By COLE REIF

RUSH COUNTY -Unstable economic times within school budgets in the state of Kansas are causing many school districts to rethink spending strategies.

USD 403 Otis-Bison approached USD 431 Hoisington Superintendent Bill Lowry a couple of years ago to see if he would be interested in pulling double duty as superintendent for both school districts.

Lowry turned down the offer because of the amount of work that was going into Hoisington’s effort to build a new elementary school.

With development on its way for the new Lincoln Elementary School, Lowry has now accepted the opportunity to serve as superintendent for both districts.

“The timing is a little better now for USD 431 and me,” Lowry explained.

Technology allows him to do work for both districts in one location, but he still plans to make trips to both towns throughout the week. USD 431 has over 700 students while USD 403 has roughly 200.

“I’ve got good principals, staff and the teachers do a great job teaching so that I can focus on the budget and not the day to day issues,” said Lowry.

The plan begins July 1. Both school districts share Lowry’s salary.