The June meeting was a busy one for the USD 252 Southern Lyon County Board of Education.
Board members tackled several topics and got updates on several projects during the meeting this week. One of the big items was the daycare calendar. Superintendent Mike Argabright says the board approved the calendar, adding more available dates for both staff and the general public in the process, and slightly increased fees due to increased costs. He says there is an obvious demand for daycare.
Board members also began discussion on a nepotism policy as outlined by the Kansas Association of School Boards, restricting the hire of people who “reside with board members” and limits administrators to indirect supervision or evaluation of household members. Argabright anticipates at least a two-meeting discussion by board members, saying smaller districts like USD 252 may hav some challenges meeting the KASB guidelines.
Separately, the board received updates on a disc golf course in Hartford and an “open-ended” conversation about upcoming facility needs at Hartford Junior-Senior High.
Argabright is retiring after 16 years leading the district and 40 years in education as a whole. Ryan Muhlig, a Council Grove native and currently the principal at Colby High, was named as the district’s new superintendent in February. Argabright says the district is in a good place academically and financially, and he says USD 252 has a solid foundation going forward. He also says Muhlig will bring a lot of energy to his new role.
Argabright will be on KVOE’s Newsmaker segment at 7:20 am June 26 to reflect on his career and upcoming retirement.
