Noting that vaping is an ever-increasing problem for school-age students, a local task force has been formed. The Vape Task Force will be discussed when the Great Bend USD 428 Board of Education meets at 5 p.m. Monday, March 6, at the District Education Center, 201 South Patton Road.

This month’s school board meeting is one week earlier than usual because the district will be on Spring Break from March 13-17. There also will be no school on Friday, March 10, for teacher grading and collaboration.

Administrators note that Great Bend High School has seen its share of issues with students vaping, which is why the district has engaged area agencies to form a task force. It includes representatives from Great Bend USD 428, Barton County Juvenile Services, Barton County Health Department and the Great Bend Police Department. Members will meet regularly to provide recommendations to the school board as they discuss options and responses to this growing concern.

Other items on Monday’s school board agenda include recognition of career milestones in the district; first reading of the next math curriculum adoption for grades 7-12, purchase of panels for a wrestling room, update on the fleet management agreement approved in February, and district goals.

New business items are the renewal of the partnership with the JAG-K program and the 2024-2025 school calendar. An executive session will be held to discuss an individual employee’s performance.

Preschool and Kindergarten Pre-Enrollment

The board will hear information about upcoming events, including the Preschool and Kindergarten Pre-Enrollment Information Fair. USD 428 will host this come-and-go event for parents/guardians of incoming preschool and kindergarten on Wednesday, April 5, from 1-7 p.m. at the Great Bend Events Center. The event connects families with information about USD 428 programs and other community resources that serve young learners.