It may be a tight squeeze on timing, but the USD 282 West Elk Board of Education still plans to move all instructional activity to the Howard campus in August, it was confirmed at Monday night’s board meeting.

Supt. Corey Reese said approval still has not been granted by the Kansas State Department of Education to pay for the modular classrooms that will be a central part of the move, but he anticipates such approval to be made by May.

“It’s a pretty straight forward process,” said Reese. “We’re typically not allowed to spend money Read more

Voters in West Elk USD 282 soundly turned down the $5.55 million bond proposal to consolidate all school facilities onto one campus in balloting on Tuesday.

The final result: Yes 375 votes, and No 622 votes.

This will bring to a halt plans to construct a new elementary school in Howard and the eventual closure of grade schools in Severy and Moline.

The USD 282 Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Monday night, Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m. Board members must now decide which direction to take as the school continues with its three-campus school district.

Voters who reside in West Elk-282 will go to the polls next Tuesday, Nov. 3, to say “yes” or “no” to a $5.55 million proposal that will greatly impact the makeup of schools in the district.

The basic question will be whether to close elementary schools currently operated in Moline and Severy and construct a new elementary school on the campus where West Elk Junior/Senior High School and the district office are located, south of Howard.

In addition to building the new grade school, the current bus parking area and some utilities will be relocated, and improvements  made to the bus lane, driveway and parking lot.

Those supporting the plan say a  new facility configuration will provide Read more