Southern Lyon County School District, USD 252, has a challenge ahead of it this school year — declining enrollment and increasing costs. But it has many positive things to look forward to as well.
Like North Lyon County School District, Southern Lyon County is facing lower enrollment for this school year, which started today. Southern Lyon County includes Neosho Rapids Elementary School, Neosho Rapids/Hartford Junior-Senior High; Olpe Elementary and Olpe Junior-Senior High School.
“We knew it (enrollment) would be down because of graduation,” said Southern Lyon County School District Superintendent Mike Argabright.
“We’re down about 30 kids,” Argabright said.
Argabright said about 26 students were directly affected by the Tyson Fresh Meat layoffs early this year but it is uncertain how many of those will be leaving the district. First-day enrollment numbers should be available on Friday.
USD 252 has several goals for this school year, Argabright said. The district goals are broken into four areas: academic; technology; facilities and transportation. This year, the district expanded its Early Start program to a five-day week with their own teachers, Argabright said.
“The parents have asked for that,” he said. “It’s a half-day program in Olpe and Neosho Rapids.”
The curriculum focus will emphasize social studies and science this year. Argabright said the focus has been on math and reading and that will continue, but efforts to step up social studies and science will be stepped up this year. More effort will be placed on addressing at-risk students’ needs as well, Argabright said, adding that the district purchased some software geared toward at-risk students.
Technology will be an emphasis as well in all grades in the district. The district aims to continue to replace and update technology and computer labs.
Argabright takes pride in the district’s success with state assessments.
“The staff, kids and parents are doing an awesome job with the state assessment,” he said, adding that the district has received multiple Governor’s Awards on all levels for its state scores on assessments.
The district will take a look at the buildings in the district as well as part of its facilities focus.
“The (school) board in September will appoint a District Facility Study Committee to make recommendations for the improvement, addition and/or new construction of district facilities in all three communities,” Argabright said. “That’ll be a big deal for us. ...”
Fuel costs are an issue for the district.
“Last spring we reduced two (bus) routes,” Argabright said. “We combined the routes that are left over and with our activity trips we’ve been more conservative about making sure the bus is full. ... We cover a lot of miles and we’re trying to be more efficient.”
More money also has been budgeted in for energy costs this year. Food costs are up as well.
“That is a challenge because you’re guesstimating,” Argabright said.