The new year is already off and running, and as we look ahead to the months before us, one phrase continues to come to mind: Growing Together. It feels especially fitting as we reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate the strong work happening today and look forward to what’s next for USD 327.

As many of you know, the USD 327 Board of Education has been working thoughtfully and intentionally to plan for a smooth leadership transition following my retirement in June. I am pleased to share that EJSHS teacher Ken Cravens has been selected as our next superintendent. I am excited about the strong relationships Mr.

Cravens has built across our schools and community, as well as his deep investment in the strengths, values and opportunities that make USD 327 unique. I look forward to supporting his success in the months ahead.

With new beginnings on the horizon, it’s natural to experience a mix of excitement and uncertainty. I am incredibly proud of the strong foundations we have in place across our district, and I am confident they will continue to serve us well.

Together, we will continue to build upon and sustain the great work already happening in all of our schools.

The past few weeks have brought wonderful news worth celebrating.

Ellsworth Elementary School second grade teacher Kate Steimel was selected as a recipient of the Kansas Horizon Award, an honor that recognizes outstanding educators in their second year of teaching. As a Horizon Award recipient, Kate will be formally recognized in Topeka in February and will join the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network as a career-long member.

Her nomination, submitted by Principal Sheila Shaffer, truly reflects one of our strategic themes — Invest in Faculty & Staff — and we are fortunate to have her as part of our Bearcat family.

January has been filled with meaningful moments across the district: • Professional Learning Day ( Jan. 6): Teachers returned for a day focused on collaboration, learning and leadership. From an interactive scavenger hunt exploring the state accreditation process to mini-sessions taught by teachers, for teachers, it was inspiring to see our educator leaders in action.

• Welcome to Jonathan Emig: We are excited to welcome Jonathan Emig to the EJSHS science department, where he is teaching biology and anatomy and physiology. He has hit the ground running and is off to a strong start. Be sure to check out his recent employee spotlight on our Facebook page.

• School Board Recognition Month: January is School Board Recognition Month, and we extend our sincere appreciation to our board of education members for their service and leadership.

Thank you to MaiCo for donating steel Bearcat signs presented at the Jan. 5 meeting.

We also thank David Hand, who retired in December after 12 years of distinguished service, and welcome Travis Holt, who was sworn into the open seat this month.

• Board Clerk Appreciation Day ( Jan.

28): This month will wrap up with Board Clerk Appreciation Day Jan. 28. Natasha Florian is completing her first year as board clerk, and she has done an outstanding job supporting our board, staff and district operations. Her professionalism and commitment to service have made a meaningful difference. Please join me in thanking Natasha for the dedication and care she brings to her role each day.

Of course, winter wouldn’t be complete without winter activities! Basketball and wrestling are underway, providing many opportunities to cheer on the Bearcats. We are also excited to bring the high school musical to the stage after October’s flooding required a change of plans. Please mark your calendars for Feb. 21–22, and plan to attend “Once Upon a Mattress.” With the new sound system installed, thanks in part to a Smoky Hill Community Foundation grant, it promises to be a warm and fun highlight during what can sometimes feel like the longest stretch of winter. Our students would love to see you in the audience.

It’s hard to believe we are already more than halfway through the 2025–26 school year.

Thank you for the many ways you support our students, staff and schools throughout the year. The USD 327 community truly is a special place. Better Together isn’t just what we say — it’s what we do, every day.

Deena Hilbig is the superintendent of USD 327. She can be reached at 785-472-5561.