The launch sequence has started as USD 251 North Lyon County prepares to roll out its version of education redesign.
For the last couple years, the district has been researching methods and practices as part of the Kansas State Department of Education’s Gemini phase of the Kansans Can redesign effort. Following state approval last month, the USD 251 board approved the district’s plan for both the elementary-junior high and high school at its meeting Wednesday night. Superintendent Mike Mathes tells KVOE News a lot will remain the same, but there will be notable changes when the school year begins in August.
At Northern Heights, the main changes will also be in projects. Mathes used the recently-developed farm as a case in point, with students gaining hands-on experience in raising animals.
Kansans Can is now in the third stage of redesign efforts, with the phases — Mercury, Gemini, Gemini II and Apollo — reflecting the nation’s space exploration programs from the 1950s through the early 1970s.
The other main discussion point was ongoing facility renovations. Mathes says construction is on schedule, but some issues have arisen. There has been some asbestos abatement needed, and there have been some extra changes in plumbing needed as the district moves the elementary-junior high office from the middle of the building to the front — creating a secure entrance as part of that project — and repairs walls and lockers at Northern Heights. Other projects include renovated playground offerings at the grade school and repairs to the Northern Heights parking lot. Mathes says all projects should be done by the end of next month.
