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About Unified School District 480

USD 480 challenges all to achieve educational excellence.

Unified School District No. 480 will collaborate with the community to provide effective education, leadership and professional development that will establish us as a high-performance district.

Educational Philosophy

We believe all students should develop to their capacities in basic learning skills, in acquiring and communicating information, in the ability to think critically and constructively and in the power to be imaginative and creative. We also believe our educational program should adequately care for the development of students’ rational and intellectual powers and should nurture the human capabilities of all students.

We understand that each student is unique. Students have wide differences in their learning rates, experiences, energy levels, and goals. To meet these individual needs, our curriculum and program offerings must vary extensively.

Objectives of USD 480

• All graduates of USD 480, within six months of graduation or completion of the educational program, will be involved in one of the following:

1) pursuing further education

2) pursuing a career choice

3) serving in the military

• All students of USD 480 will learn, apply, and demonstrate work place competencies established by the district.
• Each student will achieve progressively and developmentally as measured against the district's accepted standards.
• Each student will be provided a safe and orderly learning environment.

Beliefs of USD #480

• All people have worth, dignity, and potential.
• Learning is a life-long process.
• All individuals can learn, grow and contribute to society.
• The family is the most important influence in the overall development of the individual.
• Excellence is achieved through continuous improvement.
• Quality learning is achieved through quality education.
• Workplace competencies are essential to all students.
• Every student is entitled to a safe and orderly environment conducive to learning.
• Everyone is accountable for his/her actions and behavior.
• Understanding culture diversity is important to the growth and development of the individual and the community.
• Our future depends on the overall effectiveness of education.
• Healthy psychological development is essential to learning.
• The school/community partnership is vital to education.

District Operations

USD 480 is directed by an elected seven-member board of education and an experienced superintendent and assistant superintendent. Twenty-six other administrators provide additional direction for individual school buildings and programs.

Our system includes 344 teachers, counselors, nurses, and other certified personnel. We have 401 trained, experienced support personnel.

We are fully accredited by the Kansas State Department of Education and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Enrollment Information

USD 480 educates approximately 4,624 students in 13 schools. Our 7 primary schools serve 1,753 preschool through 3, while our two intermediate schools serve 985 4^th through 6^th graders.

We have two middle schools serving 659 7^th through 8^th grade students. The high school serves 1,227 9^th through 12^th grade students. Our sports teams compete in Class 5A.

USD 480's student to teacher ratio is approximately 13:1 with a $6,933 per student expenditure.

Special Programs

Some of the programs targeting specific learning needs are the Migrant Education program, special education and gifted level programs for all grade levels.

Financial Information

The 2008-2009 total budget for USD 480 is $53,936,251. Our levy, including the general fund, capital outlay, and bond interest, was $39.051 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. USD 480’s district valuation is $195,961,206.

Staff Development

Unified School District No. 480 encourages all staff members to participate in personal growth activities. A budget is provided to defray the expenses of training and in-service. Staff members participate in training sessions and professional meetings locally and nationwide.

In-services are held for the entire district staff several times annually and speakers are available to discuss relevant educational issues. USD #480 staff members are kept informed of the latest educational issues and trends.

Location

Liberal, the county seat of Seward County, has a population of about 19,000 and is in the Southwest corner of Kansas. USD 480 is in the Kansas State Board of Education's 5^th district.

More information about USD 480 may be obtained from the Kansas State Board of Education.

Liberal Unified School District No. 480
(620) 604-1010
Fax: (620) 604-1011
P.O. Box 949
401 N. Kansas