News
![A group of elementary students stand in a school gym and form heart shapes with their hands. The students are smiling and standing on a purple-and-wood gym floor in front of a white wall, showing their support for the Kids Heart Challenge.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1773317921/usd470com/p2jqnkznrfrhblujkbxl/NewsStoryImage_4.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1773317921/usd470com/p2jqnkznrfrhblujkbxl/NewsStoryImage_4.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1773317921/usd470com/p2jqnkznrfrhblujkbxl/NewsStoryImage_4.png","width":800}])
Arkansas City Public Schools elementary students raised $13,768.08 through the Kids Heart Challenge to support the American Heart Association. Roosevelt Elementary was the district’s top fundraising school with $5,195.96, and Jefferson Elementary student Rylee Catron was the top individual fundraiser with $654.45. Several students also raised $250 or more, earning a Pizza Ranch celebration.
- ELEM
- Jefferson
- Roosevelt
- district
![Will Pfannenstiel greets a student at a school entrance on the first day of school.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772811008/usd470com/odg5811gq7rwcxvfjzoh/NewsStoryImage_1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772811008/usd470com/odg5811gq7rwcxvfjzoh/NewsStoryImage_1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1772811008/usd470com/odg5811gq7rwcxvfjzoh/NewsStoryImage_1.png","width":800}])
The USD 470 Board of Education has selected longtime Ark City educator Will Pfannenstiel as the district’s next superintendent. Learn more about his experience and the Board’s decision in the full announcement.
- Families
- district
![A person in a brown jacket extends their hand forward for a handshake, with the background softly blurred. A purple and gold “A” logo appears in the bottom right corner.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772127472/usd470com/mw2zrhuxhf2e8wi9mgyy/Handshake.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772127472/usd470com/mw2zrhuxhf2e8wi9mgyy/Handshake.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1772127472/usd470com/mw2zrhuxhf2e8wi9mgyy/Handshake.png","width":800}])
Arkansas City Public Schools will host four superintendent finalists next week as part of the Board of Education’s interview process. Each candidate will spend a day in Ark City meeting with staff, students, and the community.
The public is invited to daily meet-and-greets from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. at Arkansas City High School. Candidate announcements will be shared each morning.
- Community
- ELEM
- HS
- MS
- district
![A 3-by-3 collage of colorful “Youth Art Month” graphics from Arkansas City Public Schools. Each square features a watercolor-style background with a student photo and their artwork displayed like a Polaroid. Students shown include Maria Zetino-Lorenzo (Adams Elementary) with “Form Creature,” Jocelyn Schmeidler (C-4 Elementary) with “My Favorite Thing,” Auberlee Byrd (Frances Willard Elementary) with “Sulking Sunflowers,” Sophie Woods (ACHS) with “Ethereal Bloom,” Piper Waugh (ACHS) with “The Fur]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772114763/usd470com/beygdnxgqyppoyqgksqx/NewsStoryImage.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772114763/usd470com/beygdnxgqyppoyqgksqx/NewsStoryImage.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1772114763/usd470com/beygdnxgqyppoyqgksqx/NewsStoryImage.png","width":800}])
Arkansas City Public Schools is proud to have eight students selected for the Kansas Art Education Association Youth Art Month Exhibit. The statewide event features student artwork and includes a reception and awards ceremony on March 28.
- Adams
- C-4
- ELEM
- FW
- HS
- IXL
- Jefferson
- MS
- district
![Graphic with the text “Arkansas City Public Schools – Help Shape Our Future.” A line of elementary-age students with backpacks walks down a school hallway. Text reads, “Parents and community members are invited to share feedback.” A purple button at the bottom says, “Take Our Superintendent Survey,” with a clipboard icon nearby.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1768945297/usd470com/uowpfzmgkdigw8dgnjxd/SuptSurveyWebPhoto.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1768945297/usd470com/uowpfzmgkdigw8dgnjxd/SuptSurveyWebPhoto.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1768945297/usd470com/uowpfzmgkdigw8dgnjxd/SuptSurveyWebPhoto.png","width":800}])
Arkansas City Public Schools (USD 470) has launched the search for its next superintendent and is inviting parents, students, staff, and community members to share input.
The Board of Education is partnering with ESSDACK to guide the process. Community feedback will help shape the leadership profile used to screen and interview candidates.
- Community
- district
![Graphic announcing Arkansas City Public Schools superintendent search. Text reads “Apply by February 18, 2026” with link essdack.org/470supsearch. Photo collage shows students learning, performing, and working together.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1768251699/usd470com/mtff1jtjojdixevignwn/WebNewsStoryImage800x867px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1768251699/usd470com/mtff1jtjojdixevignwn/WebNewsStoryImage800x867px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1768251699/usd470com/mtff1jtjojdixevignwn/WebNewsStoryImage800x867px.png","width":800}])
Arkansas City Public Schools (USD 470) is seeking its next superintendent. The district serves about 3,000 students across eight schools and is supported by a strong community and dedicated staff. With recent bond projects approved for safety, facilities, and early learning, USD 470 is well-positioned for the future. Applications are due February 18, 2026.
- Staff
- district
![Arkansas City High School Band Director Chris VanGilder stands at the front of a band classroom holding a plaque as Superintendent Dr. Ron Ballard congratulates him. Students seated with their instruments face the two men. A whiteboard, classroom posters, and an Arkansas City Marching Band banner are visible in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764601489/usd470com/pgwrbvpd8sstog7ffhw3/VanGilder.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764601489/usd470com/pgwrbvpd8sstog7ffhw3/VanGilder.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764601489/usd470com/pgwrbvpd8sstog7ffhw3/VanGilder.png","width":800}])
We could not be prouder of Mr. VanGilder! 
Congratulations on being named the SCKMEA Outstanding High School Music Educator for 2025–2026!
- Activities
- HS
- district
![Arkansas City High School student intern assists medical staff during a patient care activity at South Central Kansas Medical Center. The student, dressed in black scrubs, observes as a nurse wraps a patient’s arm while another staff member smiles and provides support. The scene shows hands-on learning in a hospital setting.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762536536/usd470com/o7takcuumgubzzfxbsfj/NewsStoryImage_3.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762536536/usd470com/o7takcuumgubzzfxbsfj/NewsStoryImage_3.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762536536/usd470com/o7takcuumgubzzfxbsfj/NewsStoryImage_3.png","width":800}])
Arkansas City High School’s internship program is helping students connect classroom lessons with real-world experience. The growing program lets upperclassmen explore careers, build professional skills, and discover their passions. Our students are gaining valuable insight and confidence as they prepare for life after graduation.
- HS
- district
![Graphic reading “THANK YOU! For passing both bond propositions!” in bold gold and white text on a purple background with subtle wave patterns. Below the text is a collage of Arkansas City Public Schools students engaged in various classroom activities — including art, music, science, and group projects — showing joy and collaboration. The bottom banner displays “Arkansas City Public Schools” and “usd470.com/district/bond” in gold text on a purple background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762371817/usd470com/iuirsudakwlwmv0rdwlb/NewsStoryImage_1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762371817/usd470com/iuirsudakwlwmv0rdwlb/NewsStoryImage_1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762371817/usd470com/iuirsudakwlwmv0rdwlb/NewsStoryImage_1.png","width":800}])
Voters have approved both Proposition 1 and Proposition 2 in the USD 470 bond election, paving the way for safer, more modern, and more inspiring learning environments across the district.
- Bond
- district