Recent Loss
We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing this week of our own Ms. Alicia Von Stein. A true educator and a wonderful human being, Alicia had a profound impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her ability to make all physical education topics fun, engaging, and accessible will be forever remembered. She was more than just a teacher; she was also a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration to all staff and students who had the opportunity to know her during her long tenure with Spring Hill Schools.  

Ms. Von Stein has taught at Spring Hill Schools since 2001 and during that time has impacted students in many ways through not only her lessons but also in her various coaching capacities. As the school district grew in size through the years, she taught at several different schools, with the most recent being Woodland Spring Middle School.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Ms. Von Stein’s family during this difficult time, and I hope that they find peace knowing that the impact Alica had on so many lives will forever be remembered.



Spring Hill Schools Bond 2025 Election to Manage Growth
After this edition of “LINK’d in” is distributed, only 25 days will remain until the results of our #BuildingOpportunity Bond 2025 election are known. This mail-in ballot bond election addresses our continued rapid growth. If approved by voters, the USD 230 tax rate/mill levy rate will not change. 

Actual ballots will arrive in the mail for registered voters beginning on April 23, and I sincerely hope that you will take the time to be informed and cast your vote. A postage-paid return envelope will accompany ballots. Ballots must be returned to the Johnson County Election Office no later than noon on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Ballots may also be returned to an approved "Drop-Box Location" if you prefer not to use the postal service:

Gardner Library - 137 E Shawnee Street
Spring Hill Library - 109 South Webster Street
Blue Valley Library - 9000 W 151 Street
Johnson County Election Office - 2101 E Kansas City Road
Projects outlined for completion upon successful passage include:

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, with enrollment expected to exceed 5,500 students by 2034. Please note that the successful passage of this measure will NOT increase the school tax/mill rate. 



Our final Town Hall and Facebook Live Meeting will be held this upcoming week on Tuesday and Thursday evening, respectively. You can view all our video archives in the Bond 2025 section of our website.

I remain committed to providing ANY and ALL information and answering 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. Simply email me the possible dates, times, etc., and I will schedule a date on the calendar. My goal is to ensure everyone is informed prior to voting.

ENROLLMENT
Current USD 230 enrollment K - 12 as of 04/18/25 is at:
Grade K - 321; Grade 1 - 330; Grade 2 - 310 Grade 3 - 317, Grade 4 - 337 Grade 5 - 331; Grade 6 - 322; Grade 7 - 326; Grade 8 - 273;  Grade 9 - 315; Grade 10 - 269; Grade 11 - 259, Grade 12+ - 228*; Total - 3,938. 
*Reflects a lower amount due to students who graduated early at the end of the first semester

NOTEWORTHY



2025 All Star High School
Spring Hill High School is proud to announce its selection as a 2025 All Star High School by the Kansas Board of Regents. This statewide recognition honors the school’s strong commitment to preparing students for success after graduation, whether that includes college, technical education, military service, or the workforce.

This designation is awarded to schools across Kansas that go above and beyond in promoting postsecondary readiness and opportunities. Spring Hill High School is one of just 216 schools statewide to earn the distinction this year. SHHS credits the dedication of school counselors: Reggie Harris, Debra Woofter and Katie George, for this recognition.



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.



Bronco Pride on Full Display at College Signing Day
Spring Hill High School proudly hosted its annual College Signing Day Celebration on April 16, recognizing 24 student-athletes who will continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. This event was a chance to honor their dedication, hard work, and the exciting opportunities ahead.

Representing a wide variety of sports—including softball, soccer, cross-country, track and field, volleyball, golf, baseball, and tennis—these students have made their mark on Bronco Athletics and are now preparing to take the next step.

Thank you to our families, coaches, and staff for supporting these student-athletes throughout their journey. We’re so proud of their accomplishments and look forward to cheering them on at the next level! Read the full press release online.


Elementary Happenings
This week, PCES second graders took a field trip to Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe. SHES second graders were laser-focused on finding bugs, and first graders had special guests from Ernie Miller visit their classroom.  



Core Value Awards
To promote our core values, each administrator has the opportunity to recognize an individual (staff member, student, parent, community member, etc.) for exemplifying each core value throughout the year. This evening, the Middle and High School Administration will recognize Mr. Bartley, Mr. Ozakinci, and Mrs. Pape for their service in the USD 230 core value realms of World-Class Staff, Supportive Environment, and Student Success. Jessica Dome is also being recognized for her service in the USD 230 core value realms of Student Success and Supportive Environment by Paul Carter and Darcy Sly.

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Q:  What did the Easter Bunny say to his anxious friend?
A: Don’t Worry, Be Hoppy  [Get it……Bunny HOP…ha]

IN CLOSING...

I’m grateful each day to have the opportunity to serve our USD 230 School Community as Superintendent of Schools!! 

For those staff who live in the Spring Hill Schools district, watch closely for the arrival of your ‘Mail-In Ballot’ around 4/23/25 and please take time to VOTE!! 

Have A Great Easter Weekend,  

Link