By Gage Wilson
For Glasgow News 1
While much of last Thursday’s Caverna Board of Education meeting centered on the district’s 2026-27 property tax rate, the lengthy discussion did not keep board members from addressing other business, including the purchase of a new school bus and highlighting recent improvements across the district.
The bus purchase follows discussions earlier this year about Caverna’s aging fleet and future transportation needs. By purchasing the bus this year, the district plans to avoid purchasing another next year, while an older bus will be removed from service and used for parts to help maintain other vehicles in the fleet.
Transportation Director David Forbes previously recommended the approach after telling board members several of the district’s buses were more than a decade old.
According to district estimates, the new bus is expected to cost between $140,000 and $150,000.
“This is the second bus,” explained Superintendent Amanda Abell. “Mr. Forbes is very confident that the district can now not purchase one next year because this finally gets our fleet in a good situation.”
Board members also approved the district’s 2026-27 working budget during the meeting.
Beyond the district’s finances, the board reviewed an overview of projects completed throughout Caverna schools, along with academic measures and expanded opportunities for students.
A handout distributed during the meeting detailed improvements made at Caverna Middle and High School, including extensive work at the gymnasium and cafeteria. Projects included a new gym floor, renovated bathrooms and locker rooms, new cafeteria flooring and seating, fresh paint and other improvements.
Athletic facilities have also received attention. Caverna listed improvements to its baseball and softball fields, including outdoor seating pavilions and bathrooms, field rehabilitation, new netting and backstop padding and renovated dugouts. The district also resurfaced its tennis courts and track.
At Caverna Elementary, projects listed by the district included new flooring, interior and exterior painting, a new roofing system and a secured front entrance awning.
Security has been another area of investment. The district pointed to new security cameras inside and outside its schools, key-card access controls, exterior safety lighting and a double-entry system at Caverna Elementary designed to provide a more secure vestibule and front office. Caverna has also added a second school resource officer.
Alongside the physical improvements, the district highlighted several academic measures.
Caverna reported that 82 percent of its juniors and seniors are currently enrolled in dual-credit coursework, with a 100 percent pass rate among those students. The district also reported that 98.4 percent of the Class of 2026 met postsecondary readiness standards.
Career and technical opportunities have expanded as well, with pathways in welding, business, graphic design, education and veterinary technology among those highlighted by the district. Caverna also pointed to an expanded computer science pathway through WeLead, participation in Job Corps and improvements to its culinary classroom and industrial maintenance equipment.
Other achievements highlighted by the district included Caverna’s designation as a National Beta District of Distinction, improved KSA rankings, participation in the Gatton Academy and Governor’s Scholars Program and a five-star rating for the district’s preschool program.
The district summarized the improvements under the message “Better Facilities, Safer Schools, More Opportunities,” presenting the projects and academic measures as examples of investments made in Caverna students and schools.
Key Facts
• Caverna Board of Education meeting held Sept. 10 at the central office
• Much of the meeting focused on the 2026-27 property tax rate
• Board approved purchase of a new school bus for about $140,000 to $150,000
• Officials say the new bus should prevent needing another purchase next year
• Board adopted the district’s 2026-27 working budget
• District detailed major facility upgrades at all three schools
• Security improvements include cameras, key-card access and more lighting
• Caverna added a second school resource officer and a double-entry system at the elementary school
• 82% of juniors and seniors are in dual-credit with a 100% pass rate, according to the district
• District reports 98.4% of the Class of 2026 met postsecondary readiness standards
• Career and technical pathways now include welding, business, graphic design, education and vet tech
• District notes honors like National Beta District of Distinction and a five-star preschool rating
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