HUMBOLDT Two months ago, USD 258 applied for a grant, which, if successful, would deliver to the Humboldt school district a much-needed FEMA storm shelter.
On Monday, Superintendent of Schools Kay Lewis was able to let the board of education know: the grant was approved.
The above-ground shelter, which will be erected on the west side of Humboldt Elementary School, will hold up to 450 people and will contain two classrooms plus an additional area for neighboring residents who lack shelter of their own.
Lewis said the location of the building will not interfere with use of the adjacent playground.
Lewis is in touch with various engineering consultants, who are currently at work on the architectural drawings. She will have a better sense of the construction timeline in the coming days. The shelter will not be finished before the start of the school year, but the superintendent is optimistic that the structure will be up before January.
The districts portion of the final bill for the shelter will be $159,375, which represents 25 percent of the total project cost.
Assuming all goes well with the new elementary school structure, said Lewis, the next thought is to build a similar shelter on the grounds at the Humboldt Sports Complex.
LEWIS dropped another lump of good news into the laps of board members on Monday. The district recently received the highest possible rating for its compliance with the multi-part performance plan laid out by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
IN COMMON with a number of districts in Kansas, and in an effort to remain in compliance with state and federal guidelines, USD 258 raised the price of breakfast and lunch for all students and adults by 10 cents. Elementary, middle, and high school breakfasts will now cost $1.85; elementary school lunch, $2.70; middle school lunch, $2.80; adult breakfasts are up to $2.20; adult lunches, $3.75. Those who qualify for reduced meals will not see a price hike (the cost remains: 30 cents, breakfast; 40 cents, lunch).
FINALLY, the Humboldt school district is on the verge of upgrading its antiquated website, said Lewis. When you think of a school district, youd like to see a lot of pictures of kids. The current site doesnt provide that, Lewis said; the new one will.
Besides offering visitors a sleeker look and a more user-friendly interface, the site will also incorporate links to Facebook and Twitter. The goal, always, said Lewis, is to be able to reach more people.
