Uniforms for the Great Bend High School Marching Band were last purchased in 2012 and it is time to replace them, Band Director Ellie White told the school board this week. Activities Director Matt Westerhaus joined her in her presentation.
They have sketches and quotes from two vendors and plan to secure a third before bringing a request before the school board in April. However, White wanted to make an early presentation this month, noting there might be some “sticker shock.” The initial quotes for 100 uniforms with all of the options were $67,644 and $105,372, with White saying she preferred the more expensive option for several reasons.
“We perform at football games, parades, competitions and community events,” White said. “The band serves as a proud ambassador of our schools. The purpose of this proposal is to outline why updating our current uniforms is necessary and beneficial for not only our students, but our district. ... When students look professional and cohesive, it boosts morale and fosters a stronger sense of pride and belonging. So a new uniform can positively impact performance quality and student engagement and community representation.”
There are about 70 band members this year and extra uniforms are needed because of the various sizes of students. Westerhaus said their goal is to have 10% of the students in band, which would be about 90.
The first company White looked at is based in Illinois and submitted the quote of $67,644. That includes coats with GB art, trousers, capes, shakos with a Power Panther and 14-inch French plumes, hangers, plastic shako boxes and free access to a uniform management website. A shako is a tall, cylindrical military/band hat with a brim and a plume.
The second company was more expensive, but had features White preferred, including garment bags with the school logo. The quote was for $105,372. Snaps on the trouser legs mean the hem length can be changed without sewing, which will save time as well as wear on the uniforms. Numbered storage items and the logo on garment bags will make the uniforms easier to track, especially when the band travels.
White said the uniforms purchased in 2012 have served the district well, but they are showing their age. Newer materials are lightweight and breathable to allow for greater mobility and comfort. They are built to last 10 to 15 years with proper care.
Westerhaus said the production time on an order is about 210 days.
Other business
Wednesday’s school board meeting was hosted by Little Panthers Preschool. Principal Tandi Mai was joined by teachers Hillary Emerson, Morgan Little, Shelly Post, Melissa Lutt and Katie Maneth, and Student & Family Advocate Taylor Paden.
The board approved the following contributions:
• Lincoln Elementary School received two contributions through the CarePortal to be used for families qualifying under McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. First Christian Church donated $250 and Prince of Peace Catholic Church donated $525.
• Little Panthers Preschool received $462 from the Sherry Viles Memorial Fund via the Golden Belt Community Foundation.
The board accepted resignations from Jason Duvall, Assistant Athletic Director at Great Bend Middle School and strength training instructor; Maggie Kriegh, Special Education teacher at Jefferson Elementary; Kyle Kriegh, Social Studies teacher at GBHS; and MacKenzie Nelson, sixth-grade teacher at Jefferson.
The board approved the appointment of Courtney Case to teach at Little Panthers Preschool.
