Hailey
USD 251 recently wrapped up its last community engagement session for the summer. It took place at Northern Heights High School (NHHS) on Wednesday evening. This session, along with others earlier this summer, was organized by USD 251 and the District Strategic Planning Committee. The main goal was to hear feedback from the public about how school buildings, especially the high school, could be improved.
A Closer Look Inside the School Building
The evening started with a guided tour of NHHS. People got the chance to walk through the school and see for themselves what kind of repairs or changes might be needed. Kiley DeDonder, who leads the planning committee, explained why this hands-on experience matters.
“We want people to see things with their own eyes,” DeDonder said. “Some community members haven’t been in these buildings in years, or ever. This helps stop false rumors and gives clear understanding.”
This approach allowed both longtime residents and new families to learn more about the current condition of the school and where improvements are needed.
Main Problems: Old Pipes and Outdated Wiring
According to Superintendent Bob Blair, the school building still stands strong, but many parts inside are outdated. For example:
- Several sewer lines and water pipes need repairs
- The school needs an electrical system upgrade
Blair said that detailed repair reports will be shared with the USD 251 School Board during their August meeting.
Big Questions: Fix It or Build New?
During the session, the community started discussing a big idea—should they renovate the old high school or build a completely new one?
Some people liked the idea of constructing a new building, while others worried about the costs and preferred updating the existing one. As of now, no official decisions have been made. The committee plans to gather more feedback and eventually share the community’s thoughts with the Kansas Board of Education.
A Long-Term Community Effort
DeDonder and Blair both said this isn’t something that will be rushed. The committee has been meeting for two years to slowly understand what the community really wants and is willing to support.
“It’s important to move carefully,” Blair said. “We want to respect everyone’s opinions and make the right choice for students, families, and staff.”
Reaching Out to Seniors Without Kids in School
One of the challenges the district faces is getting older community members involved—especially those who no longer have children or grandchildren in the school system.
Blair said this group makes up a large portion of the population, and it’s important to connect with them too.
“We’ve been trying new ways to get them into the buildings,” he said. “The committee has talked a lot about this, and we’re finally seeing more of them take part.”
This shows the district’s commitment to making sure every voice is heard, no matter someone’s age or family status.
USD 251’s final engagement session wasn’t just a tour or a meeting—it was a step toward building a stronger future for students and staff. By involving the community, especially those who haven’t visited the school in a long time, the district is making sure decisions about school buildings are made together. The feedback gathered during these sessions will play a key role in shaping what happens next. Whether that means fixing old problems or building something new, USD 251 is committed to listening and moving forward carefully and responsibly.