By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
An investment in children is an investment in the future. That was the sentiment at Thursday's ribbon cutting at the new Little Panthers Preschool and USD 428 District Education Center in Great Bend. Attendees were able to tour the new facility, enroll their three or four-year-olds, enjoy light refreshments, or even apply for jobs within the district. Superintendent Khris Thexton thanked everyone who contributed to the project.
"It is an honor to stand in front of you today as we celebrate an exciting time for our district and community," he said. "The completion of the Little Panthers Preschool marks a significant moment in our commitment to improving education outcomes for the students of Great Bend. The path to realizing this vision was provided through the collaborative efforts of USD 428 board members, district leaders, educators, and committed and generous community members."
Last December, Tandi Mai was named principal of the new Little Panthers Preschool. She reported at Thursday's ceremony that all 118 morning sessions had already been filled, and 71 children were already enrolled for afternoon sessions. Enrollment for 25 all-day students who are children of district staff is also full.
"You are standing in a dream for this community, for our families, for our district, for everyone," Mai said. "I truly am honored to be a part of it. We are setting the stage for teachers to come together to truly shine, to serve our kids so they will feed into our elementary schools with the skills they need, not only academically but socially."
There is a $40 enrollment fee to attend Little Panthers Preschool but no tuition costs beyond that. The district will be reimbursed with state and federal funds. Breakfast options are available for morning students, and lunch is available for afternoon students, with prices the same as at the district's elementary schools.
McCownGordon handled the construction of the project and sponsored a classroom at the new facility. Project Manager Todd Dumler said it has been an honor to be a part of the building.
"This project, it's special to us because our mission, as a company, is we exist to improve lives," he said. "What better way to do that than to invest in a project that supports the young children of Great Bend and Barton County."
Thexton noted the dream began when USD 428 purchased the property at 1809 24th Street just off the 281 Bypass from Cuna Mutual at a discounted price of $1.3 million in September 2022.
"I'd like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to this project," he said. "Your dedication, hard work, and vision made this opportunity possible. I look forward to continued collaboration and providing opportunities to better serve our students, families, staff, and community."