Nothing is set in stone yet, but USD 428 says their loose plan is to reschedule the Great Bend High School commencement to June 21 at 5 p.m.
In April, the district moved the commencement from May 17 to June 14 due to the coronavirus crisis. The June 14 date still landed on mass gathering restrictions under Kansas Governor Laura Kelly's reopening plan. As of now, the reopening plan removes gathering restrictions on June 15.
At the May 11 USD 428 Board of Education meeting, superintendent Khris Thexton mentioned administration was working on a plan that could possibly push the date back again to allow a normal graduation ceremony at Memorial Stadium. Administration met with a panel of GBHS seniors to discuss alternative methods of honoring the 2020 graduating class.
During the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce coffee hour May 14, Thexton added the seniors were adamant about holding a normal graduation ceremony to allow the 216 seniors to walk across the stage.
Subject to change, USD 428 is hoping June 21 will stick for their commencement.