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Tonganoxie USD 464 board reflects on political climate in Topeka

By Shawn Linenberger - | Jun 15, 2016

Education in Kansas for grades K-12 is in a state of uncertainty with state’s Supreme Court and Legislature at odds with how to handle state funding.

Tonganoxie USD 464 Superintendent Lyn Rantz told the board that school districts are in a wait-and-see mode with the current situation in Topeka, but that the Department of Education has a contingency plan in place if a solution is not made before schools are set to start a new year in August.

She said there are many unknowns, but there are contingency plans being discussed.

Board Member Amelia Brusven suggested that Rantz put literature on the district’s website letting patrons know of the current status.

Board Member Michelle McGhee suggested that patrons watch Monday’s board meeting on the district’s website for more on the discussion.

New coach hired

Tonganoxie has a new boys head basketball coach at the high school level.

David Hillmon was approved as head Tonganoxie High School boys basketball coach for the 2016-17 season. He replaces Shawn Phillips, who stepped down earlier this year.

Hillmon has taught and coached in the district the last few years.

Other hires approved at Monday’s council meeting were Kassandra DeHoff, THS class sponsor (replacing Suzanne Rucker); Matthew Beat, THS girls basketball assistant coach (replacing Kelly Wigley); Jodie Smith, THS cross country assistant coach (replacing Pat Holton); Mark Richards, THS industrial arts teacher (replacing Holton); Eric Tate, THS football assistant coach (replacing Michael Kasten); and Kimberly Lybarger, teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing (replacing Stacy Allen).

The board also accepted resignations from Carter Gish as THS special education para-educator and Michael Morgan, Tonganoxie Middle School math teacher, and approved a termination of work agreement for Louis Johnson, THS custodian.


Rantz attends final meeting

Rantz led her final meeting as Tonganoxie USD 464 superintendent Monday.

Board member Kris Grinter presented the outgoing administrator with a present and wished her well in her future endeavors. Rantz resigned earlier this year to accept an administrative position at Topeka Collegiate.

“I wish Tonganoxie the very best,” Rantz said.

Grinter responded in kind.

“Keep woking away supporting students,” Grinter said.

Grinter also thanked Rantz for “always having her door open” and her “energy and passing because they are very inspiring.”

“Thank you for always remaining positive,” Grinter said.

Rantz finishes up June 30 as Tonganoxie’s superintendent.

Chris Kleidosty, who comes to Tonganoxie from Prairie View, officially starts July 1 as Tonganoxie’s next superintendent.