The Ulysses Board of Education met Monday, Aug. 10, at 6 p.m. for its regular meeting, with administrators providing updates as the district prepares to welcome students back for the 2026-27 school year.
Superintendent Dr. Applegate presented the building report on behalf of Andy Cole, Director of Maintenance and Grounds. Cole and his staff completed a summer maintenance list consisting of 153 items in 42 days.
The maintenance department added one employee, while the grounds department also added one employee to its staff.
At Hickok Elementary, Principal Marcia Raines thanked the community for hosting breakfast Monday and lunch Tuesday for the staff.
“Thank you, community, for the breakfast today and lunch tomorrow,” Raines said. “My staff and I really appreciate it.”
Raines also said she is ready to have students and staff back in the building.
Sullivan Elementary Principal Kerri Gaskil reported that Cole and his crew have been busy getting the building ready for the new school year.
“They painted, and the building looks clean and sharp,” Gaskil said.
The school also received new signage. Gaskil added that Sullivan is “back in the groove” reporting that the school had perfect attendance Monday and that all staff members are returning this year.
KMS Principal Amy Wartman reported that staff members have reviewed the district’s new cellphone policy. She also said the school’s new counselor has settled into her new role.
At Ulysses High School, Principal Justin Coffey said teachers are happy to be back.
Last year’s school theme was “Unleashed.” This year, the theme will be “Locked In,” tying into the district’s new cellphone expectations.
“Locked in the classroom, locked in on growth, LOCKED IN,” Coffey said.
The Assistant Superintendent Daina Butler reported that she has been working on a Student Success presentation by Mark Tailman. The presentation focused on the connection between higher state test scores, graduation rates and post-secondary success.
The presentation also discussed traits of high-success school districts, including changing attitudes before changing results and the importance of quality teachers.
The district also recently held a new teacher academy for its six new teachers. The teachers came together to learn and discuss student strategies and teaching strategies as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
Students will return to school Wednesday, Aug. 19.
Dr. Applegate reported that SCCC has not yet found a welding instructor. The district is also looking into the possibility of offering a CDL program in the future.
Administrators participated in training last week on lock down procedures. The district is working on a color-coded text notification system that would be used during emergencies and drills, similar to an Amber Alert notification. Local law enforcement will also assist with live practice drills.
The district is also looking at purchasing a new sound system. Applegate said the sound system used during this year's graduation made it difficult for people to hear, and the district would like to address the issue with a new system.
The board heard about the new Bound website for athletics, which is now live. The website will provide the new GWAC sports schedule along with information such as game locations and other athletic details.
The Bound website will be available through a link on the USD 214 website and will serve as another resource for students, parents and the community.
The board also considered additional changes to the 2026-27 student handbooks for approval.
Another item of new business involved the Ulysses High School Podcast class taught by Mr. Reitchet. The elective class currently publishes its podcasts on YouTube. Under new regulations, the class is requesting approval to continue using YouTube as part of the course for their Podcast.
With new staff, building improvements, updated safety procedures and new programs in place, USD 214 is ready to welcome students back and begin the 2026-27 school year. The Ulysses Board of Education meets on the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m.
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