McPherson – Week of February 12 2025
Extended school days approved; Student fees restructured; Fire station delayed; County funds defense attorneys; Law center costs waived; Animal care course;
1. USD 418 Approves Extended School Days, Shorter Calendar for 2025-26; Board Updates Student Fee Structure
2. City Provides Updates on Fire Station and Elm Street Projects
3. County Approves $189K for 2025 Indigent Defense
4. County Waives $7K Law Enforcement Center Balance from City
5. McPherson High to Launch Small Animal Care Course
Sports and Activity Report
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1. USD 418 Approves Extended School Days, Shorter Calendar for 2025-26; Board Updates Student Fee Structure
The McPherson USD 418 Board of Education approved changes to the district's school schedule during their February 10 meeting, adopting a one-year agreement that will add 20 minutes to each school day while removing eight days from the academic calendar for the 2025-26 school year. The decision followed consultation with teachers, parents, and community members, with board members emphasizing the change aims to provide more instructional time while maintaining educational quality. Board member Perry McCabe noted the modification came in response to teachers' requests for additional instruction time, particularly following recent curriculum updates. While some concerns were raised about childcare challenges during the additional days off, the board structured the change as a one-year trial to allow for thorough evaluation. The district plans to gather feedback from staff and community members during fall 2025 to assess the schedule's effectiveness before determining whether to continue the arrangement beyond the initial year.
Also at the Feb. 10 meeting, the board moved forward with plans to restructure student fees, accepting a proposal that would establish a unified fee structure for the 2025-26 school year. The proposed plan, which will receive final consideration next month, sets base learning resource fees at $110 for elementary and $140 for middle and high school students, plus a $20 technology fee across all levels, with planned $10 annual increases. The new structure includes a tiered reduction system, offering complete fee waivers for students eligible for free lunches, 50% reductions for reduced-lunch eligible students, and introduces a new category providing 25% fee reductions for families just above the reduced-lunch threshold. Business Manager Nikki Garcia presented financial projections showing the plan maintains district solvency through 2027-28 and consolidates various class-specific fees into a single, more predictable charge for families. The proposal keeps certain fees separate, including instrumental rental, activity passes, and participation fees, with board members emphasizing the importance of annual reviews to assess impact on families.
Article Source: USD 418
2. City Provides Updates on Fire Station and Elm Street Projects
The city's new Fire Station #2 is facing delays due to issues with an incorrectly installed snow melt system in the concrete aprons, with contractor CM3 covering repair costs. Despite the setback, fire officials remain hopeful for an early March opening of the facility.
Elm Street drainage and Euclid extension work remains paused as contractors did not return to the site as planned last week. Officials reported that weather conditions were deemed unsuitable for continuing the project, with no timeline provided for work to resume.
Article Source: City of McPherson
3. County Approves $189K for 2025 Indigent Defense
The McPherson County Commission approved the 2025 indigent defense agreement at their Monday meeting, allocating $189,100 to provide legal representation for defendants who cannot afford to hire their own lawyers. The agreement, which represents a 5% increase from last year, funds two primary defense attorneys and two conflict attorneys, with provisions for additional counsel when needed in cases involving multiple defendants. Indigent defense is a constitutional right guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment, ensuring that all defendants have access to legal representation regardless of their ability to pay. Monthly payments will be made to the participating attorneys, with any unused funds being divided between the primary attorneys at year's end.
Article Source: McPherson County
4. County Waives $7K Law Enforcement Center Balance from City
McPherson County Commissioners voted Monday to waive a $7,071 balance owed by the City of McPherson for shared Law Enforcement Center operations. The decision follows the city's payment of $581,550, representing their 40% share of E-911 operating expenses and costs for both shared and dedicated police department space. County Administrator Rick Witte recommended forgoing the additional payment in recognition of the city's recent waiver of county building renovation fees. The arrangement reflects the ongoing cost-sharing partnership between city and county governments for joint law enforcement facilities and emergency services.
Article Source: McPherson County
5. McPherson High to Launch Small Animal Care Course
McPherson High School will introduce a new Small Animal Care course, approved by the USD 418 Board of Education during their February 10 meeting. The program, designed to support students interested in veterinary careers, will provide hands-on experience with various animals including cats, dogs, and potentially goats. The course aligns with students' individual plans of study and strengthens the school's career and technical education offerings. District officials confirmed the program will launch with no additional costs to the district, as a qualified instructor is already on staff. According to school administrators, the new course responds to significant student interest in veterinary medicine and provides a practical pathway for students considering careers in animal care.
Article Source: USD 418
McPherson High School Sports and Activity Report - February 6–11
Boys Basketball (2/6)
Girls Basketball (2/6)
Scholars Bowl (2/6)
- The MHS Scholars Bowl team concluded its season at the 4A Regional in Clearwater.
Boys Wrestling
- 2/6 Duals:
- Lost to Buhler, 40-41
- Lost to Winfield, 24-56
- Rose Hill Invitational (2/7–2/8):
- McPherson placed 20th overall (27.5 points)
- Highlight: 175 lbs: 4th Place – Jase Fitzmorris
Girls Wrestling
- 2/6 Duals:
- Defeated Buhler, 66-18
- Defeated Winfield, 60-24
- Circle Invitational (2/7–2/8):
- McPherson finished 3rd overall (130 points)
- Individual Placers:
- 1st Place: Lexi Patterson (110), Ciara Rawson (235)
- Other Top-6 Finishes: Alix Wilson (100, 6th), Amara Dossett (125, 5th), Molly Owen (130, 2nd), Brooklyn Kutina (135, 6th), Sydney Cummins (140, 3rd), Riley Sanchez-Fogarty (190, 6th)
Band (2/10)
- The MMS Jazz Band, MHS Jazz Band, and the 6th–8th grade ensembles performed a combined concert.
McPherson citizen journal score network (submitted)
ECS Lady Eagles Overcome Slow Start to Beat Rural Vista 41-33
In a challenging road environment, the ECS Lady Eagles persevered through early offensive struggles to defeat Rural Vista 41-33, led by Joy Pyle's impressive 16-point, 6-rebound performance and Grace Prescott's exceptional playmaking with 8 assists and 6 steals. Addison Swenson made her presence felt across all aspects of the game, while Sidney Hall's strong second-half rebounding effort helped the Lady Eagles control the boards after adjustments at halftime. Despite facing their second tough road game in 48 hours and struggling with open shots early, the Lady Eagles' defensive effort kept them within striking distance before pulling away for the victory, setting up a quick turnaround for Senior Night against Herington.
ECS Lady Eagles Hold Off Herington Rally, Win 38-30
The ECS Lady Eagles, powered by senior Addison Swenson's 15-point performance, built a commanding 24-2 halftime lead before securing a 38-30 victory over Herington on Senior Night. Swenson matched the school's single-season three-point record with her third triple of the game, while teammate Joy Pyle dominated the glass with 9 rebounds. Despite a strong second-half shooting surge from Herington that threatened to erase the 22-point deficit, the Lady Eagles' defense tightened in the closing minutes to preserve their win ahead of Tuesday's upcoming matchup against Goessel.
ECS Lady Eagles Soar Past Goessel 34-21, Maintain Perfect League Record
In a pivotal Wheat State League matchup, the ECS Lady Eagles defeated Goessel 34-21, led by Joy Pyle's double-double performance of 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Grace Prescott connected on two three-pointers and Addison Swenson set a new single-season three-point record. Sidney Hall contributed significantly in the paint as the Lady Eagles maintained their undefeated league status, setting up a crucial showdown against fellow undefeated Little River in their final league game on Friday. The victory came against a streaking Goessel squad known for their aggressive defense, marking a significant achievement for ECS as they continue their impressive season run.
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Sources
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qT8Syc0ENpA
2. https://www.facebook.com/CityOfMcPhersonLocalGovernment/videos/1098652678677878
3. https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video
4. https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qT8Syc0ENpA