USD 453 Leavenworth Board of Education Meeting: Monday, September 14, 2026

The Leavenworth USD 453 Board of Education held a meeting on September 14, 2026, which included key procurement and budget discussions. The board conducted a revenue neutral tax rate hearing and subsequently approved the 2026-2027 budget, including a local option budget percentage of 33%. A significant agenda item was the superintendent search, where the board reviewed proposals from four firms, comparing fees, applicant pool sizes, and candidate retention guarantees. After discussion, the board selected the Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) to conduct the superintendent search. Additionally, the board discussed the potential establishment of an alternative school program for students with behavioral and academic challenges. While the program was detailed with staffing and budget considerations, the board ultimately voted to table the decision until the following year due to concerns about funding and sustainability. The meeting also covered a multi-phase facilities consolidation plan aimed at reducing standalone properties and operational costs, with phase one approved to move certain departments to the David Brewer building. Estimated costs and potential savings over 20 years were presented, with the board approving the initial phase. Public comments addressed concerns about data privacy related to educational technology and the need for transparency. Overall, the meeting focused on budget approvals, vendor selection for superintendent search services, capital improvement planning, and program development with attention to fiscal responsibility and community impact.