The United Way of Ellis County’s application for funding deadline is quickly approaching.

Any 501(c)(3) that provides services in Ellis County is eligible to apply. The services must meet one of the three criteria of education, health, and financial stability. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday.

The online application for funding can be found at <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/2024-application-funding">https://www.liveunited.us/2024-application-funding</a>.

For more information, contact Erica Berges, executive director, at 785-628-8281 or email <a href="http://info@liveunited.us">info@liveunited.us</a>.

SubmittedThe United Way of Ellis County’s application for funding deadline is quickly approaching.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664816528759.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Any 501(c)(3) that provides services in Ellis County is eligible to apply. The services must meet one of the three criteria of education, health, and financial stability. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday.The online application for funding can be found at <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/2024-application-funding">https://www.liveunited.us/2024-application-funding</a>.For more information, contact Erica Berges, executive director, at 785-628-8281 or email <a href="http://info@liveunited.us">info@liveunited.us</a>.

Funding application approaching for United Way of Ellis County

Victoria Coalition sets holiday tours for Dec. 9, 10

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Despite test assessment scores below state averages at Victoria High School, the teaching staff said they are putting in considerable effort to address and improve the situation.

Victoria Superintendent Kimberly Woolf, alongside various students and school staff, addressed issues pertaining to the Kansas State Department of Education report card, highlighting the academic performance of students at Victoria Junior-Senior High during an interview on Nov. 9.

This was following a story published by the Hays Post on Nov. 4 that outlined Victoria state test scores that fell below state averages. Woolf did not respond to Hays Post attempts to reach her for comment before the Nov. 4 story was published.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3e7f3933-c241-4b2b-9882-25ed12d4d298">RELATED STORY: Victoria High falls short of state test score averages; junior high fares better</a>

At the superintendent's request, she included&nbsp;Elementary Principal Deena Clark and&nbsp;Interventionist Erin Braun.

Woolf said she recognizes the low academic performance between ninth and 12th grade, attributing the schools' assessment results to insufficient resources.

“At the time when I got here, we didn’t have any English curriculum at the high school,” Woolf said. “The same for math. We had a teacher that brought a curriculum that she used in another school district so we were piggybacking off of that, but we realized that our scores are not where they're supposed to be.”

Additionally, Woolf said the on-hand textbooks for social studies are outdated, resulting in instructors pulling material from online.&nbsp;

The number of teachers in the community is limited as several instructors have left Victoria High in recent years — a story that the staff said is familiar across the state.

Braun said the student-to-teacher ratio is not well balanced in the school as fewer people are pursuing a career in education.

"We have a lot fewer people going into teacher prep programs while we have a gaining need and a declining supply, which is a huge problem," Braun said.

Multiple faculty members are said to have a variety of roles due to the small school size, Woolf said.

Upon becoming the superintendent in 2021, Woolf, along with Clark, prioritized the curriculum followed by growing their school faculty to include more teachers.

The State Department of Education measures student assessments for math, English and science across four levels for all of Kansas.

Level one stipulates that a student possesses limited ability to understand and utilize the skills necessary for success after graduation. Level two represents a basic understanding. Level three signifies an effective understanding, and level four indicates an excellent comprehension of the subject, according to the Kansas Department of Education.

Woolf, Clark and Braun underscored the significance of small class sizes at Victoria High, where 120 students are enrolled from ninth to 12th grades, according to the State Department of Education.

In the 2022-2023 school year for math, 52.63 percent of students between ninth and 12th grade fell under having limited ability to understand. According to the test scores, 36.84 percent of students have a basic understanding, 10.52 percent show an effective ability to understand, and .01 percent demonstrate an excellent understanding of math.

“The middle of the two category or above is on grade level,” Woolf said.

For more information on performance level reports at Victoria High in math, English and science, as well as information on the measurement methods employed, <a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.org/assessment_results.aspx?org_no=D0432&amp;bldg_no=6403&amp;rptType=1">click here</a>.

Woolf, Clark and Braun also delved into the enrollment at Victoria and across the state, highlighting a significant shift and decline when comparing the periods before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The faculty said the class size of the 2022-2023 school year consisted of 19 students, emphasizing the impact a single student's performance can have on reported percentages.

The Kansas Department of Education considers postsecondary success based on a student meeting one of four criteria within two years of high school graduation.

• Earned an approved certification during high school • Attained a postsecondary certificate • Obtained a postsecondary degree • Enrolled in postsecondary education in both the first and second years after high school graduation

The graduation rate average across five years is 95 percent and the average success rate is 61 percent between 2017 and 2021.&nbsp;

Woolf, Clark and Braun said they thought the chosen measurement for recording the success rate was not a fair representation of student performance.

Braun said her son is in the Navy but wouldn't be considered successful by the standards of the State Department of Education.&nbsp;

“Kansas would consider my son not successful because he's in his sixth year in the Navy and now a second-class petty officer,” Braun said. “He’s in a supervisory in his shop and has multiple certificates.”

Clark’s son graduated in Kansas and is currently a doctor in physical therapy and working in sports medicine but doesn’t meet any of these requirements.&nbsp;

“He is not considered two years successful because they didn't track out of state, and he was in college on a full-ride scholarship,” Clark said.

Woolf said from 2021 to 2023, 57 percent of students opt for a two or four-year college, 32.33 percent choose a trade school, 1.67 percent enlist in the military and 9.3 percent directly enter the workforce.

"Our community is focused on helping kids graduate with the skills they need by increasing the opportunities available at Victoria USD 432," Woolf said.

For more information on postsecondary and graduation data at Victoria High, as well as information on the measurement methods employed, <a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.org/home.aspx?org_no=D0432&amp;bldg_no=6403&amp;rptType=1">click here</a>.

Students at Victoria High discussed the challenges they face in class like comprehension, focusing and motivation. However, there has been a noticeable improvement in recent times following the introduction of a no-phone policy, the students said.

Student Sienna Schmeidler said in-class engagement has increased between now and last year, crediting the new phone policy as a contributing factor.

"You can comprehend something better without having that distraction or that need to pick up your phone and look at the time," she said.

Expanding on that, student Brody Nowak said he now dedicates more time in class to staying focused rather than scrolling through social media.

"There's a lot more connection with teachers," he said, "but if we were to have our phones, we would have been using that time to scroll through TikTok or answering Snapchats."

The no-phone policy carries over to the lunchroom as the district recently applied for a grant for coloring books and board games.&nbsp;

"It's very engaging for us to be there and looking at each other rather than texting something to each other," Schmeidler said.

Student Quincy Pickering credited English and speech instructor Meritt Hammeke, as a captivating and efficient tutor at the high school.

"Right off the bat he was open with us, laughing and joking, and it just set the tone for the rest of the year," Pickering said. "He wasn't scared to teach, and he wasn't scared to be open."

Nowak highlights the advantage of being in a close-knit community, providing a freeway for instructors to get in touch with parents if needed.

"Your teachers know pretty much everybody's parents so if you're struggling, they could shoot your parents an e-mail and say, 'Hey, so and so isn't doing too well,'" he said. "You wouldn't be able to find that in a big school."

Additionally, members of the community, including teachers, parents and alumni were previously invited to engage in conversations regarding student performance both in school and postgraduation.

Woolf said the school's vision is centered on leading, achieving and succeeding to uplift Victoria as a whole.

"We want our students to achieve on those tests and post secondarily to go forward and do great things before ultimately coming back to Victoria and having that same impact on kids in the community," Woolf said.

Student Kennidy Amrein said having caring teachers encourages her to do better in class so in return, instructors can have a sense of accomplishment.

"When you have a relationship with them, then you just feel better to see that they're doing a good job," Amrein said.

Students demonstrate excellence in areas beyond the academic classroom, such as projects and community engagement, Woolf said.

Amrein and Nowak are two members of the Family Career and Community Leaders of America chapter at Victoria High, which organizes a variety of community events. 

The two are currently preparing for a Students Taking Action and Recognition event, where they will showcase a presentation on mental health among students.&nbsp;

The Students Taking Action and Recognition events are held at the district level, and students can progress to state and national in a competitive environment. The program tests their proficiency, leadership skills and career preparation through projects.

Schmeidler and her group earned fifth place last year at the National FCCLA Convention for her interior design, which included her customizing a studio office environment intended to help students succeed.

Woolf said the school uses a hands-on initiative to help students become successful after graduation.

"To keep kids engaged in school, we want them to be doing things that they enjoy doing and one of the programs that's been really successful is our vinyl graphics program," she said.

Items created within the initiative include accessories, clothing, stickers, blankets and banners for both the school and community businesses.

In addition, the high school includes interventionist teachers dedicated to assisting students with specific issues in the classroom before reintegrating them with their peers.

The district has recently been awarded a $150,000 grant that is intended to support the certification of teachers in additional subjects and provides incentives to paraprofessionals to stay in the field of education.

"Whether our test scores currently show it or not, I know that our little 1A school district has the courage and power to blow next year's state assessment scores out of the water," Woolf said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700028057797.jpeg" alt="Victoria High School graphics crew led by teacher Kaylene Gabel next to the school's banner. Courtesy Photo." />
 <figcaption>Victoria High School graphics crew led by teacher Kaylene Gabel next to the school's banner. Courtesy Photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostDespite test assessment scores below state averages at Victoria High School, the teaching staff said they are putting in considerable effort to address and improve the situation.Victoria Superintendent Kimberly Woolf, alongside various students and school staff, addressed issues pertaining to the Kansas State Department of Education report card, highlighting the academic performance of students at Victoria Junior-Senior High during an interview on Nov. 9.This was following a story published by the Hays Post on Nov. 4 that outlined Victoria state test scores that fell below state averages. Woolf did not respond to Hays Post attempts to reach her for comment before the Nov. 4 story was published.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3e7f3933-c241-4b2b-9882-25ed12d4d298">RELATED STORY: Victoria High falls short of state test score averages; junior high fares better</a>At the superintendent's request, she included&nbsp;Elementary Principal Deena Clark and&nbsp;Interventionist Erin Braun.Woolf said she recognizes the low academic performance between ninth and 12th grade, attributing the schools' assessment results to insufficient resources.“At the time when I got here, we didn’t have any English curriculum at the high school,” Woolf said. “The same for math. We had a teacher that brought a curriculum that she used in another school district so we were piggybacking off of that, but we realized that our scores are not where they're supposed to be.”Additionally, Woolf said the on-hand textbooks for social studies are outdated, resulting in instructors pulling material from online.&nbsp;The number of teachers in the community is limited as several instructors have left Victoria High in recent years — a story that the staff said is familiar across the state.Braun said the student-to-teacher ratio is not well balanced in the school as fewer people are pursuing a career in education."We have a lot fewer people going into teacher prep programs while we have a gaining need and a declining supply, which is a huge problem," Braun said.Multiple faculty members are said to have a variety of roles due to the small school size, Woolf said.Upon becoming the superintendent in 2021, Woolf, along with Clark, prioritized the curriculum followed by growing their school faculty to include more teachers.The State Department of Education measures student assessments for math, English and science across four levels for all of Kansas.Level one stipulates that a student possesses limited ability to understand and utilize the skills necessary for success after graduation. Level two represents a basic understanding. Level three signifies an effective understanding, and level four indicates an excellent comprehension of the subject, according to the Kansas Department of Education.Woolf, Clark and Braun underscored the significance of small class sizes at Victoria High, where 120 students are enrolled from ninth to 12th grades, according to the State Department of Education.In the 2022-2023 school year for math, 52.63 percent of students between ninth and 12th grade fell under having limited ability to understand. According to the test scores, 36.84 percent of students have a basic understanding, 10.52 percent show an effective ability to understand, and .01 percent demonstrate an excellent understanding of math.“The middle of the two category or above is on grade level,” Woolf said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699995003465.png" alt="High school Performance Level Report for math from USD 432 and state level." />
 <figcaption>High school Performance Level Report for math from USD 432 and state level.</figcaption>
 </figure>For more information on performance level reports at Victoria High in math, English and science, as well as information on the measurement methods employed, <a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.org/assessment_results.aspx?org_no=D0432&amp;bldg_no=6403&amp;rptType=1">click here</a>.Woolf, Clark and Braun also delved into the enrollment at Victoria and across the state, highlighting a significant shift and decline when comparing the periods before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.The faculty said the class size of the 2022-2023 school year consisted of 19 students, emphasizing the impact a single student's performance can have on reported percentages.The Kansas Department of Education considers postsecondary success based on a student meeting one of four criteria within two years of high school graduation.• Earned an approved certification during high school • Attained a postsecondary certificate • Obtained a postsecondary degree • Enrolled in postsecondary education in both the first and second years after high school graduationThe graduation rate average across five years is 95 percent and the average success rate is 61 percent between 2017 and 2021.&nbsp;Woolf, Clark and Braun said they thought the chosen measurement for recording the success rate was not a fair representation of student performance.Braun said her son is in the Navy but wouldn't be considered successful by the standards of the State Department of Education.&nbsp;“Kansas would consider my son not successful because he's in his sixth year in the Navy and now a second-class petty officer,” Braun said. “He’s in a supervisory in his shop and has multiple certificates.”Clark’s son graduated in Kansas and is currently a doctor in physical therapy and working in sports medicine but doesn’t meet any of these requirements.&nbsp;“He is not considered two years successful because they didn't track out of state, and he was in college on a full-ride scholarship,” Clark said.Woolf said from 2021 to 2023, 57 percent of students opt for a two or four-year college, 32.33 percent choose a trade school, 1.67 percent enlist in the military and 9.3 percent directly enter the workforce."Our community is focused on helping kids graduate with the skills they need by increasing the opportunities available at Victoria USD 432," Woolf said.For more information on postsecondary and graduation data at Victoria High, as well as information on the measurement methods employed, <a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.org/home.aspx?org_no=D0432&amp;bldg_no=6403&amp;rptType=1">click here</a>.Students at Victoria High discussed the challenges they face in class like comprehension, focusing and motivation. However, there has been a noticeable improvement in recent times following the introduction of a no-phone policy, the students said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700029696834.jpeg" alt="Student Lindsey Scheck, Sienna Schmeidler, Kennidy Amrein and Brody Nowak from left to right in the vinyl media classroom. Courtesy Photo." />
 <figcaption>Student Lindsey Scheck, Sienna Schmeidler, Kennidy Amrein and Brody Nowak from left to right in the vinyl media classroom. Courtesy Photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>Student Sienna Schmeidler said in-class engagement has increased between now and last year, crediting the new phone policy as a contributing factor."You can comprehend something better without having that distraction or that need to pick up your phone and look at the time," she said.Expanding on that, student Brody Nowak said he now dedicates more time in class to staying focused rather than scrolling through social media."There's a lot more connection with teachers," he said, "but if we were to have our phones, we would have been using that time to scroll through TikTok or answering Snapchats."The no-phone policy carries over to the lunchroom as the district recently applied for a grant for coloring books and board games.&nbsp;"It's very engaging for us to be there and looking at each other rather than texting something to each other," Schmeidler said.Student Quincy Pickering credited English and speech instructor Meritt Hammeke, as a captivating and efficient tutor at the high school."Right off the bat he was open with us, laughing and joking, and it just set the tone for the rest of the year," Pickering said. "He wasn't scared to teach, and he wasn't scared to be open."Nowak highlights the advantage of being in a close-knit community, providing a freeway for instructors to get in touch with parents if needed."Your teachers know pretty much everybody's parents so if you're struggling, they could shoot your parents an e-mail and say, 'Hey, so and so isn't doing too well,'" he said. "You wouldn't be able to find that in a big school."Additionally, members of the community, including teachers, parents and alumni were previously invited to engage in conversations regarding student performance both in school and postgraduation.Woolf said the school's vision is centered on leading, achieving and succeeding to uplift Victoria as a whole."We want our students to achieve on those tests and post secondarily to go forward and do great things before ultimately coming back to Victoria and having that same impact on kids in the community," Woolf said.Student Kennidy Amrein said having caring teachers encourages her to do better in class so in return, instructors can have a sense of accomplishment."When you have a relationship with them, then you just feel better to see that they're doing a good job," Amrein said.Students demonstrate excellence in areas beyond the academic classroom, such as projects and community engagement, Woolf said.Amrein and Nowak are two members of the Family Career and Community Leaders of America chapter at Victoria High, which organizes a variety of community events. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700029034598.jpeg" alt="Student members of the&nbsp;Family Career and Community Leaders of America chapter at Victoria High. Courtesy Photo." />
 <figcaption>Student members of the&nbsp;Family Career and Community Leaders of America chapter at Victoria High. Courtesy Photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>The two are currently preparing for a Students Taking Action and Recognition event, where they will showcase a presentation on mental health among students.&nbsp;The Students Taking Action and Recognition events are held at the district level, and students can progress to state and national in a competitive environment. The program tests their proficiency, leadership skills and career preparation through projects.Schmeidler and her group earned fifth place last year at the National FCCLA Convention for her interior design, which included her customizing a studio office environment intended to help students succeed.Woolf said the school uses a hands-on initiative to help students become successful after graduation."To keep kids engaged in school, we want them to be doing things that they enjoy doing and one of the programs that's been really successful is our vinyl graphics program," she said.Items created within the initiative include accessories, clothing, stickers, blankets and banners for both the school and community businesses.In addition, the high school includes interventionist teachers dedicated to assisting students with specific issues in the classroom before reintegrating them with their peers.The district has recently been awarded a $150,000 grant that is intended to support the certification of teachers in additional subjects and provides incentives to paraprofessionals to stay in the field of education."Whether our test scores currently show it or not, I know that our little 1A school district has the courage and power to blow next year's state assessment scores out of the water," Woolf said.

Victoria High addresses state test score; student engagement

Early planning is underway for the Victoria Community Coalition, Inc. second annual Holiday Home Tours on Dec. 9 and 10.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/savetheresthome">Follow the Victoria Community Coalition Facebook page for future details.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699901204576.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Early planning is underway for the Victoria Community Coalition, Inc. second annual Holiday Home Tours on Dec. 9 and 10.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/savetheresthome">Follow the Victoria Community Coalition Facebook page for future details.</a>

Victoria Community Coalition plans annual Holiday Home Tours

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

The city of Victoria in the coastal plains of Texas is home to a beautiful Catholic cathedral and tradition-rich football.

It’s hard to compare that Texas city with Victoria, Kan., whose “Cathedral of the Plains” actually was raised to the status of a minor basilica in 2014.

But when it comes to spinning tales of their town’s success in high school football, Victoria, Kan. (population 1,150) can definitely share bragging rights with cities as large as Victoria, Texas, a city of 65,000-plus just 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico.

In fact, “our” Victoria – smack dab in the midst of land-locked rural Kansas – more represents the small town on which the book and movie “Friday Night Lights” were based than does the metro area of Victoria County, Texas.

That popular sports film was based on a true story from the 1980s. When the film was released in October 2004, Victoria High School (the Kansas version) was well on its way to winning its first eight-man state football title.

The Knights went on to claim three more state championships during the next 11 years and are currently enjoying a season that has taken them deep into the 2023 playoffs, cementing their legacy in Kansas eight-man football.

But ask anyone associated with the Knights in the 1980s, and they will tell you that the tradition of winning football state championships began long before the calendar turned over to 2000.

Victoria rode the momentum of its first state football title in 1981 – when it won the Class 2A, 11-man division – to two more championships in 1985 and ’88.

Several players and coaches from the teams of the ‘80s still live in the area and remain supporters of the Knights today. Some will take to the road to Dighton for Friday’s sectional game or tune in to the radio broadcast on KFIX Eagle Radio 96.9 FM.

Numerous players from the ’80s showed up for a reunion in their hometown last month to watch some outstanding high school football – and reminisce.

Members of those first three state championship teams were honored at halftime of the Friday night game, then gathered at one of the former players’ garage afterward. They were back together again Saturday night at the local VFW building for a supper and more storytelling.

Chris Windholz had the distinction of playing on a state championship team (1988) and serving as the head coach for the first eight-man title team (2004).

Some made the trip from all across Kansas – and even several other states – for the reunion. And Doug Moeckel, head coach of the 1985 and ’88 teams, came in from Topeka.

“We just felt so much support and didn’t want to let our school or our city down,” David Younger said of the Knight squads that followed the 1981 team.

Younger, who now lives in Windsor, Colo., was a fifth-grader that year and was a freshman on the 1985 title team before starting as a senior on the 1988 squad.

“I’ll always remember the camaraderie among us,” Younger said. “It was special.”

Rod Goetz (1981 team), who still lives in the Victoria area, agreed. He told how he and his classmates decided to trade partying for working out the summer before their senior season.

“We got a lot closer that summer, and I think it really made a difference in the fall,” he said. “After working out, we would go out to eat out together and all got along really well.”

Two players from that team even roomed together growing up.

Twin brothers Stan and Stuart Dome both stayed around Ellis County after graduation and still support the Knights.

Some players and coaches gave talks at the Saturday dinner. They and others in the crowd got emotional as they relived their glory days.

“You guys taught us the things that make us the men we are today,” Stan Dome told the coaches present.

Bob Leikam, who scouted opponents for the 1981 team and was a long-time teacher in Victoria, said the feeling of appreciation was mutual.

“People ask me what’s so special about Victoria,” Leikam said. “It’s hard to put into words, but it is special. I spent 33 years here, because I wanted our children to grow up with you kids. I’m thankful to have been a part of it.”

Each team had something different to talk about.

The 1981 team will always be remembered for a fake-punt play in the championship game that ultimately gave the Knights the momentum en route to upending previously unbeaten Frontenac to finish with a 12-1 mark.

The 1985 team started the season 2-4 before reeling off seven-straight wins – the last two by 8-6 scores, outlasting Centralia on a snowy field in the title game.

And the 1988 squad went undefeated to finish 13-0 (including four shutouts) while outscoring its opponents 394-107.

“It takes a lot of luck to win it all, but that’s not the main thing,” added Jerry Brungardt, an assistant coach for all three of the state championship teams in the ’80s. “It’s the character of people that floats the boat.”

An online description of the heart of Texas high school football is “a celebration of unity and community pride, where towns and cities come alive on game days, rallying behind their local teams. The fervor and passion surround each matchup of Texas high school football are unparalleled.”

Stan Dome, for one, would beg to differ on that last sentence.

“I remember back then, we often had a larger crowd for our away games than the home team,” he said. “It was something we’ll never forget.”

That senior season meant so much to the Dome brothers that they later had clocks made with a photo of them standing by the state championship trophy.

“That clock is still hanging, too,” Stan Dome said, “and it still keeps good time.”

Good times continued long after that special 1981 season. Several players from that first state title team had relatives later win state championships in either 11-man or eight-man.

One of those was Dave Kisner, whose younger brother, Jeff, was a member of the 1985 team. Jeff’s two sons also get to experience the joy of winning it all, too, during the Knights’ eight-man state championship runs.

“It was such a wonderful ride,” said Jeff’s wife, Janine, who also grew up in Victoria. “… great memories.”

The Knights of the 2020s hope to make more good memories.

If Victoria (8-1) beats Dighton (6-4) Friday night, it will advance to the sub-state championship round. Because of the east-west formula for the playoffs, the sub-state site won’t be determined until the conclusion of the Minneola-Coldwater sectional game. The state championship game is set for Nov. 25 in Newton.

Stay tuned. If all goes as planned, the Knights will be making a road trip on Thanksgiving weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699492824744.jpeg" alt="Players and coaches from Victoria’s three state championship football teams from the 1980s gather for a photo at halftime of a game this season. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Players and coaches from Victoria’s three state championship football teams from the 1980s gather for a photo at halftime of a game this season. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696618498114.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostThe city of Victoria in the coastal plains of Texas is home to a beautiful Catholic cathedral and tradition-rich football.It’s hard to compare that Texas city with Victoria, Kan., whose “Cathedral of the Plains” actually was raised to the status of a minor basilica in 2014.But when it comes to spinning tales of their town’s success in high school football, Victoria, Kan. (population 1,150) can definitely share bragging rights with cities as large as Victoria, Texas, a city of 65,000-plus just 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico.In fact, “our” Victoria – smack dab in the midst of land-locked rural Kansas – more represents the small town on which the book and movie “Friday Night Lights” were based than does the metro area of Victoria County, Texas.That popular sports film was based on a true story from the 1980s. When the film was released in October 2004, Victoria High School (the Kansas version) was well on its way to winning its first eight-man state football title.The Knights went on to claim three more state championships during the next 11 years and are currently enjoying a season that has taken them deep into the 2023 playoffs, cementing their legacy in Kansas eight-man football.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699492939357.jpeg" alt="The 1985 Knights survived a cold, snowy day in Manhattan to win the school’s second state football title. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The 1985 Knights survived a cold, snowy day in Manhattan to win the school’s second state football title. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>But ask anyone associated with the Knights in the 1980s, and they will tell you that the tradition of winning football state championships began long before the calendar turned over to 2000.Victoria rode the momentum of its first state football title in 1981 – when it won the Class 2A, 11-man division – to two more championships in 1985 and ’88.Several players and coaches from the teams of the ‘80s still live in the area and remain supporters of the Knights today. Some will take to the road to Dighton for Friday’s sectional game or tune in to the radio broadcast on KFIX Eagle Radio 96.9 FM.Numerous players from the ’80s showed up for a reunion in their hometown last month to watch some outstanding high school football – and reminisce.Members of those first three state championship teams were honored at halftime of the Friday night game, then gathered at one of the former players’ garage afterward. They were back together again Saturday night at the local VFW building for a supper and more storytelling.Chris Windholz had the distinction of playing on a state championship team (1988) and serving as the head coach for the first eight-man title team (2004).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699493027954.jpeg" alt="The shirt of Jeff Kisner, Victoria, says it all as he visits with Carl Dinkel, Fredonia, at the reunion. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The shirt of Jeff Kisner, Victoria, says it all as he visits with Carl Dinkel, Fredonia, at the reunion. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Some made the trip from all across Kansas – and even several other states – for the reunion. And Doug Moeckel, head coach of the 1985 and ’88 teams, came in from Topeka.“We just felt so much support and didn’t want to let our school or our city down,” David Younger said of the Knight squads that followed the 1981 team.Younger, who now lives in Windsor, Colo., was a fifth-grader that year and was a freshman on the 1985 title team before starting as a senior on the 1988 squad.“I’ll always remember the camaraderie among us,” Younger said. “It was special.”Rod Goetz (1981 team), who still lives in the Victoria area, agreed. He told how he and his classmates decided to trade partying for working out the summer before their senior season.“We got a lot closer that summer, and I think it really made a difference in the fall,” he said. “After working out, we would go out to eat out together and all got along really well.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699493250134.jpeg" alt="Jerry Brungardt, an assistant coach for all three of Victoria’s three state championship football teams in the 1980s, proudly wears a shirt from the undefeated 1988 team. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jerry Brungardt, an assistant coach for all three of Victoria’s three state championship football teams in the 1980s, proudly wears a shirt from the undefeated 1988 team. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Two players from that team even roomed together growing up.Twin brothers Stan and Stuart Dome both stayed around Ellis County after graduation and still support the Knights.Some players and coaches gave talks at the Saturday dinner. They and others in the crowd got emotional as they relived their glory days.“You guys taught us the things that make us the men we are today,” Stan Dome told the coaches present.Bob Leikam, who scouted opponents for the 1981 team and was a long-time teacher in Victoria, said the feeling of appreciation was mutual.“People ask me what’s so special about Victoria,” Leikam said. “It’s hard to put into words, but it is special. I spent 33 years here, because I wanted our children to grow up with you kids. I’m thankful to have been a part of it.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699493334785.jpeg" alt="Twin brothers Stan and Stuart Dome each own a clock honoring Victoria’s first state championship football team. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Twin brothers Stan and Stuart Dome each own a clock honoring Victoria’s first state championship football team. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Each team had something different to talk about.The 1981 team will always be remembered for a fake-punt play in the championship game that ultimately gave the Knights the momentum en route to upending previously unbeaten Frontenac to finish with a 12-1 mark.The 1985 team started the season 2-4 before reeling off seven-straight wins – the last two by 8-6 scores, outlasting Centralia on a snowy field in the title game.And the 1988 squad went undefeated to finish 13-0 (including four shutouts) while outscoring its opponents 394-107.“It takes a lot of luck to win it all, but that’s not the main thing,” added Jerry Brungardt, an assistant coach for all three of the state championship teams in the ’80s. “It’s the character of people that floats the boat.”An online description of the heart of Texas high school football is “a celebration of unity and community pride, where towns and cities come alive on game days, rallying behind their local teams. The fervor and passion surround each matchup of Texas high school football are unparalleled.”Stan Dome, for one, would beg to differ on that last sentence.“I remember back then, we often had a larger crowd for our away games than the home team,” he said. “It was something we’ll never forget.”That senior season meant so much to the Dome brothers that they later had clocks made with a photo of them standing by the state championship trophy.“That clock is still hanging, too,” Stan Dome said, “and it still keeps good time.”Good times continued long after that special 1981 season. Several players from that first state title team had relatives later win state championships in either 11-man or eight-man.One of those was Dave Kisner, whose younger brother, Jeff, was a member of the 1985 team. Jeff’s two sons also get to experience the joy of winning it all, too, during the Knights’ eight-man state championship runs.“It was such a wonderful ride,” said Jeff’s wife, Janine, who also grew up in Victoria. “… great memories.”The Knights of the 2020s hope to make more good memories.If Victoria (8-1) beats Dighton (6-4) Friday night, it will advance to the sub-state championship round. Because of the east-west formula for the playoffs, the sub-state site won’t be determined until the conclusion of the Minneola-Coldwater sectional game. The state championship game is set for Nov. 25 in Newton.Stay tuned. If all goes as planned, the Knights will be making a road trip on Thanksgiving weekend.

NWester: High school football — the pride of Victoria for decades

By ANTHONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Victoria USD 432 school board race ended Tuesday night with four new members being added to the board of education.

Four spots were up for election on Tuesday with Mathew Orr, Brenton Hoffman, Haley Gagnon and Terry Dinkel securing the highest number of votes.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c3308acd-0982-4e55-8fa4-678d8f2568af">Mathew Orr</a>, vice president of Operations for Hess Services, received 188 votes. Orr is a Victoria City Council member and is hopeful to help the Victoria area.

“ I took the opportunity to step over in an area where I think I can best benefit the community,” he said. “I don't particularly have any larger and grander aspirations other than helping our kids in the school district and keeping our community strong.”

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/af7c4939-32d8-46b0-a9be-fd97da4cea92">Haley Gagnon</a>, event coordinator and accounting assistant at Smoky Hills PBS, received 168 votes.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b2209a41-cbd4-4d63-a87c-c7617ad4a02f">Terry Dinkel</a>, small business owner, received 155 votes. Dinkel said he looks forward to establishing himself on the board in order to strengthen Victoria.&nbsp;

Hoffman could not be reached for comment. Gagnon said she wanted to hold off on making a comment until she could look at the results.

The Ellis County canvas will be at 8 a.m. Tuesday. At that time the county canvas board will consider provisional ballots and any mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Bobbi Dreiling, Ellis County Clerk, said there were about 50 provisional ballots received across the county on Election Day.

Other candidates who ran in the Victoria school board race included Janea Dinkel, Jake Hunter, Douglas Kuhn, Tammy Lichter, Morgan Pfeifer, Gregory Sander and Tammy Lee Schumacher.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/">See complete Ellis County results on the Hays Post HERE.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699057737318.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ANTHONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Victoria USD 432 school board race ended Tuesday night with four new members being added to the board of education.Four spots were up for election on Tuesday with Mathew Orr, Brenton Hoffman, Haley Gagnon and Terry Dinkel securing the highest number of votes.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c3308acd-0982-4e55-8fa4-678d8f2568af">Mathew Orr</a>, vice president of Operations for Hess Services, received 188 votes. Orr is a Victoria City Council member and is hopeful to help the Victoria area.“ I took the opportunity to step over in an area where I think I can best benefit the community,” he said. “I don't particularly have any larger and grander aspirations other than helping our kids in the school district and keeping our community strong.”Brenton Hoffman collected 184 votes.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/af7c4939-32d8-46b0-a9be-fd97da4cea92">Haley Gagnon</a>, event coordinator and accounting assistant at Smoky Hills PBS, received 168 votes.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b2209a41-cbd4-4d63-a87c-c7617ad4a02f">Terry Dinkel</a>, small business owner, received 155 votes. Dinkel said he looks forward to establishing himself on the board in order to strengthen Victoria.&nbsp;Hoffman could not be reached for comment. Gagnon said she wanted to hold off on making a comment until she could look at the results.The Ellis County canvas will be at 8 a.m. Tuesday. At that time the county canvas board will consider provisional ballots and any mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day.Bobbi Dreiling, Ellis County Clerk, said there were about 50 provisional ballots received across the county on Election Day.Other candidates who ran in the Victoria school board race included Janea Dinkel, Jake Hunter, Douglas Kuhn, Tammy Lichter, Morgan Pfeifer, Gregory Sander and Tammy Lee Schumacher.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/">See complete Ellis County results on the Hays Post HERE.</a>

Victoria USD 432 BOE welcomes 4 newcomers to board

By&nbsp; TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Students at Victoria High School scored below state averages on state assessment tests for 2022 and 2023, whereas the eighth-grade students fared somewhat better.

The State Department of Education issued a report card for the 2022 and 2023 school years, showcasing the academic performance of students both at Victoria Junior-Senior High and across the state.

The report card shows test scores for math, English language arts and science. The Kansas assessment results are reported across four levels.

Level one stipulates that a student possesses limited ability to understand and utilize the skills necessary for success after graduation. Level two represents a basic understanding, level three signifies an effective understanding, and level four indicates an excellent comprehension of the subject, according to the Kansas State Department of Education.

In the 2022-2023 school year for math, 52.63 percent of students between ninth and 12th grade fall under having limited ability to understand. According to the test scores, 36.84 percent of students have a basic understanding, and 10.52 percent show an effective ability to understand.

Fewer students statewide fell in the lower two levels on their math tests.

The state-wide performance for math in the same grade levels consists of 45.61 percent of students showing limited ability, 33.33 percent having a basic understanding and 13.71 percent having an excellent understanding.

Less than 10 students at Victoria High School demonstrate an excellent understanding of math, whereas 7.33 percent of high school students across Kansas fall into that category for math excellence.

Students at the high school show better performance in English than they do in math for 2022-2023.

47.36 percent of students show limited ability to understand English, 36.84 percent have a basic understanding and 15.78 percent of students possess an effective ability to understand, according to the report. Less than 10 students proved to have an excellent understanding in the school year.&nbsp;

More Victoria high school students also fall in the lowest performing level on English test scores compared to the state numbers.

State performance of high school students for English in the school year includes 35.77 percent of students showing a limited ability to understand, 37.46 percent having a basic ability, 21.67 percent possessing an effective understanding and 5.07 percent being excellent in the subject.

Science has the most students with limited skills at Victoria Junior High.

In the 2022-2023 school year, 76.47 percent of students have a limited understanding of science based on test scores. 17.64 percent of students have a basic understanding and 5.88 percent have an excellent understanding. Less than 10 students at the high school have an effective ability to understand science.

To protect student privacy, when a subgroup has fewer than 10 students the data is not displayed.&nbsp;

Victoria High was separated by 30 percentage points compared to the state numbers when looking at students falling in the lowest tier for science in 2023.

For 2023, 43.54 percent of high school students in the state had a limited ability to understand science, 27.54 percent had a basic understanding, 17.86 percent had an effective understanding and 11.03 percent showed excellence in understanding, according to the state report card.

Reports on the eighth-grade level at Victoria Junior High were better in some subjects, according to the state report card.

In the 2022-2023 school year, 23.07 percent of eighth-grade students at Victoria Junior High showed limited ability to understand science. 46.15 percent had a basic understanding, 23.07 percent showed an effective ability to understand and 7.69 percent were excellent in the subject.

48.72 percent of all eighth graders in Kansas showed a limited ability to understand science, 28.57 percent had a basic understanding, 15.3 percent proved to be effective at understanding and 7.4 percent had an excellent understanding in the school year.

For eighth-grade students at Victoria Junior High, less than 10 students showed an excellent understanding of English in the same school year.

Some students may be excluded from the reporting because of small class size because of state efforts to protect student privacy.

15.38 percent of eighth-grade students at the high school had a limited understanding of English while 61.53 percent had a basic understanding and 23.07 percent had an effective understanding of the subject.

Eighth-grade students in the state of Kansas consisted of 2.85 percent of students having an excellent ability to understand English. 17.93 percent had an effective ability to understand, 42.27 percent had a basic understanding and 36.93 percent were limited in understanding.

In Victoria, less than 10 students showed an excellent understanding of math at the high school in 2022-2023.

46.15 percent of students had a limited ability to grasp the subject, 7.69 percent had a basic understanding and 46.15 percent showed an effective understanding of math.&nbsp;

Across the state in the same school year, 47.74 percent of eighth-grade students had a limited understanding of math, 29.43 percent had a basic understanding, 17.85 percent were effective at the subject and 4.96 percent were excellent&nbsp;

The latest report of postsecondary success for Victoria Junior High is from 2021. The success rate is 59.1 percent, the effective rate is 56.5 percent and the graduation rate is at 95.7 percent.&nbsp;

The graduation rate average across five years is 95 percent, the average success rate is 61 percent and the effectiveness average is 58 percent between 2017 and 2021.

The Kansas Department of Education considers post-secondary success based on a student meeting one of four criteria within two years of high school graduation. A student must achieve one of these four outcomes:

A closer look at the graduation rate will show a slight decrease from 2021 to 2022 at the high school but still above the graduation average for Kansas.

At the state level, the four-year graduation rate in 2021 was 89.3 percent and 89.8 percent in 2022.&nbsp;

The last years Kansas administered state-level history, government and social studies assessments were in 2017 to 2018.

For the start of the 2022-2023 school year, a new history, government, and social studies classroom-based assessment was mandatory for students in at least grades four and seven. However, the results from this assessment were not included in the report card.

All of the current members of the Victoria USD 432 Board of Education were contacted for comment about the state report card. Some did not respond. The rest referred the Hays Post back to the superintendent for comment.

The Hays Post contacted Victoria Superintendent Kimberly Woolf. She declined to comment for this story.

The Hays Post sent questionnaires to all the candidates who are running for seats on the Victoria USD 432 school board.&nbsp;

Candidates were asked what they think the school district should do to improve student test scores and academic performance.

"I don’t advocate for making testing easier, but instead for making teaching more effective. Effective teachers make the students better, and better students do better things," candidate Jake Hunter said.

Candidate Haley Gagnon said, "The board should take heed of the teachers's suggestions and concerns when it comes to these issues because they are the ones with the education and experience to lead our students to academic success."&nbsp;

Candidate Tammy Lee Schumacher said, "A major requirement is hiring more paras&nbsp;per capita of students in our school system, especially to support those children that have special scholastic needs."

Not all candidates returned responses to the Hays Post questionnaire. Links to responses for those who did are below.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/59c70adf-b54c-4c33-85be-44c10e7d6af2">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Gregory Sander</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c3308acd-0982-4e55-8fa4-678d8f2568af">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Matt Orr</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b2209a41-cbd4-4d63-a87c-c7617ad4a02f">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Terry Dinkel</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c3a5c688-2db2-40c2-a2d9-c3b584501c9d">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Janea Dinkel</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e2623634-577d-4c48-8273-1a211292b447">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Tammy Lichter</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/af7c4939-32d8-46b0-a9be-fd97da4cea92">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Haley Gagnon</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0d3c7f07-6255-4d75-801f-73a1f45b8c63">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Jake Hunter</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b6a0cac8-db01-44d4-90bc-5c6c6800c847">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Tammy Lee Schumacher</a>

Other candidates who will appear on the ballot include&nbsp;Brenton Hoffman,&nbsp;Douglas Kuh and&nbsp;Morgan Pfeifer.&nbsp;

Election Day is Tuesday. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

To find your polling location,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/432/Polling-Site-Locations">click here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699057737318.jpeg" alt="Victoria High School" />
 <figcaption>Victoria High School</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp; TONY GUERRERO Hays PostStudents at Victoria High School scored below state averages on state assessment tests for 2022 and 2023, whereas the eighth-grade students fared somewhat better.The State Department of Education issued a report card for the 2022 and 2023 school years, showcasing the academic performance of students both at Victoria Junior-Senior High and across the state.The report card shows test scores for math, English language arts and science. The Kansas assessment results are reported across four levels.Level one stipulates that a student possesses limited ability to understand and utilize the skills necessary for success after graduation. Level two represents a basic understanding, level three signifies an effective understanding, and level four indicates an excellent comprehension of the subject, according to the Kansas State Department of Education.In the 2022-2023 school year for math, 52.63 percent of students between ninth and 12th grade fall under having limited ability to understand. According to the test scores, 36.84 percent of students have a basic understanding, and 10.52 percent show an effective ability to understand.Fewer students statewide fell in the lower two levels on their math tests.The state-wide performance for math in the same grade levels consists of 45.61 percent of students showing limited ability, 33.33 percent having a basic understanding and 13.71 percent having an excellent understanding.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698868727828.png" alt="High school Performance Level Report for math from USD 432 and state level." />
 <figcaption>High school Performance Level Report for math from USD 432 and state level.</figcaption>
 </figure>Less than 10 students at Victoria High School demonstrate an excellent understanding of math, whereas 7.33 percent of high school students across Kansas fall into that category for math excellence.Students at the high school show better performance in English than they do in math for 2022-2023.47.36 percent of students show limited ability to understand English, 36.84 percent have a basic understanding and 15.78 percent of students possess an effective ability to understand, according to the report. Less than 10 students proved to have an excellent understanding in the school year.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698868867535.png" alt="High school Performance Level Report of English from USD 432 and state level." />
 <figcaption>High school Performance Level Report of English from USD 432 and state level.</figcaption>
 </figure>More Victoria high school students also fall in the lowest performing level on English test scores compared to the state numbers.State performance of high school students for English in the school year includes 35.77 percent of students showing a limited ability to understand, 37.46 percent having a basic ability, 21.67 percent possessing an effective understanding and 5.07 percent being excellent in the subject.Science has the most students with limited skills at Victoria Junior High.In the 2022-2023 school year, 76.47 percent of students have a limited understanding of science based on test scores. 17.64 percent of students have a basic understanding and 5.88 percent have an excellent understanding. Less than 10 students at the high school have an effective ability to understand science.To protect student privacy, when a subgroup has fewer than 10 students the data is not displayed.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698869115287.png" alt="High school Performance Level Report of science from USD 432 and state level for 2022 and 2023." />
 <figcaption>High school Performance Level Report of science from USD 432 and state level for 2022 and 2023.</figcaption>
 </figure>Victoria High was separated by 30 percentage points compared to the state numbers when looking at students falling in the lowest tier for science in 2023.For 2023, 43.54 percent of high school students in the state had a limited ability to understand science, 27.54 percent had a basic understanding, 17.86 percent had an effective understanding and 11.03 percent showed excellence in understanding, according to the state report card.Reports on the eighth-grade level at Victoria Junior High were better in some subjects, according to the state report card.In the 2022-2023 school year, 23.07 percent of eighth-grade students at Victoria Junior High showed limited ability to understand science. 46.15 percent had a basic understanding, 23.07 percent showed an effective ability to understand and 7.69 percent were excellent in the subject.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698949974287.png" alt="Eighth-grade Performance Level Report of science from USD 432 and state level." />
 <figcaption>Eighth-grade Performance Level Report of science from USD 432 and state level.</figcaption>
 </figure>48.72 percent of all eighth graders in Kansas showed a limited ability to understand science, 28.57 percent had a basic understanding, 15.3 percent proved to be effective at understanding and 7.4 percent had an excellent understanding in the school year.For eighth-grade students at Victoria Junior High, less than 10 students showed an excellent understanding of English in the same school year.Some students may be excluded from the reporting because of small class size because of state efforts to protect student privacy.15.38 percent of eighth-grade students at the high school had a limited understanding of English while 61.53 percent had a basic understanding and 23.07 percent had an effective understanding of the subject.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698950736647.png" alt="Eighth-grade Performance Level Report of&nbsp; English from USD 432 and state level." />
 <figcaption>Eighth-grade Performance Level Report of&nbsp; English from USD 432 and state level.</figcaption>
 </figure>Eighth-grade students in the state of Kansas consisted of 2.85 percent of students having an excellent ability to understand English. 17.93 percent had an effective ability to understand, 42.27 percent had a basic understanding and 36.93 percent were limited in understanding.In Victoria, less than 10 students showed an excellent understanding of math at the high school in 2022-2023.46.15 percent of students had a limited ability to grasp the subject, 7.69 percent had a basic understanding and 46.15 percent showed an effective understanding of math.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698951793885.png" alt="Eighth-grade Performance Level Report of math from USD 432 and state level for 2022 and 2023." />
 <figcaption>Eighth-grade Performance Level Report of math from USD 432 and state level for 2022 and 2023.</figcaption>
 </figure>Across the state in the same school year, 47.74 percent of eighth-grade students had a limited understanding of math, 29.43 percent had a basic understanding, 17.85 percent were effective at the subject and 4.96 percent were excellent&nbsp;The latest report of postsecondary success for Victoria Junior High is from 2021. The success rate is 59.1 percent, the effective rate is 56.5 percent and the graduation rate is at 95.7 percent.&nbsp;The graduation rate average across five years is 95 percent, the average success rate is 61 percent and the effectiveness average is 58 percent between 2017 and 2021.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698952766691.png" alt="Four-year adjusted cohort Postsecondary Progress for USD 432" />
 <figcaption>Four-year adjusted cohort Postsecondary Progress for USD 432</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Education considers post-secondary success based on a student meeting one of four criteria within two years of high school graduation. A student must achieve one of these four outcomes:• Earned an approved certification during high school • Attained a postsecondary certificate • Obtained a postsecondary degree • Enrolled in postsecondary education in both the first and second years after high school graduationA closer look at the graduation rate will show a slight decrease from 2021 to 2022 at the high school but still above the graduation average for Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698954128014.png" alt="Four-year graduation rate for USD 432" />
 <figcaption>Four-year graduation rate for USD 432</figcaption>
 </figure>At the state level, the four-year graduation rate in 2021 was 89.3 percent and 89.8 percent in 2022.&nbsp;The last years Kansas administered state-level history, government and social studies assessments were in 2017 to 2018.For the start of the 2022-2023 school year, a new history, government, and social studies classroom-based assessment was mandatory for students in at least grades four and seven. However, the results from this assessment were not included in the report card.All of the current members of the Victoria USD 432 Board of Education were contacted for comment about the state report card. Some did not respond. The rest referred the Hays Post back to the superintendent for comment.The Hays Post contacted Victoria Superintendent Kimberly Woolf. She declined to comment for this story.The Hays Post sent questionnaires to all the candidates who are running for seats on the Victoria USD 432 school board.&nbsp;Candidates were asked what they think the school district should do to improve student test scores and academic performance."I don’t advocate for making testing easier, but instead for making teaching more effective. Effective teachers make the students better, and better students do better things," candidate Jake Hunter said.Candidate Haley Gagnon said, "The board should take heed of the teachers's suggestions and concerns when it comes to these issues because they are the ones with the education and experience to lead our students to academic success."&nbsp;Candidate Tammy Lee Schumacher said, "A major requirement is hiring more paras&nbsp;per capita of students in our school system, especially to support those children that have special scholastic needs."Not all candidates returned responses to the Hays Post questionnaire. Links to responses for those who did are below.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/59c70adf-b54c-4c33-85be-44c10e7d6af2">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Gregory Sander</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c3308acd-0982-4e55-8fa4-678d8f2568af">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Matt Orr</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b2209a41-cbd4-4d63-a87c-c7617ad4a02f">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Terry Dinkel</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c3a5c688-2db2-40c2-a2d9-c3b584501c9d">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Janea Dinkel</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e2623634-577d-4c48-8273-1a211292b447">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Tammy Lichter</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/af7c4939-32d8-46b0-a9be-fd97da4cea92">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Haley Gagnon</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0d3c7f07-6255-4d75-801f-73a1f45b8c63">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Jake Hunter</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b6a0cac8-db01-44d4-90bc-5c6c6800c847">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Tammy Lee Schumacher</a>Other candidates who will appear on the ballot include&nbsp;Brenton Hoffman,&nbsp;Douglas Kuh and&nbsp;Morgan Pfeifer.&nbsp;Election Day is Tuesday. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.To find your polling location,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/432/Polling-Site-Locations">click here</a>.

Victoria High falls short of state test score averages, junior high fares better

The Victoria Community Coalition is sponsoring a voters’ forum for candidates who have filed for the Victoria USD 432 school board.

In order for community members to become acquainted with the candidates, they are invited to attend a gathering at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 22 in the elementary school cafeteria.

Since there is only one candidate running for Victoria City Council, and he will be out of town, the audience will only hear from those candidates who choose to attend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631534233229.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Victoria Community Coalition is sponsoring a voters’ forum for candidates who have filed for the Victoria USD 432 school board.The ballot will have 11 names.In order for community members to become acquainted with the candidates, they are invited to attend a gathering at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 22 in the elementary school cafeteria.Since there is only one candidate running for Victoria City Council, and he will be out of town, the audience will only hear from those candidates who choose to attend.

Victoria school board candidate forum set for Oct. 22

VICTORIA—Almost two years ago, a meeting to discuss the
future of the former St. John’s Rest Home was conducted in front of the almost 40,000-square-foot facility. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/20265d70-4cca-400e-9a7e-69323db9d166">Out of
that meeting, and many others since area residents were happy to share memories
of the facility, but more importantly, ideas for its future.</a>

Since the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2ac039a1-30b9-4f98-870a-c2724081446d">Victoria
Community Coalition, now the owner of the building</a>, the project has received grants
<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6555fe96-b357-460a-bcc3-19b959acc74e">totaling
over $1.35 million from the state and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation</a> in
order to revitalize the facility to be used for housing, daycare and a satellite
campus for the Ellis County Historical Society.

More recently, Schmidt Foundation president Gary Shorman pledged
another $100,000 match pledge to the project, contingent on a match from
fundraising within the community by November.

That was July. By the end of August, the coalition had
already raised the full amount from the community.

Shorman recently presented a $100,000 check to coalition
president Jeff Pfeifer in front of an assembled crowd at the building, praising the coalition’s hard work and enthusiasm. 

“We had
strong leadership from [coalition vice president] Brenda
Dreiling in the fundraising
department,” Pfeifer said. “And the community responded exceptionally well. This
whole project has been about the community. And their support has always
exceeded my expectations.”

While community support had been with the project from the beginning,
prior to the award, financial support from within the community had been
minimal, but he was “pleasantly surprised” that the community stepped up financially
as well.

We were “just
tickled pink that the community supports this, not only with their time but
their resources as well,” Pfeifer said.

“I'm
always appreciative of the VCC board members and the community.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694552204160.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostVICTORIA—Almost two years ago, a meeting to discuss the
future of the former St. John’s Rest Home was conducted in front of the almost 40,000-square-foot facility. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/20265d70-4cca-400e-9a7e-69323db9d166">Out of
that meeting, and many others since area residents were happy to share memories
of the facility, but more importantly, ideas for its future.</a>Since the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2ac039a1-30b9-4f98-870a-c2724081446d">Victoria
Community Coalition, now the owner of the building</a>, the project has received grants
<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6555fe96-b357-460a-bcc3-19b959acc74e">totaling
over $1.35 million from the state and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation</a> in
order to revitalize the facility to be used for housing, daycare and a satellite
campus for the Ellis County Historical Society.More recently, Schmidt Foundation president Gary Shorman pledged
another $100,000 match pledge to the project, contingent on a match from
fundraising within the community by November.That was July. By the end of August, the coalition had
already raised the full amount from the community.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694552141458.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Shorman recently presented a $100,000 check to coalition
president Jeff Pfeifer in front of an assembled crowd at the building, praising the coalition’s hard work and enthusiasm. “We had
strong leadership from [coalition vice president] Brenda
Dreiling in the fundraising
department,” Pfeifer said. “And the community responded exceptionally well. This
whole project has been about the community. And their support has always
exceeded my expectations.”While community support had been with the project from the beginning,
prior to the award, financial support from within the community had been
minimal, but he was “pleasantly surprised” that the community stepped up financially
as well.We were “just
tickled pink that the community supports this, not only with their time but
their resources as well,” Pfeifer said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694552250866.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“I'm
always appreciative of the VCC board members and the community.”And while the recent support will help keep the project
moving forward, he said the coalition continues sourcing additional funds in an
effort to raise the estimated $3 million that would allow for the completion of
phase 1 of the project. Phase 1 includes 11 apartments, common areas, a new north
entrance, parking and childcare space.“We've
got one more grant we're applying for,” Pfeifer said. “We're hoping to get some
support from the Patterson Family Foundation by the end of the year. And we are
moving forward with architecture, detailed design construction documents.”He said the coalition hopes to
begin construction next year. To take advantage of one grant from the state of
Kansas, apartments must be completed by April 2025.For more information about the project, visit the coalition website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.victoriakscommunity.com/">victoriakscommunity.com.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694552365568.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>