By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Hays USD 489 school board will consider a resolution to announce its intent to close Rockwell Administration Center as a school at its meeting at 6:30 tonight at Rockwell.
The closure of the administration center was part of the broader bond-funded plans nearing completion this summer.
Wilson Elementary School was closed as a school at the end of the school year, and the administrative offices will be moved to that building.
The former Hays Middle School is being remodeled into Felten Elementary School. Bond-funded work is also being completed this summer at O'Loughlin Elementary School.
The board will consider purchasing commercial display panels for both schools from KCAV, totaling $85,086.
The board will consider a bid of $47,808 from Commercial Builders to move playground equipment from Lincoln and Wilson Elementary schools to Felten.
Lincoln Elementary School was closed as a school in 2025.
The board will consider approval of new rooftop HVAC units for the Felten Elementary kitchen from BCS through the state purchasing system for $231,967.
The board will also consider the purchase of $22,785 worth of tile from Home Depot using an Omnia Purchasing Cooperative bid.
USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson will give reports on the O'Loughlin and Felten construction projects.
Budget
The board will also consider publishing a notice of its intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate. Last fiscal year, the school district levied $22,555,824 in taxes with a mill rate of 53.618.
This year, the district is proposing to levy $23,201,273 in taxes at a mill rate of 54.442 mills, including the general fund. That is a 2.86% increase.
In other business, the board will:
• Consider appointments and resolutions as part of its annual reorganization meeting. The board president and vice president were elected in January and will not be part of this agenda.
• Consider the board meeting calendar
• Consider approval of recommended Kansas Association of School Board policy changes.
• Be presented with checks from executive director for Missouri Valley (United States Tennis Association). $14,000 from Missouri Valley USTA and $140,000 from USTA for the construction of four new tennis courts at the Hays High School and Hays Middle School campus that were completed in April.
• Hear a first reading of 2026-27 school handbooks
• Review bid proposals for Felten School property