As an architect begins developing graphics and renderings for possible new facilities, USD 251 North Lyon County began formally discussing a possible additional partner for the process.
Board members discussed adding a construction manager at-risk, although they did not take any action as part of the regular board meeting Wednesday. Superintendent Bob Blair says there could be action later. If there is, Blair expects a rather lengthy selection process, starting with a public hearing for what’s called “alternative project delivery building procurement.”
Construction managers at-risk work with the general contractor and, in this case, the school district to handle budgets, schedules and certain financial matters if needed. A selection process could take around 60 days, if not longer. Architect renderings from TESSERE, meanwhile, could be ready for board review by April or May, but Blair says a construction management hire will not delay the overall timetable for the project.
The district is considering a new high school near North Lyon County Elementary/Junior High in Americus, a new high school near the Americus city limits or a full K-12 campus near the district’s population center. Following a survey last fall, Blair says more civic engagement is likely after the TESSERE graphics are in hand.
Separately, Blair says he was pleased with a performance accountability report through the Kansas State Department of Education. Using data from the 2024-25 academic year, Blair says USD 251 is doing well when compared to 20 other school districts regionally.
Blair was also pleased to see the district ACT scores and five-year graduation averages.
Blair also referenced the district’s regular legislative update, discussing potential “bell to bell” cell phone bans in schools. Blair says there are some worthy components of the bill, but he is concerned efforts like this reduce local control
