LAHARPE — Starting Monday, school buses from Moran and Iola began picking up children in downtown LaHarpe.
For those who have opted for Moran, the fact that its class sizes are smaller than Iola’s could be a reason for parents preferring USD 256 schools.
According to statistics from the Kansas Department of Education, the average kindergarten through 12th grade class size is 13.1 students per one teacher. According to David Hardage, USD 256 superintendent, the average class size ranges in the 15-16 student range throughout Marmaton Valley district. In contrast, Iola schools average 20 students per class.
Nevertheless, the change in location for the bus pickup from near the county landfill to within the city limits in La Harpe hasn’t resulted in difference in attendance numbers for either district.
“I’m not aware of any transfers yet this year,” Lori Maxwell, McKinley principal, said. McKinley is on USD 257’s eastern-most border.
“In fact we are up 11 students from last year. I think we have well-prepared teachers and a great district, so I don’t think we are concerned really about any students potentially leaving.”
Hardage expressed similar sentiments, noting Moran’s attendance hasn’t fluctuated significantly from last year.
“We continue to provide the same kind of education we always have,” Hardage said.
