialist Chrisy Crough, on this episode of the Post Podcast.   Cristina Janney  We're here to talk a little bit about the USD 49 bond that passed on Tuesday night, the $143.5 million bond passed with 53% of voters voting for the bond. In addition, almost 60% of voters approved a half cent suit, hey, city of hate sales tax that will help pay for the bond. Good morning, Ron and Christie, how are you?   Ron Wilson  Great. We're feeling good.   Cristina Janney  So what do you think the passage of the bond means for the future students and staff in the high school districts?   Ron Wilson  Well, I think what what it means I think, as we've looked at this whole process is that it's people have said, we want to invest in our kids want to invest in our educational staff, and we want to invest in our community. And I think that's really what this means is that they said, This is important, and this is what needs to happen in the community. Hey, so from looking at all aspects of it, we're, we just feel that it's going to be a great thing for Hayes for a long, long time, and really gonna pay it forward.   Cristina Janney  So the voter turnout on Tuesday was 38%, which is pretty high for a special election. Were you pleased with the voter turnout?   Ron Wilson  Yeah, extremely pleased that we said from the beginning, that, you know, we always felt like we had more support than opposition, as long as we could get those who supported the bond to go out and vote, we felt like we could get this accomplished. And I think 38% is a, if you look at the history of bond votes, it's pretty high number. So I think that's exactly what we set out to do. We got accomplished.   Cristina Janney  So what are the next steps in the bond process?   Chrisy Crough Yeah, so the next steps will be to meet with the staff on each of the schools, teachers, administrators, kitchen staff, coaches, all that sort of stuff to go over exactly what needs to be done in those buildings, they know better than anybody else, because they're in the building. So they will have the input on that. They'll work with the architects directly. And then they'll go back and forth with the drawings and see what happens, the high school will be the first, the first building that is that's done that's focused on, and then we'll move through the other buildings after that.   Cristina Janney  Just to remind people, so the main tenant of this bond is that we're build a new high school, and then the high school will be renovated into a middle school, and then the current Middle School will be renovated into an elementary school. Roosevelt, and often schools will also have some renovations and additions. And then Wilson will close as an elementary school but still be repurposed for district needs. And Rockwell will be closed completely, and west side will be moved. So do we know when we're going to be able to break ground on that first building on the on the high school?   Ron Wilson  Yeah, well, that's That's the million dollar question, though. You know, like Chris, you mentioned, it's right now, it's just a lot of conversations. We've got approximately a year of visiting with people getting what we feel is the best design, will the architects will draw design will get estimated cost then and always be going back and forth. I would hope. I mean, I don't hold me to this. But I would, I would hope we would be breaking ground a year from now. Or maybe sooner. But I think tentatively we're probably looking at an April May, breaking ground for from the new high school.   Chrisy Crough And I spoke with Sorry to interrupt anybody here, but I spoke with Dr. Last night, we were talking about it. And they were saying that the civil engineers will be out there looking at the ground where the new high school will be built out looking how it slopes, looking where the electrical could go looking at all of the different logistics of it all to make, you know, just before they start really building and designing everything.   Cristina Janney  And for people who may not know the high school, the new high school will be built to the east of the current High School on ground that is already owned by the school district.   Ron Wilson  Yeah, that's that's been a blessing to have already had district owned property throughout this process. And the district purchasing that that additional property, probably way back in the 70s was was just a great foresight for our community.   Cristina Janney  Through this whole bond process. We've talked a lot about How having those two buildings the new high school and what will be the renovated middle school being in close proximity how that'll benefit students? Do you want to talk a little bit about that,   Ron Wilson  I think it just opens so many doors that we currently don't have open because of just the location of the high school, middle school, I mean, naturally, the big thing is, we're going to have an auditorium for our high school, as well as our middle school, the high auditorium will be actually housed at the new high school, but it will have easy access for our middle school students who will be utilizing that for performances, to just walk across their campus, to the to the auditorium and, and whether it's a band concert that evening, they'll be able to practice and then utilize that for the evening performance. So Well, I think it's just those are the things that are that seem logical, but then there's just so many avenues where, you know, what, even high school kids coming, and we're gonna have some things working with maybe some middle school kids and things like that, that just opened doors that we've never even considered. And I think that's what's exciting about this whole proposal, athletic services, of course, that's really something we're gonna have athletic surfaces out there on the on our campus, which will be available for middle school and high school student athletes. And I think that that is something we're really excited about.   Chrisy Crough And to add to that, the middle school, which will be moving into the current high school will have the career and technology classes that they don't have right now at the current Middle School, solely because of space. So they will get those the woods and the metal shop and the the electric car, you know, all of that sort of stuff will be in there that's already in the high school, but now the middle school students will be able to access that.   Cristina Janney  So is there an estimated completion time for the high school building?   Ron Wilson  Yeah, I mean, the estimated timeline is that we're we're hoping to move our high school students into a new building in August at the start of school in August of 2024. That's, that's our target date. We'll also target to have all of our other schools renovated by August of 2025. Now all that information can be found on our USD 49. website, under timeline, under the bond information. So yeah, if you have any questions about timeline, be sure to check that out.   Cristina Janney  I don't we're several years off from the consolidation, and the closing of Lincoln school. But do you want to talk a little bit about how the redistribution of students will work when that happens here and a few years out?   Ron Wilson  Sure, I will be adding sections to each elementary to one section to each elementary, that'll that'll be the increase, that won't, you won't see a huge increase in each building, but I think that's it, we'll, we'll evenly distributed among the three elementaries that will remain in our district and, and give us some, you know, functionality in terms of, of spacing and space available. And when people were still district of choice, meaning they parents get to choose where their kids go to school. So, having that additional space just gives us that functionality to make sure we can we can definitely meet those requests, as best we can.   Cristina Janney  I know through this bond process, some people have expressed some concerns about the increased traffic on 13th Street when the new high school is constructed, what steps will the school district and the city be taking to address that issue?     So, once Well, obviously, prior to we kept saying once this passes, we will do that, but now it has passed so we can actually speak of it in present tense, but we will meet with the city we will do traffic studies and see exactly what needs to be done how the flow of traffic will work. We have looked into some grants that there that are out there that can help with the with the cost of it because we do know that there will be additional traffic we do understand, you know, we will have to stagger start and dismissal times to help with the flow of traffic but it will be addressed as far as what it is at this point. We don't know once we really look into it, but it will be addressed and and make it function out there.   Cristina Janney  So Christy and Ron, are there anything else that you would like to add or let the our listeners know about the bond now that it has passed?   Ron Wilson  Well, I think the thing is that I want to make sure everyone understand is we're we're really proud of what we do and USD 49. But with the passing of this bond, I think it's it's about how proud we can become on what we can become with with the passing of this bond. It's just gonna Oh Put some things that we have. We've dealt with for a lots and lots of years. And it was it was, it was a tough process. I mean, it's it was been a lot of work and a lot of dedicated, committed people in our community who came together and really rallied together to make this happen. And I'm I'm just appreciative and feel very blessed to be have been a part of that. You know, special shout out to Chrissy Crowe for what she's done for, for getting the right information out, helping educate our community, on really what was was done and what was what is needed. And so we're we're just, it's been a, it's been a really a tough process, but also kind of uplifting in a lot of ways, because we've all learned how together, you know, when people come together, how we can get things accomplished.   Cristina Janney  I know, there's been a lot of discussion about the high cost of maintaining some of these older buildings, which Lincoln by the time this project is completed will be 100 years old. So is there hopes that some of the capital improvement, many that's been having to be spent on maintenance and fixing older buildings will be able to be directed towards other projects?   Ron Wilson  Yeah, that's, that's the thing we're really excited about, because we haven't had a lot of flexibility in our capital improvement spending. I mean, it's basically we've been spending dollars base to keep keep the boat on the water and not have it sink. And so when by passing of this bond, we're going to we're going to take care of a lot of those needs. And that's going to free up a lot of capital outlay funds that we can now look at some of those special projects that the board wants to prioritize and, and really do some really great things for our schools.   Anything else?   Ron Wilson  I I'm just just, hi. I'm extremely excited. Bill really blessed that we got this done. And it's been, it's been a long haul but it's gonna be well worth it and it's gonna pay forward for lots and lots of years.

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Early Childhood Connections director Donna Hudson-Hamilton shares information about enrollment.   Transcript: EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.   James Bell  Enrollment for next year for the Early Childhood connections is underway. Director Donna Hudson-Hamilton stops by to tell us a little bit about that. And more on this episode of the Post Podcast.     Early Childhood connections we are located out across from Hayes Hi 2501 easterton Street. And we serve families prenatal to age five, we have a variety of programs in our prenatal to three age range, we have parents as teachers, which is a home visitation program that is open to anybody that would like those services. And then we also have an early headstart program. And within that program, we have a home visitation, we partner with some family childcare partners to provide services children to children. And then we also have a center based program there where children come every day. And then in our three to five program, we have our preschool out there, we offer full day sessions out there. So we're serving children, um, you know, at 330. And then we also have a home based option. We also do provide services in outlying counties. So not only do we serve Ellis County, we serve rush, Russell and rooks county as well. Very cool,   James Bell  very cool. So you know, if you're a parent out there, and you're kind of like, again, like me, and you're thinking, Oh, my goodness, what am I gonna do with my kiddos next year? What's the process to start that either enrollment or getting more information from you guys? Well, we     have just launched a new online enrollment process. So if you are interested, you can go to the USD 49 website, and then click on the schools and click on early childhood connections. And right there, you're going to see a green button that says enrollment information. And you can start your enrollment right from that, right there online, we've really tried to make it a lot easier for families to get enrolled. So we've moved to this online process. Another piece that has really changed for us is that especially in our three to five suit, children that are aged three to five, is now we're going to be able to serve more children age three. And so if you're looking at enroll, enrolling in that program, the guidelines have now changed so that we can serve children. Three and four year olds that have are either eligible through a single parent, a teen when the child was born, if either parent is lacking a high school diploma, if the family is eligible for free lunches, if the child does not speak English, or if they're migrant status, so that has opened up for us this year. So I really encourage families to they're not sure if they would be eligible to give us a call, and we can kind of walk them through that.   James Bell  Sure. Oh, no. Is that the only or I can't think of the word qualifications maybe for the kiddos or is there others as well? Well,     that is that is the requirements for eligibility. Now also housed in that building is the USD 49 for PE preschool, and that is open to anyone. And so that is an option that's also available out there. The other option is at no charge to families.   James Bell  Very cool. And you know, and I do believe, correct me if I'm wrong, but there are some spots open in the paid version of the preschool because we I was on the phone with him the other day, like it? Yes, but not very many. There's only a handful     of spots. I sometimes think oh, I'll wait to August to get my children enrolled in I just wanted to put it out there. Now is the time now's the time to be thinking about getting getting everything set for August now.   James Bell  Absolutely. You know, and I am curious, we've heard a lot in the recent months about the lack of daycare here. Yeah. I mean, does that extend to early childhood connections as well?     Well, where where it impacts us is is that we do especially for our program for prenatal to age three. We'd like to partner with some family childcare partners. And that has been difficult for us just because of the decrease in the number of family childcare partners. I'm on the childcare task force that we're trying to encourage more individually It was to look at that as a profession and help support them. Because we have had a significant decrease in child care in our area.   James Bell  Absolutely. And you know, it is great that I love to hear that you're on that committee as well. It's it's been one of those things that I've seen kind of grow and expand and, and really being being tackled head on by some of the interested parties here in the community.     Yes, it is a need for this area. And and we are working hard at trying to find resources, not only to start a childcare, but also workforce to make sure that we have the people to work in that and that they can make a livable wage and doing that. Absolutely.   James Bell  Now, before we run out of time, Donna, we got to talk about this too. What about those kiddos that are starting to age out of your services or similar services here in the areas?     Well, I just I know that children or parents get a little nervous as their children start to enter kindergarten. So I just wanted to let them know that on our website, we do have a section for families for children that are transitioning to kindergarten, and on that you're going to find say you're going to Lincoln our Roosevelt Elementary you will find a little notebook on there that has the pictures of of the staff there the playground, the lunch room, anything you might want to look over with your child. We also have activities on there how to help your child prepare for kindergarten, we have books on there that you can audiobooks that you can read to your child so we just have a lot of resources as your child moves into kindergarten if if I just want people don't know just check it out. There's there's things there for them.

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays High principal, Shawn Henderson shares the latest from USD 489. Transcript: EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.   James Bell  Hays High continues to struggle with this space and aging facilities. Principal Shawn Henderson stops by to talk to us a little bit about that and more on this episode of the post podcast. As we've heard from some of the other principals here on the go morning show, there's a pretty big problem with space in the district. Right?   Shawn Henderson  Exactly. And I think that would hold true for sure it hits high. And that's kind of the thing that we've really been talking to everybody about is space and beyond space, even just how space works in terms of how modern learners learn, and really what industry is asking us. And that's about having students that know how to collaborate, they know how to innovate and work as a team. And to do that you've got to have a place for them to, to take care of those needs, and to engage in that kind of learning, which is really important. Yeah, you know, I   James Bell  think I saw a picture pretty recently from Hays high. And it was it was students working in the hallway, because there's no place else for him to work.   Shawn Henderson  Yes, and that. And really, that's a very common sight for us. When you look at how schools are handling those spaces, now, there are different types of classrooms, different kinds of spaces allocated for the kind of learning that's taking place for our teachers to replicate that now. They're, they're sending them to the hallway. So it is very true. When I talk to people, there are always students lining the halls, and it's not the old school model of you're in trouble, go to the hall. Otherwise, I'd have a whole lot of people in trouble. That's not what this is. This is this is a place to give kids an opportunity to collaborate, which again, comes from industry, and that's the skills they want those kids to have.   James Bell  Yeah, you know, we hear about that quite a bit too. The the desire 20 years ago was to send everybody to college or big goes to college gets a four year standard degree. But now we've we've learned that those those those hands on skills, electricians, the plumbers, the tech jobs, are what's in real high demand. And so yeah, so what you're saying is you guys are responding to what is needed out there in the world world. Right. And,   Shawn Henderson  Yeah, and it is, again, it's listening to industry, and it is understanding, and I appreciate that you said that, because it's true. There's not just one path for students, you know, we talked about things at the high school level called individual plan of study, and what we're talking about is your path, you the student and what what your skills, what's your interest, we gauge those interests, we, we, you know, have curriculum for that we get them out in the community. And that's something that we are continuing to expand, we want our students to get the skills that they need, but then to go and put them to use in our community and to learn those skills partner with business. Because really, that's what's going to set them apart when they go out. And they try to join the workforce. Yeah,   James Bell  no, you know, we hear quite a bit the the quality of the education isn't necessarily determined by the facilities, I wonder if you want to talk a little bit about this in specifics, how they actually do get impacted in specific ways. Like I think of my high school experience science labs, I went to an older school, I went to a school built in the 20s. And at the time, our science lab was virtually non existent. And I don't know the status of your facility. So it's just an example. But I wonder about, like, the ability to teach those skills that are needed in a facility now that is pushing, you know, 40 years old in haste highest case,   Shawn Henderson  right? And you look at our teachers, and you think about the term, they're doing these things in spite of the limitations that they have. And then you look at our dynamic staff, you look at the kind of people that teach our young people in this community and you think, wow, what if they were able to have the kind of space that they need, so that those barriers are not in their way, and that you know, as someone that is the leader of that environment, it's really excited to think about making sure that they have that space and they have the tools that they need, because then they are going to be able to maximize that environment for those students and try to remove some of those barriers for them. And that's exciting I think for the educators it's exciting for the students it's exciting as a parent you know, I have students in school myself that you know, what does that look like for for them to have exactly what they need so that they can they can grow   James Bell  you know, I wonder if you want to talk about a little bit maybe this how this compares Hayes high to some other districts in our league?   Shawn Henderson  Yeah, I mean, I think the thing is, is that you know, the if you start to go around the the Western you know, are the wack right and so you start to look at what the other schools the Dodge City, liberal garden, great Ben, you look at it, it is it, you know, facilities, you look at the the kind of practice spaces they have the kind of learning environment they have. And, you know, the truth is, is our parents, our families, they're on the road, they're on the road a lot. And it's not even just so much about the schools in our conference, you know, families that have competitive sports and competitive even all the things that that families are doing now. They they traveled to a lot of places, they see a lot of schools and they understand the condition of the facilities, not even so much the condition but just the Um, what those opportunities are that they can see with their eyes just visiting those towns in the schools. And, and that's something that I that I think that Hayes can really consider and think about in terms of what we have here. And I think that's a question worth asking for sure.   James Bell  Absolutely. You know, we've also heard a lot about missed opportunities, conferences or sports. I don't know, things. Everybody knows, I'm not much of a sports guy. But I think about, you know, all those opportunities that as a school we could have if we had the space to do so to bring people into haze. You want to speak a little bit about that, right?   Shawn Henderson  Yeah, certainly. So you're talking about regional level events, you're talking about events where the the Keisha, they call and they say, Would you be willing to host that? Well, it's always an honor to host for Keisha events because it brings great, well, to be honest, it brings people to the community. And that benefits everyone. But when we don't have the facilities that can hold those events, because there are stipulations from the state, of course. And then when we're not able to do that we lose out on revenue for the community, we lose out of people coming to see what Hayes is about. And it's unfortunate. And you know, another example for us, that's the easiest to show is we just we truly do not have an auditorium, not to not to the type that that students utilize now. And it would be something that would go across, it would be all students K through 12. The community that tends to be that place in the community that so many things happen, whether it's an assembly, or it's a concert, that's a talked about spaces we simply don't have that is one that is off. For us. We just don't have that. And we lose out on a lot of things from a curriculum standpoint. And then just from an opportunity standpoint,   James Bell  absolutely. You know, I was I was right before going on air I was telling you last night, as a matter of fact, I was at a or Tuesday, I guess I should say Roosevelt had their program at 12 St. auditorium. And I think there's no better visual for some of the facility concerns in the district, that Wall Street auditorium that building, it doesn't look good. And if you're, as a parent, and especially somebody coming outside of the district, if you're in that building, I think it just screams to something needs done.   Shawn Henderson  Yeah. And for us, it's it's a part of the curriculum to we have students that are that are incredible performers. But it goes beyond that. It's the stagecraft, it's the people that want to be involved in quite frankly, what you do, right? I mean, those are the kinds of things that we want to provide those opportunities, that that really, we have so many kids a cross section of kids that could use that space. And, you know, whether it's a stage craft class, that's a drama class, we would not, we do not have a place for that right now, there. You know, it's not even in our building. And again, yeah, I think that's a, that's a true example of that. Yeah. And   James Bell  going back, again, to kind of what we were talking about, at the onset of this, you know, those tech jobs, those jobs that we don't even that don't exist today, we don't know what they're gonna be. And that's what the students that are coming into the highest high now are going to be doing jobs that we can't even imagine. And it's going to require development and infrastructure to make the make those career potential opportunities happen.   Shawn Henderson  Correct. And we want to be responsive, we do not want to provide any barriers or roadblocks for our students, because quite frankly, when they there, it's a competitive world. And they're going up against students that have, you know, similar experiences, or, and we want to make sure that we have the tools in place for them, so that they can be competitive.   James Bell  And again, no knocks against any of the educators, I think that almost everybody I speak to, I think would agree that USD 49 has some of the best educators in the state of Kansas, if not beyond.   Shawn Henderson  Oh, absolutely. And again, I go back to what I said at the beginning. It's, it's, it's what they're doing in spite of what's in front of them, you know, they're just some barriers for them. And then if you start to remove those barriers, and give them the kind of space allocation that they need, I really like to think about what what they can do, then then they can flourish. And I think that that's important as well.   James Bell  You know, I think the other important piece of talking about facilities and maintenance in the district is the upkeep, then that's something that is heard pretty frequently. You know, why? Why didn't the district take better care of Hays high when we built it 40 years ago? You know, I don't know if you want to talk a little bit about that, you know, from a financial standpoint, the challenges that come with trying to upkeep a building that is now 40 years old.   Shawn Henderson  Right, and I think it's a fair question, you know, is, Are we maintaining the buildings and, and I've heard a lot of great analogies and people that know me, you know, I use them all the time. But at my age, I'm simply not the same person I was when I was 16. Just not as not as fast and not, you know, not as quick on my feet and, and the truth is, is that It doesn't matter how hard that we upkeep something there, age is real, it's going to come into play. We have people that work tirelessly and decades of, of people that have worked really hard to provide an infrastructure and they do a great job. But the infrastructure grows in age. And when it does, it creates issues that have to be solved. And that includes dollars and cents. And I think something that that we want to make sure that we realize is, is it's not so much that the facilities haven't been taken care of. It's that time is a real factor. And, you know, that's why this conversation of when when is it time to upgrade? When is it time to build new? When is it time to change that infrastructure so that we are preparing for 50 years from now? I think that's that's the question that's in front of voters. And it's the right question to ask, and we hope people do. And we hope that if they have questions that they can ask, because, you know, that's the thing, I recently helped my daughter registered to vote, and it was the same conversation I had with her that I would have with anyone is that, you know, it's an incredible civic responsibility to be able to do this. And that's the conversation I had with my new 18 year old. And, and just like I would tell her, you know, you've got to decide you've got to be educated on this. You've got to know what what you know what your decision means. And then you you've got to vote. And that's, that's what I would tell her. And really, that's what I would tell anyone. That's my hope is that, that people know what we're talking about, ask those questions and get out and vote. Absolutely.   James Bell  Yeah. And I think one of the great things that I've seen with this, with the district and the committees that are working on this bond issue is the amount of information that has been put out there is truly comprehensive, I think it's really a pretty good job. And there's a town hall, they've had some of these meetings already, but a town hall coming up to that, where you can go in if you're curious about this and learn more about the issues and ask questions directly some of the people that are in the know   Shawn Henderson  Exactly. And that's going to be on April 20, Hayes Middle School in Hays High School are going to come together at six o'clock. And yeah, again, we would welcome anyone to come in and ask those questions. And because again, as we have an opportunity to share, and to take time to answer those questions, I think that's when people feel comfortable with the decision that they're making. And I think that's appropriate.   James Bell  Absolutely. Well, anything else that you want to hit on or any other last thoughts before we go?   Shawn Henderson  No, I mean, hey, this is a great time of year. We're hoping spring comes around. It's taken a real slow time to get to spring, but there's always some nice high activities out there. We've got the music students going to call me today for state, large group got all kinds of activities going on in the spring would love to see people out. It's good to support our students.

On this episode of the Post Podcast Wilson Elementary principal, Anita Schieve shares the latest from USD 489.

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Wilson Elementary principal Anita Schieve talks about the upcoming USD 489 Kindergarten Roundup.

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Roosevelt Elementary School principal Keri Petersen shares information about this year's Kindergarten Round-up.

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Middle School principal Tom Albers shares information about this weeks parent-teacher conferences.

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Hays USD 489 superintendent Ron Wilson about the Bond issue proposal brought the board of education this week.

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney speaks with USD 489 superintendent Ron Wilson about the proposed USD 489 bond plan presented to the Board of Education at their regular meeting this week.

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney recaps this week's USD 489 Board of Education meeting with superintendent Ron Wilson.   Transcript James Bell  USD 489 will soon be soliciting feedback from the community for an upcoming a bond issue campaign. Hays Post reporter Christina Janney speaks with USD 489. Superintendent Ron Wilson about that and more as they recap this week's Board of Education meeting on this episode of the Post Podcast. Cristina Janney  Well, one of the things that was discussed last night that's been kind of hovering around Headstart for a while, is the federal mat vaccine mandate. The board finally approved a policy that was going to give guidance to those employees. You want to tell our listeners a little bit about that? You bet, Ron Wilson  Christina. You know, I think it was back in September where we, we received a letter from the Office of Headstart and this only applies to our all our employees' audit. This does not apply to all of our USD 49 employees who work in other buildings, but the office of a headstart is requiring that all of their employees get vaccinated by January 1. And so we have been working since September to try to put together, some guidance for employees on how best to handle this. And so Donna Hudson-Hamilton, who is the director of ECC, along with her team spent a considerable amount of time putting together a policy just to help navigate this kind of uncharted territory for us in terms of staph vaccinations. And I think what they did was they put together a policy that gives everyone opportunities to, you know, do what they feel is best for them. And so we are requiring vaccinations However, within that policy, we are all also offering a medical exemption or a religious exemption, should they choose not to get the vaccination. So I guess all in all, it's it's a good thing. It's like I said, this is something we've not dealt with, as a school district. It's not what was approved last night is not a board policy that will continue for district employees, but it will continue for the ECC employees, as long as this mandate is in place by the Office of Head Start. Cristina Janney  And Donna Hudson-Hamilton, who is the director of early childhood connections, who this is affecting, said about there's about 90 employees that the mandate will affect in the number of roughly fit for about half of those have received all vaccinations at this point. Ron Wilson  Yes, that's the information that we've received. You know, going forward, we anticipate there could be some that choose to get the vaccination or we hope that those that don't will file exemptions, either religious or medical, and will be able to go forward and continue as is. Cristina Janney  And it's also my understanding that there will be no test-out option for anyone who is not vaccinated. You're either vaccinated or you're you have filed for an exemption. Ron Wilson  Yeah, that's that. And that, once again, that is not a district policy. That is what the office of Headstart has indicated for their employees. And so it's kind of a unique situation because we do employ every as a district, USD 489 does employ these DCF employees. But the funding comes from the federal division to help support the Early Childhood Development Center. Cristina Janney  So will employees who do not wish to comply with the vaccine mandate? Will they have any opportunity to be reassigned elsewhere in the district? Ron Wilson  You bet we have, we've made it a statement to all the employees out there that we're going to work with everyone, should someone not meet the exemption list, we'll we'll try to find the spot within our district that that maybe they can work and not have to have a vaccination. So we're gonna do everything we can to keep employees working. And that's that is a priority for us. And it's a priority to have our full staff out at ECC. Cristina Janney  If you want to read more about this. There's a story up on the Hays Post this morning about that. Moving on, I think there is another important thing that the board discussed last night, and that was a survey being released to the general public about some possible bond options. Can you tell our listeners a little bit about that? Yeah, I mean, we're we're getting into a little more in depth in terms of what we're looking for. out as far as scopes of work for, for the bond issue, and once again, we're just looking for feet more feedback. As we move forward throughout this process, we have spent considerable time working with the community group that has met since the summer, about once or twice a month on, depending on what month it is. We've met with educators many times throughout the same period as the administrative group. And we've, we're really, we've worked so hard to try and whittle down and build this scope of work, which we feel are our most important needs in the district. And so now, what we're asked we're going to do is we're going to put it together this survey, and we're going to get it out in into our community. And so we'll be sending that out here, the first of December, we just appreciate everyone's feedback, of course, also won't be just a survey of as the only feedback opportunity or first event for the community to start commenting and giving us feedback, we'll start December 15. That will be at Rockwell Administration Center on December 15. And that will take place in the auditorium. And I think it'll be a great opportunity just for everyone to look and kind of get an idea and ask some questions if they do. Well, nothing definite has been decided on any scope or any specifics. But do you want to talk a little bit about some of the options that will be discussed in that survey? Sure. What many options and just like you said, none of the options are what we know was going to happen, we have just listed about seven options. And I don't know if I'll be able to pick all of them off the top of my head. But all of the options are just themes that have risen to the top. As we have progressed since starting this back in June. And working with the community, the educator group and the administrator group, these are there are certain themes that have risen. Of course, one of the options as we've that has risen to the top is that Lincoln Elementary is a school that's 100 years old, has a lot of needs and how we can move forward without Lincoln as one of our schools. So we're looking at possibly that as that could be an option to close Lincoln Elementary. We've we've talked about re-purchasing Hays Middle into an elementary school, and looking at how we could move students into there. And then possibly in a combination of, of even maybe looking at how we could move Hays metal, whether it's moving them out to Hays High School and looking at a new high school or building a new middle school and repurposing. You know that Hays High for some for some future needs. So lots of different options. Another option that is out there. Of course, Wilson Elementary is a great school. The one thing that if you look at our facility score scorecard of the school's Wilson Elementary, as far as educational scoring, it scores low. And it's basically because of space Wilson is a very small school, it would take a considerable amount of money to add space. And so there is a thought that maybe we could move Wilson and Lincoln students into the middle school, and then figure out what we can do with the middle school because of course, the middle school is our is a nemesis in itself because we're just squeezed at the middle school. And we definitely need more space at the middle school. So it's a combination of a lot of different things. We're just we're asking for feedback. And what we still don't know what's going to happen or what's going to be what would be brought to the board for consideration. But we're this is just the process and just throwing a lot of ideas out and some of them will stick and some of them won't. Cristina Janney  Yes, and that's going to be available sent out to parents through your online alert system is going to be available on social media is going to be available on the district website online. So it's not just parents or teachers that get to take this survey. It's anybody in the community. Ron Wilson  Yes, we want to give the opportunity for everyone to comment and give feedback. And so yes, if you like I said last night at the board meeting, if you have any type of social media, you will have the opportunity to see this, this survey. Cristina Janney  Run. Is there anything else that you wanted to talk about in terms of the bond issue right now? Ron Wilson  Well, I think the thing is from a bond perspective, you know, I, I feel really good about where we're at. I think it's it's been obvious that there's been a lot of support for, for, you know, a need to support the bond. It's been 30 years since Hays has passed a bond issue. I, one of the things that I do want to highlight is last, at last night's board meeting, we spent quite a considerable amount of time talking about some of the great achievements going on academically and within our district. And it's just, it is amazing how we're doing this with really a very condensed space, and we're packing kids in and we're really not we don't have opportunities to do some of the things that we really feel would be beneficial to student achievement. And so I think it just be another piece where we could just push our district further moving them to greatness.

Transcript James Bell  Lincoln Elementary is set to celebrate Veterans Day this week. Principal Kerri Lacy talks to us about that and more. On this episode of the Post Podcast.   Kerri Lacy  Our school is going through a process called redesign where we're looking at how we do things at school and getting our community involved and our parents involved. And so we reached out to community members and we have several businesses that have adopted our classes. So I can name a few of those golden belt bank and Farm Bureau, the Hayes Police Department, Hayes, recreation taco shop, you know, if any other have others of you at businesses that would like to sponsor a class, you can sure just give us a call at our office and we would love to have you.   James Bell  Yeah, that's very cool. Yeah. And we talked about this a lot here on the go morning show, but the sense of community around you know, as county it's just I think, tremendous, but it really takes a village to kind of make these things work. And one of the things I think that we're gonna chat hit on here is the Fall Festival that you talked about, or that occurred, I guess, last week, right?   Kerri Lacy  Right. Um, instead of a Halloween parties, the traditional costumes, and costume parties and things like that. We a few years ago, before COVID, of course, we started what we call a Fall Festival. We invite community members to come in and share their talents with us. So there are several different stations around the building and the entire afternoon right after lunch. The kids rotate for about 20 minutes sessions and you know, we have ever this year we had Halloween bingo taco shop brought in the famous chili or queso and chips our kids loved that.   James Bell  Who doesn't like CCQ from Taco Shop, right. No, I think everybody in the region knows what that is.   Kerri Lacy  Absolutely. And if they are from Hays, and they come back to visit, that's usually one of the staples. Absolutely, yes. On the punch list. I agreed. Yes. We had the Fort Hays State discipled group Sternberg Museum, Hays Public Library, they did a story walk. Our girl scout group came in and they built pumpkin catapults and had little pumpkins that they were shooting across the hallway upstairs.   James Bell  Just the little ones not a massive like you see on the TV with a no. No, that would be cool. I think maybe next year, we should have them bring in a couple of big ones and we'll take them outside and see how far we can get them to go. So. You got if you're gonna if you're if that happens, call me because I want to be there to see that.   Kerri Lacy  Alright, I will try Lincoln home in school. They sponsored the missus Lacey, human Banana Split challenge. That was fun. They challenged me to name every student in the school by name. Oh, man. And if I could not do that, then I was in a banana suit. They could get chocolate syrup, whipped cream, sprinkles, cherries, and decorate me as a human banana split. Although I did name every single student in the building, you got them all. I got them all. That's amazing. But I still let them decorate the Oh, that was fun. And Midwest standard. She brings out their money machine, which is really cool. We put real money in there real dollar bills. And I always tease the kids and say, did you know want to get that $100 bill? And they're like, no, no, no, I want to go again. So we have the money machine, which is a lot of fun. And then we have a dance party. So pretty cool.   James Bell  Yeah, that's awesome. And that's, that's really cool that they those area businesses, they stepped up and helped make that possible. Because without those guys, you know, things like that really can't happen. Right?   Kerri Lacy  Absolutely. And it's really cool to have them connect with our kiddos. And when our kids see them out. You know, these people from the businesses, they see them out maybe it's shopping the Dylan's or something and they recognize them and they're excited. And they tell their parents that this is what happened. And they were at my school. And so it really is a partnership and it really helps out everyone. Very cool.   James Bell  Well, looking ahead a little bit. You've also got a veterans day of celebration coming up, right?   Kerri Lacy  Oh my gosh, we are so excited about this. This is the first time for us to try this. But on Tuesday, November 9 from 6 to 7pm. Back on our playground, we are having what we call a Veterans Day celebration for active military. Community members are all invited to join Lincoln students and their families for the celebration. We will have free refreshments. There will be a local food truck there for food purchases. We will have live music by 80 Proof Alice for that hour. It's really going to be a fun time. We are also at that time taking donations for the Fort Dodge Soldiers Home. They greatly appreciate those donations that are needed, you know non perishable food items and things like that.   James Bell  Ah, you know, I'm not familiar and I don't know that maybe maybe we want to share what is the Fort Dodge soldiers home?   Kerri Lacy  Well, it is, I want to say kind of a place where they can where soldiers can go and, and get help if they need it. Their families can get help if they need it. You know, we are not close to a commensarry type, you know, on base, things like that. So they have a place where soldiers can reach out and get the help for their families.   James Bell  Very cool. Very cool. So, you're looking for donations, or yes, you're looking for donations for the Fort Dodge Soldiers Home.   Kerri Lacy  Oh, yes. Okay can bring donations that night. You know, things like non perishable food items. Kleenex, toilet paper, dish soap, laundry, soap, T shirts and sweatpants. Usually large, extra large, double extra large, those can be brought that night or if you can't come that night. You can also drop those donations for the soldier house to Lincoln at any time.   James Bell  Very cool. Very cool. And I think one last thing we want to hit on tonight you got some going on as well, right? Oh, yeah.   Kerri Lacy  If you come out to the north McDonald's from five to eight, our teachers will be selling to cookies for $1 and then also the proceeds of all the food sales comes back to our school for this event, so it's called Big teacher night I think about every elementary school has big teacher night here and we love it that McDonald sponsors us every year.

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Wilson Principal Anita Scheve talks about school attendance as USD 489 wraps up the first quarter of the year.    

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney recaps this week's USD 489 Board of Education meeting with superintendent Ron Wilson.

On this episode of the Post Podcast USD 489 superintendent Ron Wilson shares updates from the district.

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Middle School principal Tom Albers shares information about the start of the school year.

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays High principal Shawn Henderson talks about the beginning of the 2021 school year at Hays High.

On this episode of the Post Podcast USD 489 Foundation board president, Curtis Brown shares details about the foundation.

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney recaps this week's USD 489 Board of Education meeting with superintendent Ron Wilson.

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney recaps the latest board of education meeting with USD 489 superintendent Ron Wilson.