BOE Meeting April 7, 2025
The Board of Education met Monday night and began with celebrations from Prairie View Elementary and Liberal High School. Prairie View’s principal, Kendra Haskell, shared the news with the Board about the school receiving the Challenge Award from the Kansas Department of Education.
The Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force has selected 100 Kansas schools for recognition. The Challenge Awards recognizes schools for outstanding achievement and uncommon accomplishments of students, based on the Kansas Assessment Program (KAP) results in math and reading, especially those students of an ethnic minority group and those who qualify for free and reduced-price meals.
It’s quite an honor for Prairie View and USD 480. Assistant Superintendent Ruben Cano recognized Haskell and several of her staff.
Prairie View held an assembly earlier in the day to announce the award to the students and staff. It was exciting as the teachers unscrambled the letters to spell “PVE Wins Challenge Award.” Congratulations to everyone.
Next, LHS Assistant Principal Brandi Fowler and faculty members presented a slide show highlighting many successes at LHS this year, focusing on the prep work done to make this year’s Kansas Assessment Program a big success.
Because of the preparation, the school had 97% to 98% attendance. Test scores will not be available until next fall, but significant improvement is expected due to their efforts.
The Board praised both groups for their accomplishments and contributions to USD 480’s success. (See some highlights of their presentation in the photos below.)
In other board business, an additional Ag Teacher position was approved in addition to routine business and reports.









Summer Drivers Ed forms are now available in the counseling office. This is open to current LHS students only. See below for more info!

Due to the dangerously low wind chills, USD 480 will have a 2 hour delayed start tomorrow, Thursday 2/13/25. School will start at 10am, there will be no AM Preschool.
Debido a las temperaturas peligrosamente bajas por el viento, el distrito USD 480 tendrá un inicio retrasado de 2 horas mañana, jueves 13 de febrero de 2025. Las clases comenzarán a las 10 a.m. y no habrá preescolar en la mañana.
USD 480 will have a two hour delayed start this morning. There will be no AM Preschool. School will start at 10am.
El distrito USD 480 tendrá un inicio retrasado de dos horas esta mañana. No habrá preescolar en la mañana. Las clases comenzarán a las 10 a.m.
Due to extreme weather conditions, USD 480 is closed on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
Thank you & be safe!
Liberal High School announces that Head Football Coach and Teacher, Bryan Luetters will be stepping down at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.
Read full story at: https://5il.co/34i31

Law enforcement has responded to a potential threat against a specific individual at Liberal High School. Out of an abundance of caution, the building has been placed on Lock Down while this situation is investigated.
We anticipate returning to normal activity soon.
Thank you
LHS Student Ally Thomas sat down with Superintendent Stephen Linkous to learn about his plans for USD 480 and more. View the interview at: https://youtu.be/Uye31N0REzg

Members of the cast of "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown" will be on KSCB this morning (11/12) at 9:00. Listen live at: https://player.live365.com/TalkRadio1270KSCBA11M

Here's a look at the painting of the new exterior of the LHS auditorium. The blue is part of the waterproofing. We are not changing mascots. See the drawing for a preview of the new look. #angryred


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
USD 480 Officials and Law enforcement have been made aware of a large number of “Swatting” incidents expected throughout the country tomorrow, Thursday, October 3, 2024.
“Swatting” is making severe false reports to authorities intended to cause fear and apprehension. These false reports may occur at Schools, Businesses, and Individual homes. It's crucial to be aware and prepared.
USD 480 officials and local first responders will take each threat seriously until confirmed otherwise.
We appreciate your patience and understanding through this unfortunate situation.
Thank you,
Stephen Linkous
Superintendent of Schools USD 480
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Homecoming was the theme on Wednesday Morning's program on KSCB/The Legend. Watch it at: https://bit.ly/fbhoco

REMINDER: All schools release at 1:20 p.m. on Friday for the Homecoming Parade.


LHS Athletics Sept. 9-14

Here is the upcoming week for LHS Sports!

The LHS Booster Club is recruiting memberships for the 2024-2025 school year. Click this link for information: https://5il.co/2sjv2

This morning, Dr. Mike Bannen, Founder and Executive Director of Kansas Association of Veteran Teachers celebrated our very own, Michelle Bremenkamp as their FIRST EVER Veteran Teacher Award Winner. KAVT.org has only one mission: Honoring, celebrating, and advocating for Veteran Teachers (those who have taught for 10 years or more) across Kansas. We think they picked the perfect veteran teacher to recognize first! Congratulations, Mrs. Bremenkamp! Stay tuned for the full story on Friday!
We will be working with The Kansas Police Dog Association today, as they train to certify dogs for drug searches. If you see a stronger law enforcement presence than normal at our campus, please know this is just a community partnership event.
The LHS Class of 2024 Graduation Ceremony is exactly one month right now. Find out all the details for the big day at the following links:
English: https://www.usd480.net/article/1550838
Spanish: https://www.usd480.net/article/1550834


Today was Spring Signing Day at Liberal High School! Surrounded by their current and former coaches, teachers, teammates, classmates, community members, friends, and most importantly, their families, 11 LHS student-athletes signed their letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at a post-secondary institution. Collectively, these 11 were the largest single group to sign all at once in LHS history. We are so proud of their accomplishments and can't wait to watch them continue to represent Liberal throughout the next chapter of their academic journey. Join us in celebrating these 11 LHS student-athletes!
