USD 343 will ask patrons to consider a bond issue during the November 7, 2023, election that will address various needs for facilities throughout the District while at the same time not increasing the current mill levy.  During the past two years, the District conducted facility assessments and met with a facility planning committee composed of 25 community members to discuss items that would or would not be supported.   Here is an overview of goals and areas to be addressed as identified by this community planning committee.

A new bond issue must remain at the current mill levy or be lower.  The USD 343 Board of Education is firm on this goal.  This means that all facility improvements within the scope of a new bond issue will be limited in terms of a budget that must fit into this goal.   This goal will be possible because the bond issue passed by voters in 2005 will be paid in full in 2024.  If a new bond issue is approved with the same mill levy rate, it will begin in 2024.  In other words, the same mill rate for the 2005 bond issue would continue with a new bond with no mill rate increases.  The current mill rate will generate over 17 million in funding over a 20-year time frame.

The areas selected for improvement are safe school entrances, additional classroom space at Lecompton Elementary and the Daycare, an update to the PLHS theater, additional practice gym space close to the middle school/high school, and updated baseball and softball facilities. The safe school entrance will provide controlled access at the office of each school building and will include a shatterproof film added to glass on the doors and windows at the point of entry.   The control point will allow visitors to enter the office area and speak face-to-face with a school employee before being granted access to the academic areas.  This project will require relocating the office setting at Perry-Lecompton High School.

The additional classroom space for Lecompton Elementary and Perry Elementary/Daycare will be achieved by adding seven classrooms and additional restrooms to Lecompton Elementary.  Four classrooms will enable the Kindergarten grade level to move from the Perry Elementary Building/Daycare to Lecompton Elementary.  This move will allow the Daycare to expand and meet our communities' ever-growing demand for childcare.  The remaining three new classrooms at Lecompton Elementary will allow for the needed space for special education and music and will eliminate the need for the modular classroom. Due to the high cost of building a new theater, the committee suggested a remodel of the current theater space.  A renovated theater would include a larger stage, new dressing room space, extending the side walls to the ceiling to create an enclosed area, permanent theater seating on the lower level, and replacing the retractable bleacher seating in the back of the theater area.

Adding practice gym space south of the high school will eliminate the need for students to drive off campus or rely on busing for practices at the old Lecompton High School gym or the Highland gym.  The Lecompton High School and Highland Gyms require high-cost repairs, including roofing, HVAC/air conditioning, plumbing, insulation, and floor repair.   This facility will also allow for needed gym space during the school day as students in grades 5 through 12 are enrolled in physical education classes throughout the school day.  Original plans allowed for District Office space to be included in this facility; however, a more affordable option has been found.

Finally, the bond plan calls for one baseball and one softball field to be built south of the high school parking lot.  This facility will meet the needs of the high school students and the entire community, as summer softball and baseball programs need more areas for practices and games throughout the busy summer schedule.  The Perry-Lecompton ball association uses the current varsity baseball and softball fields along with Lecompton Elementary and Lecompton High School.   The existing varsity facilities need repair, including new lighting, backstop fencing, restroom facilities, concessions, bleacher seating, scoreboard (baseball),  and outfield fencing (baseball).  One of the most critical areas to be addressed with the relocation of baseball and softball facilities is the current parking situation.  Ball fields located south of the high school will have adequate parking for softball, and baseball games played simultaneously, which would be a welcomed change for all baseball and softball fans.  By placing this facility south of the high school, it would be adjacent to the new gym space that could be utilized for indoor baseball and softball practices, thus eliminating the need for students to drive for indoor practices at the Lecompton High School gym and the Highland gym.   This placement would also allow for a newly expanded restroom and a concession facility that can be used for softball, baseball, and activities in the gym facilities. The District and committee members have reviewed current district facility needs for the past 18 months. The proposed bond issue addresses the need for buildings that are more safe and secure for our students. Additionally, all committee members valued the student experience of extracurricular activities. Committee members feel this bond proposal will address outdated facilities that have fallen behind the standard that has been set at many 3A school districts in Kansas. 

Click this link for an overview of facility drawings:  Facility Schematic Plans

Tracey Paramore, PLES Counselor, is retiring from Perry Lecompton USD #343 after 32 years in education with 15 years dedicated to the service of the Perry Lecompton communities.   She previously worked right out of college for USD #205 Bluestem High School as a math teacher and coach.  After a 10-year tenure, she moved with her husband (Mike) to the Topeka area where she took a job at New Directions Learning Academy, an adult learning center. After five years of teaching math, she became the director of New Directions for an additional two years. When their family grew, they knew it would be better if they were in the same district. She goes on to say “here I am 15 years later”.

In retirement, Tracey has no specific plans but looks forward to “being able to take more trips to visit our children (Rylee and Brett) and more much needed self-care”.   When asked what she will miss about the school setting she states “I will miss the wonderful conversations I've had with the inspiring staff (friends) over the years. I will also miss being able to get an ear-to-ear smile or waist high hug at any given moment. Little do they know that these snot nosed, pudding smeared faces have provided more mental health support to me than they will ever know!” 

Things have changed in Mrs. Paramore’s time in education.  “During my first years, I went home covered from head to toe in chalk dust. The last few years I became a bitmoji in a virtual classroom.  I've gone from making numerous transparencies, displayed on overhead projectors to Google slides that have links to an endless number of sites on the vast Internet.  Paper note passing has been replaced by texting.  Halftime kindergarten is now halftime preschool.  We didn't need to worry about the infamous TikTok challenges since TikTok wasn't even a small Tik in anyone's eye at the time I started. And as things have changed, it is highly probable that someday it will cycle back, just under a different name.” 

Tracey’s farewell message to the Perry Lecompton community educators is “I just want to thank you for all you do for the students, school and community. I hope you know how special you are, and that even though some days are tough, and some kids don't seem like they will ever get it, you ARE making a difference. A huge difference! I can vouch for that as a mom of two PLHS graduates.  It has been an honor working with each of you. Thank you for your patience with me and helping me become a better educator and person. I will miss working with you all!”

As Tracey begins this new chapter in her life, we wish her all the best in her retirement. Her warmth, compassion, and dedication to her work will continue to impact the lives of students at USD 343 for years to come. Thank you, Tracey, for your years of service and for being a shining example of what it means to be a caring and dedicated counselor.

After a semester of teaching on the Navajo Reservation, serving as a long-term 4th-grade substitute in McLouth, and sharing 33 years with students and staff at USD 343, Mary Levi-Mehl is retiring from Perry-Lecompton Middle School. Mrs. Levi-Mehl has been a constant for many families and colleagues at PLMS. She has acted as a mentor to many new faces in the district, and her absence will be felt throughout our building.  

Mrs. Levi-Mehl said she will miss making memories with students, families, and coworkers. Her favorite stories involve students sneaking in dead and live animals to class. One infamous story is the tale of the lost tarantula! 

For retirement, Mrs. Levi-Mehl plans to travel and spend time with her husband, Charlie, and her children, John and Annie.      

Never forget the difference you’ve made. Congratulations on your retirement!