News
![Graphic titled “Budget Fact” explaining that school funding comes from several sources. A pie chart highlights state aid, local property taxes, federal funds, grants, and fees and other revenue. Brief descriptions explain how each source supports student programs, daily operations, facilities, and other district needs.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1785327557/usd470com/ssyfodwncn09ohhqf8ci/23764.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1785327557/usd470com/ssyfodwncn09ohhqf8ci/23764.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1785327557/usd470com/ssyfodwncn09ohhqf8ci/23764.png","width":800}])
Arkansas City Public Schools is helping community members better understand school finance through its Building Our Future: Budget Breakdown series. The series explains how the district budget is developed, where funding comes from, how funds may be used, and how property taxes, Revenue Neutral, and voter-approved bond funding affect local schools.
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![Decorative Image]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1783368397/usd470com/mfl7dhkjj6dnxosg1nri/WebNewsStoryImage800x867px1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1783368397/usd470com/mfl7dhkjj6dnxosg1nri/WebNewsStoryImage800x867px1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1783368397/usd470com/mfl7dhkjj6dnxosg1nri/WebNewsStoryImage800x867px1.png","width":800}])
USD 470 families will now use Bound to register student-athletes for the 2026-27 school year. Before participating, students must complete both their online Bound registration and a sports physical.
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![Will Pfannenstiel smiles at the camera in a professional headshot, wearing a dark suit jacket, light checkered dress shirt and glasses against a gray background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782925324/usd470com/lwtsfvndkm20txp9dfj1/WillNewsImage.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1782925324/usd470com/lwtsfvndkm20txp9dfj1/WillNewsImage.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1782925324/usd470com/lwtsfvndkm20txp9dfj1/WillNewsImage.png","width":800}])
Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for Arkansas City Public Schools. In his first message as superintendent, Will Pfannenstiel shares his gratitude for the opportunity to serve, reflects on the values that have shaped his leadership, and outlines his commitment to working alongside students, families, employees, and the community as USD 470 builds for the future.
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![doctor holding up a stethescope]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1780001324/usd470com/kuz6wtgeybabv4gsci1z/Physicals.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1780001324/usd470com/kuz6wtgeybabv4gsci1z/Physicals.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1780001324/usd470com/kuz6wtgeybabv4gsci1z/Physicals.png","width":800}])
SCK Health will offer sports physicals for ACMS and ACHS student-athletes on June 1, 3, and 5 from noon to 4 p.m. at SCK Health Urgent Care. Physical packets must be completed before the appointment.
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![decorative image]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777986143/usd470com/m0ivbrpfi6kubnruynlw/WebNewsStoryImage800x867px_3.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777986143/usd470com/m0ivbrpfi6kubnruynlw/WebNewsStoryImage800x867px_3.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777986143/usd470com/m0ivbrpfi6kubnruynlw/WebNewsStoryImage800x867px_3.png","width":800}])
Arkansas City High School is accepting nominations for its new Hall of Fame. The program will honor alumni who have made a positive impact through their careers, service, and leadership. Two inductees will be selected each year, with the first class to be recognized during Arkalalah 2026. Submit a nomination online.
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![A student spins a colorful prize wheel on a table while smiling, indoors near a brick wall.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777034300/usd470com/q0yvubs7kyvuzpdbhxu3/stonebones.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777034300/usd470com/q0yvubs7kyvuzpdbhxu3/stonebones.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777034300/usd470com/q0yvubs7kyvuzpdbhxu3/stonebones.png","width":800}])
At Arkansas City High School, a simple reward system is building stronger connections. Students earn “Stone Bones” for positive actions and trade them in for a prize wheel spin at lunch. More than prizes, the program focuses on recognition, relationships, and celebrating what’s going right.
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![Graphic shows ACHS sophomore Chloe Cales. Left photo: Chloe working in a science lab. Right photo: her school portrait. Text reads “Congrats” and “Chloe Cales.”]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776772420/usd470com/tvrk7gcpi4iicywbxxbm/ChloeScienceInstituteWebNews.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776772420/usd470com/tvrk7gcpi4iicywbxxbm/ChloeScienceInstituteWebNews.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776772420/usd470com/tvrk7gcpi4iicywbxxbm/ChloeScienceInstituteWebNews.png","width":800}])
ACHS sophomore Chloe Cales has been selected for the highly competitive Bethel College Summer Science Institute. The hands-on program allows just 36 students to live on campus, work with faculty, and take part in real research. Chloe will study both natural ecosystems and human perception through small-group projects. She will also earn college credit while exploring future career paths in science.
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![ACHS Women’s Chorus performs on risers in the gym, wearing purple robes, as a director conducts and a pianist accompanies.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776435839/usd470com/zdmwdemstwq7btdhdtg2/MusicContest.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776435839/usd470com/zdmwdemstwq7btdhdtg2/MusicContest.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776435839/usd470com/zdmwdemstwq7btdhdtg2/MusicContest.png","width":800}])
ACHS music students had a standout day at state. All ensembles earned Division I ratings, the highest possible, at the KSHSAA State Large Group Music Festival. Students also helped run the event, showing strong leadership and pride in Ark City.
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![decorative image]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776268393/usd470com/yrtwdbtxxjjm5qi3wlhm/SummerMeals2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776268393/usd470com/yrtwdbtxxjjm5qi3wlhm/SummerMeals2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776268393/usd470com/yrtwdbtxxjjm5qi3wlhm/SummerMeals2026.png","width":800}])
Keep your kids fueled this summer with free meals for ages 1–18. No cost. No registration. Just stop by a location near you.
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