Web Address: networksplus.

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301 E. Third St.
P.O. Box 489
Chapman, Ks 67431
Phone: 785-922-6505
Fax: 785-922-6204
Email: alida@jc.net
Hope
785-366-7225
hope@fnbks.com
www.fnbks.com
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785-427-2232
miltonvale@fnbks.com
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200 S. Buckeye Abilene, KS
263-3939
Bond issue will renovate schools, build Eisenhower
By TIM HORAN
tim.horan@abilene-rc.com
Acting on the recommendation
of a Citizens Advisory Commit-
tee, the Abilene School Board has
proposed a $24 million bond is-
sue to upgrade facilities.
The election for voters living in
the USD 435 school district will
be held on April 1.
The major recommendations
from that committee included:
address security issues at all
fve schools;
build a new elementary school
to replace Garfeld Elementary to
be named Eisenhower Upper El-
ementary;
add a practice gymnasium and
locker rooms at the high school;
replace an auditorium at the
high school;
improve special education
and administration facilities and
classrooms at the middle school.
It is the opinion of the commit-
tee that it (Garfeld) has reached
its functional endpoint as a grade
school facility, said Dr. Mike
Whitehair, who presented the
Advisory Committees recom-
mendations. Whitehair is a co-
chairman of KIDS (Keep Improv-
ing District Schools) and was a
spokesman for the committee.
The committee of citizens have
a strong interest in meeting the
present and future educational
needs of our community with a
focus on the physical facilities
and presented the board with a
priority list, he said.
They want whats best for the
community, Whitehair added.
The board made some adjust-
ments to the groups recommen-
dations and approved a $24 mil-
lion bond issue for 25 years.
Abilene Board of Education has
been studying the needs of the
fve schools for over two years. In
June 2012, Dr. G. Kent Stewart,
Kansas State University, complet-
ed a study of USD 435 buildings
and educational methods. He de-
scribed Abilene as a town where
students are living in a dra-
matically changing 21st Century
world, but they are learning in
mid-20th Century school build-
ings. Buildings are aging and if
they are to continue to serve well
as they have in the past half-cen-
tury, improvements are needed.
A Community Advisory Group
of 30 parents, patrons, and school
staff toured the facilities, consult-
ed with an architect and a bond
fnancial advisor, surveyed staff
and administration to gain input,
prioritized needs and made rec-
ommendations.
The board was concerned about
a 39 percent state aid, which it
could receive for a bond issue.
Concerned that the Kansas Leg-
islature would end its fnancial
support in the future, the board
passed the bond issue last fall.
A Senate Bill was introduced
this legislative session that would
eliminate the state aid to school
districts to help pay for future
bond issues, in Abilenes case
over $17 million. Abilene Super-
intendent Denise Guy reported
at the last board meeting if the
Abilene bond issue passes in
April, it would still receive the
aid. The bill would only affect
bond issues passed after July 1,
2014, which will not receive the
state aid.
The bond issue would be fund-
ed through property taxes. It is
estimated that a home valued at
$100,000 would increase $9.86
per month, $118.22 a year.
More information on fnanc-
ing can be found at the USD 435
website abileneschools.org.
Here are the issues addressed by
the Citizens Advisory Commit-
tee:
Kennedy
(K-1)
Challenges:
51-year-old building
Building entrance poses security
concerns
Pick-up and drop-off areas are
dangerous
Parking is limited
Solutions:
Interior renovation to create
a controlled access entry and im-
provements to pick-up and drop-off
Courtesy photo
The proposed Eisenhower Upper Elementary that would replace Garfeld
Elementary.
See: Abilene, Page 5
Progress 2014
Community
February 2014
By TIFFANY RONEY
tiffany.roney@abilene-rc.com
With its tornado-ridden his-
tory, higher attendance num-
bers and high school teams,
Chapman is the USD 473
school that tends to garner
the most attention, but Super-
intendent Lacee Sell said she
wants to remind the people of
Dickinson County that the dis-
trict also includes Blue Ridge,
Rural Center and Enterprise
elementary schools.
One thing I really noticed,
witnessed and observed my
frst year coming into this
position this is my third
year was that sometimes
we were a little segregated,
Sell said. We have these three
brand new gorgeous building
in Chapman that unfortunately
are the result of the tornado,
and we were receiving this
attention as far as the rebuild
and everything being new.
While Sell said she appreci-
ated the spotlight the media
and community members
gave to Chapman schools, she
said she wants to make sure
other USD 473 schools are not
neglected.
I really recognized that the
focus that we needed to get
back to was that regardless
of the location, every school
within 473 is exactly that
a 473 school, she said. Just
because Enterprise Elementa-
ry resides in Enterprise, that is
no excuse for them to not still
be part of our district, because
they are.
If you go to Blue Ridge,
your address might not be
Chapman, she said. If you
go to Rural Center, your ad-
dress might not be Chapman.
Defnitely, if you go to Enter-
prise Elementary, your address
isnt Chapman.
Since the tornado, Sell said
she has focused on giving
attention and physical up-
dates to all the schools within
USD 473, which includes six
schools and a preschool. She
said the Rural Center, Blue
Ridge and Enterprise schools
have received new carpeting,
tiling, lighting and playground
equipment.
We really have made it a
personal emphasis to make
certain that regardless of
where a child goes to school
in 473, the only difference is
going to be (the address), she
said. As far as the teachers,
the materials, the technology
and the whole nine yards, its
all the same.
While USD 473 children and
teenagers went to the swim-
ming pool, saved up funds for
the following year and told
their parents they were bored,
Sell and her fellow administra-
tors worked together to create
emphasis for the 2013-2014
school year and district goals
by which they could abide for
years to come.
We were really sitting down
and honing in on the goals of
our district and what we stand
for, and thats where we de-
veloped the Irish Foundation,
she said. Anytime were
looking at curriculum, instruc-
tion, scheduling, assessments
or whatever the case may be,
we always need to consider
what is best for the kids. Its
not about just one kid or one
group of kids its about
whats best for all kids.
By the time summer came to
a close, the administrators had
decided upon two emphases
for the current school year and
three pillars of the Irish Foun-
dation.
The two emphasis adjec-
tives of the 2013-2014 school
year are dynamic and posi-
tive. Their three district goals:
Professional Learning Com-
munities, Multi-Tier Systems
of Support and 21st Century
Technology Integration.
The PLCs are grade level
or subject teams that meet
weekly, either in their build-
ings or via voice conferenc-
ing technology. The MTSS
provides tiered instruction for
students who are within the
same classroom but operating
at varied levels, from satisfac-
tory to gifted to slightly be-
hind. Finally, the technology
integration pillar addresses the
districts goals to continue to
put fresh technology into the
hands of students and teach-
ers.
One thing that really was
dynamic and stood (out) as
a special privilege, a larger
feather in our cap, was, of
course, the recognition of
Chapman High School as a
National Blue Ribbon School
that was an absolute hon-
or, she said. Were all very
proud and thankful of Mr.
(principal Kevin) Suthers
leadership and of him receiv-
ing the Bell Award. We just
have lots to be thankful for.
Additionally, Sell said she
wanted to highlight the re-
lationship USD 473 schools
have with the 54 Cavalry of
Fort Riley. Soldiers regularly
visit the schools and assist stu-
dents, teachers and principals
in any way they can.
They do everything and
then some, she said. They
read with the kids, eat with the
kids.
We want to honor what
those servicemen and women
do for our country, she said.
That partnership is the least
we can do.
Sell said many of their plans
moving forward can be de-
scribed in terms of the best-
seller, Good to Great, by Jim
Collins. She said she and her
fellow administrators and of-
ten discuss its rhetorical ques-
tions and messages.
Were good in this area,
but why dont we shoot for
great? Sell said. In the book,
it says, Great is the fear of
good. People want to be good
but they fear being great. Well,
why is that? You have to work
a little harder. We want to be
great. We want to do great
things.
One area in which Sell
said she has seen signifcant
growth and seeks to improve
even more is the area of en-
rollment numbers.
We have enrollment that
continues to grow, and thats
really encouraging, she said.
We would like to think that
we do things right. Parents
recognize that and want their
children to come to school and
be part of 473.
Sell said she wanted people
to know that the district gained
28 students when school re-
turned to session after Christ-
mas break. As of the current
semester, the district has 1,085
students.
I would love, love, love to
hit the 1,100-line, she said.
This is the third year in a row
that I am saying that, but we
eventually would like to hit
that.
Another area in which Sell
said she would like to move
the district from good to
great is student engagement.
I want to make sure were
providing hands-on, critical
thinking and higher learning,
she said. The days of princi-
pals only going in to the class-
room to evaluate teachers are
gone. That still happens with
our evaluative process, but
when principals such as my-
self go into classrooms, what
we care about is that students
are engaged.
As the district continues
to move toward its value of
greatness, Sell said she wanted
to share her gratefulness for all
those who have supported the
schools in the past and con-
tinue to partner with them for
the future.
We have a lot of fourth-gen-
eration farming families that
are committed to our commu-
nity and our school district,
she said.
Whether people have been
involved with the district in
the past or are new to stepping
in to show their support, Sell
said anyone is welcome to call
her with questions or concerns
anytime.
People need to stay in tune
with what were doing, she
said. We dont want to settle
in the middle. Were wearing
a hole through the foor board
because were on a roll and
were not stopping.
2 Progress Community www.abilene-rc.com
City of Enterprise
City of Enterprise
Growing In Size & Pride
3 Community Meeting Rooms
Large Park with
Swimming Pool
and Tennis Court
Senior Citizen and
Low-Income Housing
Library
Ecological Park
with Walking Trails
Recreation Programs
Active Lions Club
Modern Nursing Home
Verizon Tower
City Council expresses their gratitude to their
volunteers who donate their time for the
betterment of the community.
The Maintenance Department and Office Staff
deserve recognition for the great job they do.
Solomon City Council
Steve Britt, Mayor
Ann Bush Anita Butler
Scott Carney Dana Dulohery
Hunter McMillen
Maintenance Dept.
Don Boyer
Dan Britt
Kin Gilfillan
Office Staff
Dana Carney
Tammy Shank
Planning & Zoning
Dan Winingham,
Chairman
Danise Auldridge
Warren Hargreaves
Bill Klug
Mike Nusbaum
Hal Stephens
Lloyd Wharton
Board of Appeals
Andy Buechman
Fred Dixon
Leita Fritzson
Fire & Emergency
Randy Paden,
Chief
Andy Buechman
Asst. Chief
Chris Ade
Kyle Cox
Brian Duryea
Justin Glover
Brian Heller
Billy Hemmy
Wes Hill
Colton Kohman
Curtis Kohman
Jerry Pedersen
Mike Robinson
Mark Silhan
Mike Smith
Marc Stephens
Sandy Stephens
Ruby Thompson
Westley Wilson
Housing Authority
Audrey Dixon
Mary Flora
Dennis Minneman
Stan Razak
Elaine Reed
Recreation Board
Brad Homman
Hunter McMillan
Todd Miller
Rob Van De Creek
Stacey Zerbe
Library Board
Barbara Billinger
Nancy Bush
Leita Fritzson
Ashley Kohman
Hazel Ranney
Kathy Razak
Cheryl Stull
People Caring for People at
enterprise estates
nursing Center
Adult Day Care
Van with Chair Lift
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USD 473 schools extend beyond Chapman
Tiffany Roney Refector-Chronicle
While Chapman schools often receive more attention, USD 473 aims for students to have the
same experiences at all of its schools.
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Getting married? Having a birthday? Family reunion?
The 1928 Art Deco Historic Union Pacific Depot is a perfect location
for your event! Affordable, classy, and convenient!
Charter the Abilene Trolley!
Transport your wedding party from the church to the reception
Treat your group to a historic trolley tour of Abilene
Charter the trolley for corporate events
Having a conference or group gathering in Abilene?
The Abilene CVB:
Provides welcome bags for your group
Assist you in planning your conference or gathering
Makes arrangements with local attractions
Provides a step-on guide to tell the story of Abilene!
Call 785-263-2231 to learn what we can do for you!
Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau & Civic Center
Located in the Historic Union Pacific Depot
201 NW Second, Abilene, Kansas
www.cityofchapman.org
Like
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Discounted Recreational Activities
Hope, White City continue combination experiment
By TIFFANY RONEY
tiffany.roney@abilene-rc.com
The Hope and White City school district
may be small, but it is full of change. The
two primary changes of the 2013-2014
school year: transitioning grades 8 through
12 from a daily schedule with 52-minute
periods to a block schedule with 87-minute
periods, and consolidating Hopes athletic
programs with those of White City.
Hope pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade
Principal Mike Teeter said both of these
changes allowed the district to balance the
increased demands put on todays educa-
tors with a decreased budget.
The block schedule, with rotating black
and white days, has allowed Hope and
White City to share numerous teachers, in-
cluding those in the vocational programs,
music and art, Teeter wrote in an e-mail.
While travel and scheduling can be a prob-
lem, one beneft is that sharing teachers has
allowed Hope to revive its dormant band and
vocal program, while White City has been
able to reinstate industrial arts.
Though fnances may falter, Teeter has
made it clear that Hope foats and so does
White City.
While there have been some bumps in
the road, the consolidation of the athletic
programs in USD 481 has been relatively
smooth, he said.
The district already consolidated the two
schools junior high football and volley-
ball programs more than fve years ago
though they combined and separated them
on and off during varying years depending
on the rise and fall of participation so
Teeter said the biggest athletic consolida-
tion challenge of the current school year was
the joining of the high school volleyball and
basketball teams.
Some of the biggest challenges with the
combining of teams were not schedule con-
ficts or coaching approaches, but rather
those of team names, mascots and colors.
To overcome these challenges, Teeter and
his colleagues called on students and created
committees to help determine the new face
of the districts sports. The result: a new set
of teams called Rural Vista Heat. This name
allows the district to maintain the use of
the main colors of both teams orange for
Hope and red for White City.
Despite the consolidation upheaval, the
district still garnered athletic success.
A highlight of the football season was
coach Jeff Hostetter picking up win number
200 during the season, Teeter said. This is
a pretty rare occurrence in high school foot-
ball, especially for a Rule 10 coach.
Furthermore, the Rural Vista Heat volley-
ball team fnished third in the Wheat State
League Tournament, and Teeter said both the
boys and girls basketball teams are off to
successful starts.
Our next challenge will be the combin-
ing of high school football programs (of
Hope and White City) beginning next school
year, Teeter said.
Teeter said challenges in this consolida-
tion include determining logistics like prac-
tice times and facilities, sizing and order-
ing equipment and uniforms and ensuring
smooth communication from the coach to
both schools students and their parents.
That will be a big challenge, he said.
But when you have good kids like we do at
Hope and White City, those things seem to
fall into place.
A highlight of the football season was
coach Jeff Hostetter picking up win
number 200 during the season. This is a
pretty rare occurrence in high school
football, especially for a Rule 10 coach.
Mike Teeter
J.R. Sparke Special to Refector-Chronicle
Hope High senior Trevor Hostetter breaks loose on a long run last September against the visiting
Frankfort High Wildcats. Hostetter scored three touchdowns in helping lead the hosting Lions
to a 60-36 victory. Hope coach Jeff Hostetter picked up his 200th win for the Lions last year. In
2014, Hostetter will coach a combined Hope-White City football team.
By TIFFANY RONEY
tiffany.roney@abilene-rc.com
When a new principal
came to Solomon, he didnt
just slide in quietly to his
desk chair and maintain sta-
tus quo. Instead, he gave the
Solomon Middle and High
schools an abundance of
change this year, and he said
those changes are only the
beginning.
I believe our communica-
tion with patrons has been a
lot better (this school year)
than it has been in the past,
Principal Dustin Dooley
said. I send out a weekly
administrative memo to all
our parents, and we send out
a monthly physical news-
letter to all our parents. We
also have bimonthly school
site council meetings to im-
prove the communication.
Additionally, Dooley has
implemented a core group
of six teachers to review
school policies, a district
technology committee to
keep the schools up-to-date
and a district curriculum
committee to ensure aca-
demic excellence. He also
transformed the academic
dean position into a true
guidance counselor posi-
tion, held by Abilene High
School 2007 graduate Amie
Rodda. Additionally, Dool-
ey implemented random
drug testing for all students,
an extra-curricular activity
handbook and pre-season
parent-coach meetings for
athletics.
He said he has also im-
proved the discipline policy
by making it more consis-
tent with set consequences
for misbehavior.
Also, we reward positive
behavior with something
we call Caught Ya Cards
Caught ya doing some-
thing good, Dooley said.
We give you a Caught Ya
Card, and thats entered
into a raffe. Every Friday,
we draw out winners, and
they get gift cards to Olive
Garden, Subway and those
types of places.
In addition to continuing
all of those new initiatives,
Dooley said he has plans to
add even more updates to
the Solomon district, includ-
ing the One-to-One iPad
Initiative in which all stu-
dents, kindergarten through
12th grade, will receive an
iPad. The entire district will
also be decked out with in-
creased video surveillance.
Additionally, the middle
and high school sched-
ules will start to include a
seminar period. At the high
school, Dooley also plans
to include class periods for
online classes that provide
concurrent credit for high
school and college.
Ideally, a student can
graduate from Solomon
High School with an asso-
ciates degree if they stick
with a plan through the dif-
ferent community colleges,
he said. Were going to
work with several commu-
nity colleges to where, for
example, when a student
gradates high school, if they
take the correct classes, they
can receive a certifcate in
pharmacy technology or, for
more credit hours, they can
receive an associates degree
in law enforcement.
Another initiative Dooley
is excited to implement is a
program for individual stu-
dent plans, administered by
Rodda. The individual stu-
dent plans will track each
students grades and career
plans and surveys.
Their state assessment
scores, their graduation
plans and those types of
things that will all be in-
tegrated, he said. The goal
is to help them develop a
better vision for the future.
4 Progress Community www.abilene-rc.com
Unified School District No. 473
Chapman, KS
(10 Miles W. of Junction City on I-70)
The vision of USD 473 is Students
Empowered for Life-long Learning!
All schools are Standard of Excellence Award Schools
Chapman High School is Governors Academic Achievement Award Winner
Chapman HighSchool nominated as a National Blue Ribbon School
Students score above state & national average
Pupil-Teacher ratio is 15:1
All-day kindergarten
CHS FFA Chapter is recipient of the Triple Crown, the states top FFA honor!
FEMA assisted safe rooms at all schools
Nationally recognized music/FFA/business programs
Numerous extra-curricular activities
Athletic transportation runs provided
Career and Technical Education classes
Big Red 1 Adopt-A-School Partnership
Blue Ridge Elementary, Enterprise Elementary, and Rural Center Elementary
are recognized as top 10% Title 1 Schools
We Do Whats Best For Kids!
Schools:
HeadStart
Wee Lads and Lasses PreSchool
Blue Ridge Elementary (K-5)
Enterprise Elementary (K-5)
Rural Center Elementary (K-4)
Chapman Elementary (K-5)
Chapman Middle School (6-8)
Chapman High School (9-12)
We Welcome Out of District
Students & Hope You
Will Consider USD #473
as Your Choice
Like us on
USD 473 Education Center (785) 922-6521
District Website: http://usd473.net
A great place to live & learn!!
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Over 15 Years of Quali ty Service
New principal brings new programs to Solomon
Tiffany Roney Refector-Chronicle
Solomon High School students dressed as their future occupations recently for the schools spirit
week. While the spirit week is an annual tradition, Principal Dustin Dooley has implemented sev-
eral new programs at the high and middle schools
www.abilene-rc.com Progress Community 5
Solomon
Public Schools
Go Gorillas!
U.S.D. # 393
Students Learning Today-
Leading Tomorrow
USD 393 will prepare its students mentally, socially, and physically to
live successful in a modern society.
Committed to Students
Dedicated, Professional, and Caring Staff and Administration
Secure Buildings that are locked during the day so that visitors must buzz in
(complete for 2014-15 school year) and high resolution cameras covering entire
campus (Safety is a priority).
Dedicated to small class sizes (average size is 11)
All Day Kindergarten
After-School Care Program for K-5 students until 5:30 p.m.
Pre-School Program on site
Strong MTSS (Multi-tiered Systems of Support) Reading Program K-8
Lexia Core Reading Program Grant
Current One-to-one iPad initiative for 3rd 6th grade students, and 7th 12th grade
planned for 2014-2015 school year
Excellent music and band programs including band, marching band, jazz band, pep
band, vocal, show choir
Many new Career and Technical Education Certifcation programs for Free
Concurrent College Credit
Quality art, agricultural, and family and consumer science programs
Variety of extra-curricular activities including yearbook, quiz bowl, FFA, FCA,
FCCLA, Student Council, NHS, forensics, debate, drama
Outstanding competitive sports programs including football, volleyball, basketball,
track, dance, cheerleading
Individual Student Plans for all students 6-12
After-School Tutoring Program District-wide
Technology in learning as a top priority
A variety of communication devices including updated website, School Messenger
system to notify of cancellations, postponements, and other important information,
Weekly Middle/High School Newsletter, staff and student email, student iTunes
accounts, PowerSchool, teacher phones and voicemail, etc.
Incentives for students based on academics, behavior, and attendance
Structured school-wide student discipline policy
Summer Drivers Education Program
Committed to Staff
Intensive professional development
Opportunities for additional trainings
Teacher evaluation system using McRel to evaluate teacher effectiveness and
encourage growth
Beginning teacher/mentor teacher pairings
New teacher support throughout the school year
Devoted to continual school improvement
Devoted to ensuring all students can succeed
Committed to Community
Great Buildings and Facilities
Free Summer Lunch Program for anyone 18yrs or younger
If you are interested in attending our school and would like to schedule a visit and
tour, please call 785-655-2541.
High School Parent Enrollment night will be February 24, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. We will
have several community and technical colleges on site to demonstrate the online career
certifcation programs they have available for free through Solomon. You wont want
to miss this event, as it could have a signifcant impact on the future education of your
student. Both parents and students should attend.
Enrollment Dates are July 30-31 in the high school commons area from
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
First Day of School for 2014-15 is August 15th.
Please check us out at www.usd393.net
Students Learning
Today - Leading
Tomorrow
GOrillas!
Solomon #393
202 E. 4th 785-922-6800 Chapman
CARQUEST Coast-to-Coast Guarantee
www.CARQUEST.com
CARQUEST AUTO PARTS STORES
YOULL FIND IT AT CARQUEST
NEIGHBORHOOD LOCATIONS
Stalder auto Supply
Domestic & Import
Daily Availability of over 130,000 Part & Accessories
CHAPMAN
VALLEY MANOR
Serving Chapman Since 1970
Community Owned Non-Profit Home
Skilled Nursing Home With Over 40Years Experience
Chapman Valley Manor Independent
Living Duplexes For Senior Citizens
A Tradition of Caring
Pam Sheets, Administrator
1009 N. Marshall Chapman
922-6525
BLIXT LANDFILL, INC.
L. BLIXT CONSTRUCTION, INC.
BLIXT CONTAINERS, INC.
2646 SAGE ROAD, CHAPMAN, KS.
OFFICE: 785-922-6180
2735 Rain Rd Chapman, Ks
800-345-1439 / 785-922-6544
Fax: 785-922-6905
P.O. Box 286, Solomon,KS
A Touchstone Energy
SM
Cooperative
655-2011 or 1-800-376-3533
www.dsoelectric.com
Providing Electric
Service to the rural
areas of Dickinson,
Saline, and Ottawa
Counties for 75
years.
Electricity, Te
Safe, Clean,
Efcient
Energy Source.
area
Additional improved parking to
enhance safety and security
McKinley (2-3)
Challenges:
63-year-old building
Building entrance poses security
concerns
Pick-up and drop-off areas are
dangerous
Parking is limited
Solutions:
Expand the administration area/
entry for controlled access
Reroute bus traffic to enhance
safety and security
Add additional Parking
Garfield
(4-5)
Challenges:
72-year-old building
Building entrance poses security
concerns
Outdated & inefficient heating
system
Expensive and disruptive win-
dow air conditioning
Outdated electrical system that
wont serve modern technology
needs
Undersized classrooms - 700 sq.
ft. (modern classrooms are 850-900
sq. ft.)
Need additional space for class-
rooms, administration, counselors,
special education, and a nurse
Not in compliance with ADA
standards for handicap access
Portable buildings pose safety
and security concerns
Combined gym/cafeteria chal-
lenges scheduling
Designed for 237 students, but
houses 248
Current location is not adequate
for expansion, parking, and play-
ground
Eisenhower Upper
Elementary School
Solutions:
Construct a new elementary
school, to be named Eisenhower
Upper Elementary, to serve 4th
and 5th grade students, allowing
the current Garfield building to be
repurposed
The new Eisenhower School will
contain approximately 32,438 sq ft
of space with modern, larger class-
rooms, support areas, and technol-
ogy to support todays educational
methods
Sell Garfield Elementary to an
entity that will repurpose the build-
ing in a manner that will benefit the
community.
Abilene Middle
School (6-8)
Challenges:
39-year-old building
Building entrance poses security
concerns
Special Education spaces are
extremely inadequate
Need additional science class-
room space
Solutions:
Construct 3,867 sq ft of new
space including science classrooms
for 6th and 8th grades
Renovate 7,326 sq ft of space to
secure the entrance, improve the
administration area, and provide
space for special education
Abilene High
School (9-12)
Challenges:
59-year-old building
Three different building entranc-
es pose security concerns
Need additional classrooms, sup-
port space, and cafeteria space
Industrial Arts areas for Metals
and Woods need separation and im-
provement for safety and efficiency
Gymnasium was built before
girls sports existed in USD 435
10 team sports have been added
since additional gym space is
necessary. AHS is the only school
in the league that cannot host all
games at one site
Wresting and weight room
facilities are undersized and create
safety concerns
The auditorium is inadequately
small for school and community
needs the 28 ft. wide stage is
1/3rd the size of other facilities and
does not allow band performances
at AHS
Current enrollment is 280 band
students and 150 in vocal music
(grades 6-12)
Technology systems in the
auditorium are outdated based on
current standards
Debate and Forensics participa-
tion is growing and the current au-
ditorium prevents AHS from hosting
state tournaments
Solutions:
Construct 45,398 sq ft of new
space to create:
A new administration area with
controlled access entry
An expanded cafeteria
A new entry/commons area
An expanded Industrial Arts/
Agriculture area
A new secondary gymnasium
with locker rooms
A new Fine Arts Auditorium
Additional restrooms
Renovate existing spaces to:
Add and improve classrooms
Add new elevators for handicap
accessibility
Replace the existing competition
gymnasiums flooring
Replace the current auditorium
with a multipurpose space for
wrestling, dance, cheerleading, and
other activities
Relocate the Bus Barn to create
additional parking
AHS Football
Stadium
Challenges:
Locker rooms are antiquated
and inadequate and pose safety
concerns
Inadequate storage
Solutions:
Construct a new locker room
facility with additional storage
Abilene
Continued from Page 1
6 Progress Community www.abilene-rc.com
Abilene Public Schools would like to extend a Great Big Thank You
to the parents, patrons, and programs that support the children in
this community. Because of our schools and the opportunities for
our youth, Abilene is a great place to raise a child.
Athletics offered:
Football
Volleyball
Boys & Girls Cross Country
Boys & Girls Tennis
Boys & Girls Basketball
Wrestling
Boys & Girls Powerlifting
Boys & Girls Track
Baseball
Softball
Golf
Activities offered:
Instrumental Music
Vocal Music
Debate
Forensics
German Club
Spanish Club
Student Council
National Honor Society
SPURS
FCCLA
FBLA
FFA
Technical Education in:
Automotive Technology
Cabinetry
Computer Aided Drafting
Agri Science
AG Fabrication
Small Animal Science & Care
Building Trades
Greenhouse Care and Management
Metal Manufacturing/Welding
Graphic Design
AP Courses offered in:
American History
American Government
Concurrent Credit offered in:
Trigonometry
Calculus
Sociology
Psychology
Composition I
Composition II
Public Schools
www.abileneschools.org USD 435
Abilene
Helping all students become successful and
responsible lifelong learners in a changing world.
Experience
Each Student 2nd-12th Grade is
issued an iPad to support their
learning experience.
Forming new post-secondary partnerships
everyday to provide FREE college credit for
high school students