January
Advent Outreach Project donation
The Advent Outreach Project collected $2,714 in local dontations to help with unpaid student meal balances in USD #343. The check was presented to the USD #343 Board of Education at their monthly meeting on January 8, 2024.
Pictured are USD #343 Board of Education Vice President Dr. Emily Riner, Paula Hladky, Willard Epling, USD #343 Board of Education President, Nick Fergus.
Travis Daniels: A Legacy of Dedication and Transformation in Perry-Lecompton Schools as Board of Education member
For over two decades, Travis Daniels has been a steadfast presence in the Perry-Lecompton School District, dedicating his time and energy to serving the students and community. From the spring of 1999 through December of 2023, Daniels has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape, witnessing significant changes and overcoming numerous challenges.
Travis Daniels' remarkable journey spans 24 years of unwavering commitment to Perry-Lecompton students. Over this period, he has witnessed 1,871 students proudly walking across the stage at Perry-Lecompton High School, a testament to the lasting impact of his contributions to their education and development.
Throughout his tenure, Daniels worked alongside 17 different board members, contributing his expertise to 294 board meetings, with an impressive attendance record of 291. His collaboration with various board members underscores the importance of teamwork and cooperation in steering the district toward success.
Under the leadership of four superintendents—Henry Murphy, Steve Johnston, Denis Yoder, and J.B. Elliott—Travis Daniels played a pivotal role in ushering in major improvements to the Perry-Lecompton School District. Notable accomplishments include the 2005 bond issue, which funded the construction of a new middle school, a high school gymnasium, and additional space for elementary schools. The remodeled PLHS science labs in 2008, expanded opportunities for high school students at Washburn Tech and Highland Community College, and the district-wide 1:1 device/iPad program are all testaments to Daniels' commitment to advancing education.
Furthermore, his instrumental role in passing a recent bond issue highlights his dedication to ongoing enhancements. These include building entrances, additional classrooms at Lecompton Elementary, a theater remodel, a new auxiliary gym, and new baseball and softball fields—a testament to his forward-thinking vision for the district's future.
Travis Daniels faced and navigated several challenges during his tenure, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. The closure of Williamstown and Grantville schools, the elementary reconfiguration, the school budget crisis in 2008, and the state-wide staff shortage over the past five years were all formidable obstacles. Notably, Daniels led the district through the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the complexities of masking protocols.
As Travis Daniels concludes his remarkable 24 years of service to the Perry-Lecompton School District, his legacy is one of dedication, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to educational excellence. The countless students who walked across the stage and the numerous improvements to the district stand as a testament to his lasting impact. Daniels leaves behind a district that has evolved, adapted, and thrived under his leadership, setting the stage for a bright and promising future for Perry-Lecompton schools.