Update on the U.S. Department of Education and Its Impact on Spring Hill Schools
As you may be aware, recent developments have occurred regarding the U.S. Department of Education, especially after eliminating approximately 47% of its employees. Unofficial numbers have estimated that overall staffing has gone from 4,133 (1/1/25) to the present (3/31/25) number of 2,183. I fully understand that these developments can create uncertainty, and we assure you that the well-being and education of our students remain our top priority within USD 230.
Here's what is known about how the changes impact USD 230:
Federal Funding:
We are actively monitoring any changes to federal funding streams that impact our district's programs, such as Title I, Title II, and special education funding. We will work diligently to ensure that our students continue to receive the resources and support they need, even if there are shifts in federal funding priorities. Providing special education services to identified students remains a federal law.
Our most significant revenue source from the Federal Government is the School Nutrition Program (breakfast and lunch). The program has always been under the Department of Agriculture's umbrella, and that has not changed.
Of our entire USD 230 annual budget, which was developed for FY ‘26, approximately 2.5% of the revenues ($2,311,503) are expected from Federal Funds. Of the $2,311,503, approximately 35% is revenue for the school nutrition program, and 47% is for Special Education. The other 18% pertains to the Federal Programs known as Title I, Title II, and Title VI-B.
Policy Changes:
We closely follow any changes or proposed changes to federal education policies that may impact our curriculum, instruction, or student services. We will work with our local USD 230 Board of Education and the Kansas Department of Education (KSDE) officials to ensure that our policies and protocols align with best practices and legal requirements.
Our Commitment:
Our commitment to providing a high-quality education for all students remains unwavering. We will continue to work collaboratively with our teachers, staff, and community partners to maintain a positive and supportive learning environment.
I will keep you informed of any significant changes or developments related to the U.S. Department of Education. I encourage you to check our USD 230 website and social media channels for updates and information that may become available. In addition,
- Direct questions to your child's teacher, counselor, school principal, or me
- Participate in school events and activities, and stay informed about what's happening at our schools.
Together, we can ensure that our students continue to thrive in a challenging and ever-changing world.
GRADUATION
Graduation for the Spring Hill High School Class of 2025 will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 10 am
OPPORTUNITY TO COMPLETE A SURVEY SOON
In my next edition of “Link’d in,” I will ask parents to complete a brief anonymous survey. The survey will provide ‘yours truly’ with feedback on the skill sets necessary to be successful as an educational leader. I strive to be the best in all areas, but I realize that it is essential to reflect upon past performance and identify both areas of strength and areas for enhancement. If you would be so kind, please provide me with feedback.
SPRING HILL SCHOOLS 2025 ELECTION TO MANAGE GROWTH
After this edition of “Link’d in” is distributed, only 38 days will remain until our #BuildingOpportunity Bond 2025 Election results are known. This mail-in ballot bond election addresses our continued rapid growth, and if approved by voters, the USD 230 tax rate/mill levy rate will NOT change.
Projects outlined for completion upon successful passage include:
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- An approximate 30,000 sq. ft. Career Tech Education (CTE) wing addition at Spring Hill High School
- An approximate 5,00 sq. ft. expansion of the commons/cafeteria area at Spring Hill High School
- Classroom additions of approximately 5,500 sq ft. each at Timber Sage, Prairie Creek, and Spring Hill Elementary.
- Roof replacements at Spring Hill Elementary and Spring Hill Middle
- HVAC improvements at Spring Hill Elementary, Spring Hill Middle, and the Early Learning Academy
The District is projected to enroll an additional 1,000 students by 2031; by 2034, enrollment is expected to exceed 5,500 students. Please note that the successful passage of this measure will NOT increase the school tax/mill rate.
Our first Facebook Live and Town Hall Session took place this week on Tuesday and Thursday evening, respectively. You can view all our video archives in the Bond 2025 section of our website. The archived videos can be found underneath our new live stream feed, which (fun fact) our live events will stream from in the future.
Several events have been planned to help inform the Spring Hill Schools community, and I hope you can find the time to attend online or in person:
- Town Hall Meeting #2: Tuesday, April 22, 7 p.m. (District Office, 17640 W 199th St.)
- Facebook Live Session #2: Thursday, April 24, 7 p.m.
The Town Hall Meeting will feature a formal slide presentation covering all aspects of the #BuildingOpportunity Bond Election, followed by a Q&A session.
The Facebook Live sessions will follow the same format, with the only difference being that they are held entirely online.
I remain committed to providing ANY and ALL information and answer ANY and ALL questions related to the #BuildingOpportunity Bond Election. Please reach out if you want me to speak to you personally, your friend, your neighborhood group, and/or any club or civic organization. Email me the possible dates, times, etc., and I will get a date on the calendar as my goal is for everyone to be informed prior to voting!
Are you a registered voter or new to Spring Hill Schools USD 230? The deadline to register is TUESDAY, APRIL 22. Go to Voter Registration and register NOW.
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ENROLLMENT
Current USD 230 enrollment K - 12 as of 04/04/25 is at:
Grade K - 322; Grade 1 - 331; Grade 2 -310 Grade 3 - 317 Grade 4 - 338 Grade 5 - 332; Grade 6 - 322; Grade 7 - 327; Grade 8 - 273; Grade 9 - 314 Grade 10 - 269; Grade 11 - 260 Grade 12+ - 228*; Total - 3,943.
*Reflects a lower amount due to students who graduated early at the end of the first semester
National Merit Semi-Finalist
We’ve got some exciting news to share—Spring Hill High School senior Henry Seitz has been named a National Merit Finalist! 🎉 That’s a HUGE deal, as this recognition goes to less than 1% of high school seniors nationwide. Henry’s hard work, focus, and academic excellence have truly paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder. Way to represent SHHS in such a big way, Henry!
Also, congratulations to Spring Hill High School senior Sydney Buscher for being named the Spotlight Girls Basketball Player of the Year! Your outstanding performance in leading the Lady Broncos in scoring and rebounds has truly set you apart.
👏👏 Let’s all give them both a big shoutout!👏👏
Kindergarten Round-Up
We had such a great time welcoming the Class of 2038 at Kindergarten Round-Up today, April 4, 2025! It was a joy to meet so many excited future kindergarteners and their families across the district.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day special—from our staff who organized the events to the families who came ready to learn more about their child’s journey into kindergarten.
If you weren’t able to attend or still have questions, be sure to visit www.
Tee Up for a Great Cause! ⛳
Spring is nearly here, and that means it’s time to register for the 29th Annual SHEF Golf Tournament, coming up Monday, May 5 at 8 a.m. at beautiful Sycamore Ridge Golf Course in Spring Hill!
Hosted by the Spring Hill Education Foundation, this event raises scholarship funds for our graduating seniors. In 2024 alone, the tournament helped award $22,000 in scholarships to 11 exceptional students, and we’re aiming to do even more this year!
Enjoy a morning on one of the metro’s top golf courses while supporting a fantastic cause directly impacting our students’ futures.
📍 Sycamore Ridge Golf Course
21731 Clubhouse Dr, Spring Hill, KS 66083
📅 Monday, May 5 | 8 a.m. shotgun start
🔗 Register here: https://form.jotform.com/250405195129151
Classified Employees of the Year Nominations
Nominations are now being accepted for Spring Hill Schools 2025 Classified Employee of the Year! Recognition is given in each of the following categories: (1) Facilities, Grounds, Nutrition, & Technology; (2) Office Personnel; and (3) Paraprofessional. These awards recognize the district's classified employees who have consistently gone above and beyond this school year!
Nominate online today! The deadline for nominations is Friday, April 25, by the end of the day. Awards will be presented to recipients on May 14, and they will be invited to attend the annual Recognition Reception on May 20, 2025.
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Q: Why was the cake wet?
A: It got sprinkled [Get it……Sprinkles…ha]
IN CLOSING...
Have A Great Weekend. Do know you can reach out at any time with thoughts or questions.
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