Despite a slight drop in composite science scores from a year earlier, the 31 students who took the ACT test this past school year as a group scored higher than the state average.

Ellsworth Junior/Senior High School Principal Ken Windholz reviewed the results with school board members Monday night at their November meeting.

“It’s good numbers,” he said.

ACT stands for American College Testing and is used for college admissions in the United States. Here are a few highlights:

• Science — 22 score for Ellsworth students versus 21.1 for the state average. In 2018, Ellsworth students scored 22.4.

• In all categories combined, Ellsworth students scored 22.3, compared to a state average of 21.2.

In addition to science, the test includes sections on mathematics, English and reading.

In a short discussion on testing, Superintendent Dale Brungardt expressed shortcomings with the ACT and testing in general.

“It really is apples to oranges sometimes because each class is so different,” he said.

“Testing is a difficult, difficult thing ... but that’s how we’re measured.”

In other business, district attorney John Sherman explained the city’s plans to expand a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) district that sets aside additional taxes from improvements to properties inside the district to pay for infrastructure.

School district officials must sign off on the plan because it will affect the amount of tax dollars they receive.

Sherman said a public hearing is planned at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 25.

“It seems to not make sense in the short term, but we know it does benefit us in the long run and it adds to the district’s valuation,” Brungardt said.

Dr. Mark Herzog, whose dental office is in one of the city’s original TIF districts, said the method is good for the community. And, eventually, the school district will receive the additional taxes, he said.

Brungardt said he planned to gather more information on the city’s plans, which may include the addition of even more properties down the road.

Also Monday, Nov. 11:

• The board tabled a decision on meals and other expenses when students travel to band festival, FFA and other awayfrom-home activities. At present, coaches pay for at least one meal and then receive reimbursement from the district when they return home. Windholz showed board members policies from other league schools, which included giving the coach a credit card to pay for expenses.

• Administrators also explained their plans for a lease agreement with the city. The district does not pay to use the Ellsworth ballfields; however, by paying $500 a year for 10 years and giving the city the money up front, Ellsworth would be able to make improvements, including the construction of a storage shed for equipment.

"It seems to not make sense in the short term, but we know it does benefit us in the long run."
Dale Brungardt
USD 327 Superintendent

Administrators said a shed would allow coaches to store equipment on site instead of hauling it around in their cars.

• Board members accepted a bid of $44,000 from Carrico Implement for a used John Deere 333E Compact Track Loader. Brungardt said the loader was previously owned by the Kansas Department of Parks, Wildlife and Tourism.

• Several gifts were accepted by board members, including $2,700 from the Jaycees at the Ellsworth Correctional Facility. Windholz said the money will be used in the weight room because it is open every day and in the summer.

Board member Darin Holechek, who works at the prison, said the Jaycees donate about $10,000 a year to various causes.

Another $950 from Cats Pride will go to purchase a bicycle that can be used to help student athletes recover from injuries.

• No action was taken following an executive session to discuss teacher contracts.

• Board president David Hand recognized:

NCAA All-League Volleyball — 1st Team: Lakyn Tenbrink and Shaylee Leiker; Honorable Mention — Savannah Hellebust

· Girls Tennis — Lady Bearcats team placed 5th at State. Nicole Haase and Maggie Windholz placed 10th, Jaide Talbott and Jaycee Cunningham placed 6th.

· Boys Tennis — Eric Anderson was selected by the Kansas Tennis Coaches Association as the 3-2-1A Coach of the Year for the Spring 2019 season.

· High School Cross Country Team: Head Coach Eric Coonrod and Assistant Janet Schulte. Boys: 2A Regional Champs at Buhler. State Qualifiers: Hayden Rogers, Logan Erichsen, Noah Erichsen, Braden Schulte, Byron Johnson, Jonathan Spachek, Cade Gwinner. 2A State: 7th Place Team finish. Girls: 2A Regional Runner-Up at Buhler. State Qualifiers: Brenna Pruitt, Joni Schroeder, Olivia Neuman, Kirsten Meier, Cassandra Duncan. 2A State: 11th Place Team finish

· Congratulations to the following students for being selected to the NW District KMEA Honor Choir: Kelsey Ashbaugh, Hannah Brown, Michelle Cochrane, Jordyn Coonrod, Brooke Farmer, Cady Hansen, Parker McGowan, Grady Mueller, Hayley Sanchez, Mileena Shipshee, Trystan Stroede, Jordi Thornton, Elysia Trillo

· Suessical — Traci Sallman and her musical crew did a great job.