🍎📓 USD 480 Educator of the Month | October 2025 ✏️🍎
🎉 Ms. Dustin Burke 👏
📚 Occupational Therapist Assistant | MacArthur Elementary School 📗
"Ms. Burke is an invaluable member of our staff who often works behind the scenes, yet consistently makes a meaningful impact. She goes above and beyond to ensure all of her students’ needs are met and always greets them with a warm smile, helping them feel comfortable and supported. Her dedication to advocating for each and every student is evident in all that she does." - Dr. Richard, MacArthur Principal.
1.5 Approval of Minutes 10-6-2025 - Passed- 5-0
1.6 Approval of Agenda - Passed- 5-0
3.1 Approval of Consent Agenda - Passed - 5-0
4.1 Memorandum of Agreement - Passed - 5-0
4.2 Custodial Supplies - Passed - 5-0
4.3 CTE Equipment Purchase - Passed - 5-0
4.4 Vape Detectors - Passed 5-0
6.1 Executive Session - Passed - 5-0
7.1 Adjournment 7:51 PM - Passed - 5-0
Thank you, LHS Soccer parents for setting an example with your actions, even when you didn't think anyone was watching. Thank you for reminding us all of our shared humanity. Thank you for bringing so much positivity to our communities and area with one simple act. Thank you for being bigger than the game when you had every reason to be negative and no one would have thought twice about you just leaving the stands. But you stayed and you did the right thing. Thank you for reminding all of us that while we might be rivals on the pitch, or the field, or in the gym we are all in this together; we wear different colors and cheer for different teams, but at the end of the day, we are all from "out here" where we work the same jobs, deal with the same issues, and would do anything for our kids. Including helping clean up after a tough loss. There are not enough words to explain how big this was or the impact it had on our two communities, our whole area and hopefully beyond. If there was ever a time when we could all use a reminder that there is still good in this world if you just stop and look for it, it's now. You "Carried the Banner" for LHS, the Liberal community, and Southwest Kansas. So once again, THANK YOU LHS SOCCER PARENTS!
And finally, thank you again GCHS for taking the time to recognize and celebrate this moment. These matches get heated and the rivalry is real when both teams have state aspiration each year, but you chose to brag about the rival fans when you had no reason to do so. Thanks for reminding us the power a small gesture can have, even on our biggest rivals. We appreciate this so, so much. #1HERD #ONFORLIBERAL #WeAreLiberal #SWKS #Humanity
Board Meeting - 10/6/2025 - Workshop 5:30 PM and Regular Board Meeting 6:30 PM - LHS East Annex - Room C107 - Lopez Absent
2.5 Approval of Minutes 09-22-2025, Passed 6-0
2.6 Approval of Minutes 09-30-2025, Passed 6-0
2.7 Approval of Agenda, Passed 6-0
4.1 Approval of Consent Agenda, Passed 6-0
5.1 Monthly Bills, Passed 6-0
6.1 Vehicle Purchase, Passed 6-0
6.2 Youth Teacher Apprentice Program, Passed 6-0
6.3 Bright Start front Entry, Passed 6-0
6.4 Furniture for LHS, Passed 6-0
8.1 Executive Session, Passed 6-0
8.3 Executive Session, Passed 6-0
9.1 One time pay for Classified Hourly, Passed 6-0
9.2 Policy and Employee Handbook Update, Passed 6-0
There will be a regularly scheduled USD 480 Board of Education meeting today at 6:30 PM in room C107 at LHS East Campus. Prior to the meeting there will be a Facilities Planning Workshop at 5:30 PM. View agenda here: https://tinyurl.com/USD480BOE
ICYMI: Meadowlark hosted their annual 5th grade interviews
On Wednesday, Meadowlark 5th graders were dressed their best as they showed up to school ready to leave with a new job. They filled out applications for a wide range of jobs and prepared a list of their qualifications and skills, before stepping into their interviews. They learned the importance of a firm handshake, eye contact, and speaking with confidence. Each position came with its own qualifications, and the interviewers were tasked with finding the right students to fill the open positions.
"This special tradition gives our oldest Meadowlark students a chance to experience what it’s like to apply and interview for a real job—and they did not disappoint!" - Ashley Bruce, Meadowlark Principal
The interviewers were: USD 480 Superintendent, Mr. Richardson; Assistant Superintendents Dr. Rocque and Mr. Bellar; School Board Member Sarah Thompson; SCCC Coaches Bianca Gutierrez and Will Marchino. Their support helped make the experience authentic and meaningful for our students.
"This event not only helps students step into leadership roles within our school, but it also builds lifelong skills like responsibility, teamwork, and communication. We are so proud of our 5th graders for their courage and professionalism!" - Ashley Bruce, Meadowlark Principal
Read more here: usd480.net/o/meadowlark/article/2457359
