Geary USD 475 schools were the in the spotlight at the Junction City Military Affairs Council Breakfast on Thursday.
Superintendent Dr. Reginald Eggleston said at the end of the 2023-24 school year there were 7,326 students in the district. Right now there 7,000 students and more are still enrolling. The District wants to reach 7,500 students.
A total of 49 different languages are spoken in the schools.
Many teachers are paid in the $70,000 to 80,000 range. Beginning teacher salaries total 47,000 right now, and the District is hoping to move the beginning teacher salary schedule up to $50,000. USD 475 has 30 teachers with EdPhD's or advanced degrees.
Groundbreaking for a new Early Childhood Center is scheduled Oct. 11.
The District child nutrition has 56 employees and two kitchen managers. USD 475 serves 7,000 meals daily. Food service is a priority that includes enhanced meals and more home style meals. The District has also hired a chef.
There are 15 CTE Career Pathways at Junction City High School. Five new schools have also been built since 2012.
Geary County USD 475 ranks higher in its Kansas Assessment Program scores than the Kansas state average. USD 475 is the first district in Kansas to receive a Purple Star designation.
Junction City High School's 2024 graduating class earned 3.7 million in scholarships.
There have been teacher shortages in recent years but now vacancies are being experienced in one area, special education.