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McPherson board approves $170,800 summer repairs and a three‑year SME PRIME manufacturing partnership
Summary
The board approved $170,800 in summer improvement contracts for three elementary schools and unanimously accepted a three‑year industry partnership with SME PRIME to expand CTE pathways; board and staff discussed sustainability of funding, space needs and curriculum alignment.
At the June board meeting, trustees approved several administrative items that will move to execution this summer. The board voted to use ICON Structures under the TIPS cooperative purchasing contract to complete summer improvement projects at Roosevelt, Washington and Lincoln elementary schools in an amount not to exceed $170,800. Administration said the projects address accessibility and program needs tied to the district's transition from four elementary schools to three; the board asked staff to confirm whether the specific temporary office work will be paid from capital or bond proceeds and to clarify any long‑term use of the temporary work.
Board members discussed funding source transparency. Administration indicated the projects are bond‑eligible but that one temporary office build-out could appropriately be paid from capital outlay to avoid using bond funds for short‑term work. "We'll make that happen," an administrator said, promising follow‑up clarification for the community.
The board also approved a three‑year agreement to partner with SME PRIME (science, manufacturing and engineering) and local industry partners, accepting donated funds and a sustainability commitment intended to support teacher training and consumable materials. Administration said partner pledges include a portion earmarked for a sustainability fund to help with professional development and equipment maintenance beyond the initial donation period; the district expects to seek SME PRIME sustainability grants if needed after year three.
Administrators emphasized the program is not an automatic addition of staff positions: "This is not the addition of a staff member," an administrator said, explaining SME PRIME funds will expand existing CTE/robotics offerings and help train current teachers. Board members asked administrators to coordinate with CTE staff, the high‑school assistant principal and finance staff to track grants and report back to the board.
Votes and next steps: both motions carried by voice vote. Administration will return with details about funding allocations for the elementary work, a training calendar for SME PRIME activities (targeted for summer 2027), and a monitoring plan for grant funds and consumable material budgets.
