Colleen Williamson USD 503 When times are good, school technology can be replaced on a set schedule, but when times are tough financially and budget belts are tightened, replacement cycles have to be adjusted.
USD 503 has already prepared for loss of some funding in the coming year, but costs are soaring in many areas of technology. Computer memory is up 400%, hard drives are up 200% and graphics cards are impossible to find due to tariffs and intense demands from AI data centers, so procurement of needed tech has been “fun”, USD 503 Director of Technology Ben McGuire told the Board of Education Monday night at its regular meeting.
“People will only quote prices for 10 days at a time now,” he added.
Fortunately, McGuire said he was able to secure new Auto CAD workstations, which have gone up immensely in cost since the purchase, so that is good they were acquired before the major increase.
Still, the district was left with some technology items that need to be addressed immediately.
Next month, he will come to the board with a quote for 80 new desktop computers for middle school and high school staff. Desktop units are essential to classrooms, operating smart boards, projectors, cameras and more.
“With these staff computers, unfortunately, Microsoft decided computers that can’t run Windows 11 can no longer function effectively,” McGuire said, and for that reason they must be replaced.
He is going to do everything in his power to keep the price as low as possible, but it is an immediate expense the district will face.
McGuire said they are also looking at upgrading the cameras at elementary schools to the same type used at the middle school and high school so the district is operating one system. Those cameras keep images longer and are higher quality.
The district is continuing its efforts to cut costs to help address needs.
One way is they took 55 printers out of service this year and moved toward central copiers in each building, a move that has gone fairly well. By the end of the year, McGuire said he will be able to calculate the total annual projected savings to the district.
As well, it’s likely the district will push middle school Chromebooks another year, avoiding the approximate replacement cost of $173,000 a while longer. Middle school administration is talking about a program structure change in terms of how Chromebooks are managed, in an effort to decrease damages to devices.
McGuire said he is taking an approach to do as much as he can to keep costs down, including looking at potential grant opportunities.
Sports and more
Athletic Director Chris Ball reported to the board on high school sports and other extracurricular programs that fall under the Kansas State HIgh School Activities Association.
Football had 53 players and they had a record of 3-6, with a lot of younger players put into varsity positions. Next year begins a new scheduling cycle, so the district will get closer games, like with Coffeyville, Volleyball is constantly improving. There were 28 players this year and they went 25-11.
Girls tennis had 10 players and one state qualifier. Boys tennis, there are 10 players out and they are the defending state champions.
Girls golf had four beginners this year. The program is growing. They are looking for a new coach for fall. Boys golf has six players, allowing them to be able to compete as a team at some events.
Soccer had 22 players and went 2-132 for their season record. With youth involvement increasing, the program is expected to grow and improve.
Girls basketball had 22 players and went 6-18. The program has new staff and is rebuilding. They have received extremely positive feedback.
Boys basketball had 33 players and went 4-19. Ball gave kudos to the coaching and said this season they saw great leadership from upper classmen.
Boys swimming only had one participant and he dropped and girls swimming had four participants, all of whom are underclassmen. Girls wrestling had 8 participants and 1 state qualifier and boys wrestling had 23 participants and 2 state qualifiers. Youth and middle school programs are going to contribute to the growth of both programs.
Baseball has 14 players and an all new coaching staff. Softball has 20 players. They are looking to improve this year and the program is continually growing.
Weightlifting had 20 participants and an upcoming competition on March 28, where Autumn Sands is going for her fourth state championship.
Track and field has 40 plus participants working under a new coaching staff. They have three returning state medalists.
Music had 15 students participating in district orchestra and five competed in district vocal, with one state qualifier who will compete the last week of March.
Cheerleading had 10-12 participants in fall and winter and Dustkickers had 10 girls during fall and winter. The program has received great feedback from the community.
Scholars Bowl had 10 students and is slowly growing as interest is growing.
There were 20 students in debate, with 10 qualifying for state and one for nationals. Forensics/Speech has 20 participants as well this semester, with one student qualifying for nationals so far and 1 being named an Academic All American.
Skills USD had 15 students and 8 medalled at state and 2 will compete at nationals in June.
FCCLA had 10 participants in districts in four categories. All 10 qualified for state in Wichita next month.
In other business, the board: —Heard from Neil Phillips with Jarred, Gilmore and Phillips P.A., that after three layers of testing, the district’s CPA audit found no weaknesses or deficiencies, found the accounting was accurate and the district is in compliance.
—Heard Tri-County Special Education Cooperative is still struggling to get licensed educators. They currently have 22 substitutes.
—Accepted donations to schools totalling $2,121.63 —Approved the 2026-27 High School Course Description Handbook/Program of Study.
—Approved membership in the Kansas Association of School Boards for 2026-27.
