USD 412 Board of Education Highlights from May 12, 2025 Meeting

by Derek White

The Unified School District 412 Board of Education met on May 12 in Hoxie, Kansas, for its regular meeting, addressing key topics including curriculum updates, facility improvements, and staffing changes ahead of the summer term.

Among the evening’s highlights was the Board’s approval of a major facility project. Mammoth Sports Construction was awarded the bid to rebuild the Hoxie High School track and upgrade football field lighting. The project will be funded through a lease purchase financing agreement with Government Capital Corporation.

In academic matters, the Board approved updated K-12 social studies curriculum materials from TCI, Savvas, and Social Studies School Service, while also approving the disposal of outdated 5th and 6th grade textbooks and consumables.

Two high school FCCLA students, Iauna King and Sarah Dardis, were recognized for qualifying for the national STAR event competition in Orlando, Florida. The Board also heard a presentation from Kim Robben about a proposed 2026 student travel opportunity to Greece and Italy.

Summer programs were also on the agenda. The Board approved employment for summer school staff and custodians, including Michelle Schippers, Kellie Tice, Whitney Bainter, and Jackie Campbell as teachers, and a team of paraprofessionals and support staff. They also approved the resignation of longtime custodian Travis Arnold, with gratitude for his service.

Additional personnel actions included transfers and new hires for the upcoming school year, such as Emma Johnson joining the staff as a 7–9 English Language Arts teacher, and Jacob Moss taking on dual roles as head coach of both boys and girls high school basketball.

Lastly, the Board discussed summer transportation policy, allowing each sport or activity one team camp or tournament to use district transportation, coordinated in advance with the transportation director.

The meeting adjourned at 11:08 p.m., with the next regular meeting scheduled for June 9, 2025.