January is School Board Appreciation Month across the State of Kansas. In a school year that has presented unprecedented challenges, Great Bend Unified School District 428 invites the community to express its gratitude to the men and women who dedicate their time in service to the students and families in our community.
Great Bend USD 428’s board of education members include Jacquie Disque, Aaron Emerson, Deanna Essmiller, Chris Umphres, Lori Reneau, Don Williams, and Susan Young.
Elected at-large to serve a four-year term, these seven community leaders volunteer hundreds of hours attending meetings, reading reports, and discussing plans and programs to support educational achievement in Great Bend Public Schools.
“Each year, our board members develop policies and make complex decisions that shape the future of our education system,” said Khris Thexton, USD 428 superintendent. “However, in 2020, they’ve stepped outside the norms, and stepped up to the challenge of leading our district through uncharted territory of the pandemic.”
In USD 428, board members are accountable for an annual budget near $60 million, over 2,800 students, nearly 700 employees and 11 buildings. Their responsibility goes far behind the monthly board meeting.
“We are fortunate to have this dedicated group of individuals who invest their time in our schools, engage with the community, and advocate for the future of education with state policymakers. While we start the New Year with this moment of ‘thanks,’ our appreciation for our board members continues throughout the year,” Thexton said.
USD 428 encourages the community to join-in by thanking school board members for their work. Notes of gratitude and encouragement can be sent care of the District Education Center, 201 South Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.
The USD 428 Board of Education meets regularly on the second Monday of the month at 5 p.m. at the USD 428 District Education Center. Their next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 11. More information about the USD 428 Board of Education, as well as archived board reports, can be found at GreatBendSchools.net.
