By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
Yukon Public Schools’ board members are ready to celebrate a new school year.
The 2022-23 school year begins this Thursday, Aug. 11 as students return to classrooms across the district.
YPS Board President Leonard Wells joined fellow board members to attend last week’s Yukon Chamber of Commerce “New Teacher Luncheon” and Monday morning’s YPS back-to-school employee appreciation breakfast.
“It continues to amaze me the support that the Yukon school system receives from the community and local businesses,” said Wells, who is starting his 11th year on the YPS board. “It’s just really great.”
Wells, reelected this year to a third term on the five-member board, is excited about the future as the district continues its steady growth.
“I feel good about what we’ve accomplished over the past 10 years,” he said. “We’re still on the right track.”
Wells is well pleased the school district has been able to recruit the teachers and support staff needed for fill openings – particularly since other districts face hiring challenges. He owes it to YPS’ solid reputation.
All YPS board members have been beaming with pride over the visible improvements made to school sites funded through the district’s 2021 bond issue approved by voters.
Summer projects included playground and cafeteria upgrades, new interactive displays, classroom furnishings and carpeting, resurfaced Parkland Elementary parking lot, and varsity softball field turf.
“Everything’s looking really good this year, and I think we’re going to continue that trend for a while with the (bond) money,” YPS Board Member Cody Sanders said.
Yukon voters, in a November 2021 election, approved a $189 million bond issue proposition to fund building improvements by a 70.91% majority.
Sanders, the school board’s Post 5 representative, offered a huge “shout-out” to the district’s returning teachers before he met the new teachers at a recent chamber luncheon.
The Yukon school district’s 1,200 employees include some 150 newly hired certified personnel.
Sanders looks forward to a “nice, calm” school year in 2022-23 for YPS.
The district has been impacted over the last two school years by COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions.
Post 1 representative Suzanne Cannon predicted it’s going to be a “great year.”
“I cannot wait,” Cannon said. “I do want to thank the citizens of Yukon who have supported our bond issues. We’ve got some great stuff going on, and what you’ve seen is just scratching the surface. There’s so much more (coming).
“We’re going to have a wonderful, wonderful year,” she added. “Welcome back everybody!”
CHECK OUT NEW PORTAL
To help answer questions that parents/guardians and students might have, YPS has created a new back-to-school information portal on its website.
The portal covers enrollment, back-to-school events, proof of residency, transportation, and child nutrition.
Information is provided about digital tools, technology and how to stay connected.
Visit the back-to-school portal at b2s.yukonps.com
