In the heart of Piper, Kansas, the Board of Education gathered on September 10, 2025, to celebrate remarkable achievements within the school district while addressing key administrative matters. The evening began with the Pledge of Allegiance, setting a tone of unity and pride among board members and attendees.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the recognition of Coach Shelley, who was honored as the 2025 Tennis Coach of the Year by the Kansas Coaches Association. Under her guidance, the Piper tennis program, now in its third year, has already made significant strides. The girls' team celebrated its first state match victory last fall, while the boys' team saw four players qualify for state, with notable performances from doubles partners Baird Gunemeyer and Johnny Vogel. The board expressed pride in Coach Shelley’s dedication and the team's accomplishments.

The meeting also spotlighted the academic excellence of Piper High School students in Advanced Placement (AP) math exams. Led by teachers Shane Stout and Prakavar Bridal, Piper students surpassed both state and global averages in all math subjects. Notably, 84% of students passed the AP Statistics exam, significantly higher than the global pass rate of 60.3%. In a remarkable achievement, every student who took the newly offered AP Precalculus exam passed with a qualifying score. This success reflects the hard work of students and the commitment of their educators.

Additionally, the board presented the Purple Rain Classified Award to Caitlin Kennedy, a new MIS specialist, for her exceptional contributions during the transition from a special education cooperative. Her leadership and problem-solving skills were praised as vital to ensuring a smooth transition. The Purple Rain Certified Award was also given to Lisonbee Carey, a technology teacher at Piper Creek Elementary, recognized for her collaborative spirit and dedication to enhancing educational resources for her colleagues.

As the meeting concluded, the board's discussions and celebrations underscored a shared commitment to fostering excellence in both academics and athletics within the Piper community. The evening left attendees with a sense of pride and anticipation for the continued growth and achievements of Piper USD 203.