Mai named principal of new Little Panthers Preschool in Great Bend

Tandi Mai, an instructional coach at Eisenhower Elementary in Great Bend, was named the principal for the new Little Panthers Preschool that will open in August.

By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post

The USD 428 Board of Education heard updates on the new education center and Little Panthers Preschool located on the 281 Bypass in Great Bend during Monday night's meeting. Perhaps the biggest news came with the appointment of Tandi Mai as the principal of the new Little Panthers Preschool. Mai is currently an instructional coach at Eisenhower Elementary, and said many in the district have empowered her to seek her license for the new role.

"That's what has landed me here today, so I'm honored to give that back to this district, and to represent the teachers, the students, and the families at Little Panthers Preschool, to give back to the district what they've given to me," she said.

An early rendering of one of the classrooms inside the preschool shows the many pieces of furniture the district may purchase. An early price tag for all furniture for all classrooms is $165,000 though that figure could decrease.

USD 428's current preschool programming is split into three locations with Helping Hands at the former Washington Elementary overseen by Director of Special Education Ashley Riley and staff, two classrooms at Riley Elementary under the direction of Principal Beth Rein, and three classrooms at Eisenhower overseen by Principal Abigail Jonas. The new facility, which will open in August, will bring all those classrooms together in a single 15-classroom site that will accommodate up to 288 three and four-year-olds.

"The three sites are definitely represented by administration, but this is the first time and most exciting time that we're bringing all three sites under one roof with one administrator," Mai said. "It's so exciting. It's a nervous excitement. It's an amazing excitement. And it's going to be an amazing journey for everyone that wants to join us in this. It's going to be incredible."

Mai is a Hoisington native and graduate. She attended Barton Community College for one year as a Hilltop Singer, then moved on to Wichita State University where she played golf and earned her bachelor's degree. She earned her Master's from Newman University in Wichita, and recently completed her building-level licensure from Emporia State University. She began her teaching career in USD 401 Chase/Raymond, then taught in USD 431 Hoisington. She is now in her 23rd year of education, including the last 16 years in USD 428.