“It’s a good problem to have,” says USD 388 Superintendent Bob Young.  Ellis is one of the few northwest Kansas communities that is growing, and it’s putting a strain on the school system.

“Enrollment at the grade school is up 15% to 20% the past three years,” he says, “and the ‘new’ high school building is 35 years old.”

A community committee of 30 Ellis residents began looking at the school district’s needs about a year ago.  In December school board members approved putting a $10 million bond issue to the voters.

A special election will be held June 4.

If voters approve the $10 million bond, the money will pay off HVAC improvements made four years ago, and also be used for renovations and new construction. At the top of the list are the sports facilities on the west side of town and a proposed addition to the Ellis High School.  Junior high students would then be moved to the high school, opening up more room at the grade school for the expanding student enrollment.

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