The Iola Rotary Club Thursday spent its weekly meeting listening to the local school district’s new superintendent explain the direction he wants to see USD 257 take.
Brian Pekarek, USD 257 superintendent of schools, told more than 20 Rotarians and their guests he’d like to see the district bring in more students, in part by better advertising the district.
To facilitate his goal, Pekarek plans to place USD 257 signs at specific locations near the district border.
“That in itself won’t gain population into the district but it’s a start,” he said.
Officially taking the reins as district superintendent in July, Pekarek said while at the Clifton-Clyde school district in northern Kansas where he was superintendent for two years, the district was able to increase enrollment by 7 percent, partly due to increased publicity and signage.
District signage also increases district pride and awareness, he said.
Wanting to purchase four double-sided signs for $600 a pop, Pekarek asked the Rotary Club Thursday for a $200 donation for the project and said he also plans to seek donations from other organizations within district boundaries.
The Rotarians will make a decision about donating or not at the next board meeting.
Pekarek seeks funds for signage
