The USD 446 Independence Board of Education recognizes three district educators nominated for state teaching awards and discusses a potential renovation project at the Riley Educational Resource Center.
Kara Swearingen, a first-grade teacher at Eisenhower Elementary, was nominated for the Kansas Horizon Award, which recognizes outstanding first-year teachers who demonstrate excellence in the classroom.
Lori Boyer, a fourth-grade teacher at Jefferson Middle School, was nominated for the elementary Kansas Teacher of the Year award, while Erin Shelton, a band director at Independence High School, was nominated in the secondary category. The Kansas Teacher of the Year program recognizes outstanding educators for their teaching abilities and leadership.
In other business, the board discussed the possibility of renovating the Riley Educational Resource Center, which operates as a learning space for early childhood education and developmental programs for young learners.
USD 446 Superintendent Jason McAfee says the process would begin with information gathering in November and December. If the project moves forward, renovations could begin in the summer of 2027. McAfee estimates the cost of adding a parking lot and completing interior renovations would range from $850,000 to $950,000.
The board did not approve moving forward with the renovation process and instead tabled the discussion until its next meeting, scheduled for Monday, December 14, in the Independence High School library at 6:00 pm.
