Bond Issue

In June 2007, district patrons passed an $8.5million bond issue.  

The bond provides new building projects in both Chetopa and St. Paul.  

In Chetopa, a new media center, classroom, and computer lab were 

completed in August 2008.  The classroom and computer lab as well 

as the hallway are FEMA safety shelters. A new football field concession 

stand / home locker room / and public restrooms will be completed by 

football season 2010.

At St. Paul, a new gym, locker rooms, offices, six classrooms, science 

lab, music room, art room, and media center were open for student use 

beginning with this school year. Both the music and art rooms are 

FEMA safety shelters.

In addition, the bond issue has provided for remodeling and 

improvements in existing facilities and for technology upgrades, 

described below.

Technology Abounds

This district excels in the availability of technology and is continually 

adding and upgrading resources. The recent bond issue has allowed 

the purchase of Smart Boards for every classroom and learning area 

plus a one-to-one laptop initiative for all teachers and high school 

students.  

Computers and their applications are part of the curriculum of each 

subject area of all grades.  Both campuses have wired and wireless 

Internet capabilities.

Quality Performance Accredited

All schools of USD 505 have met the federal guidelines for Adequate 

Yearly Progress (AYP). The district’s personnel implement and 

evaluate the strategies outlined in each School Improvement Plan.  

School improvement is a constantly changing process which provides 

sound and basic instruction to our students and which provides focus o

n professional development.

Involvement We encourage our students to be community and service oriented.  A high percentage of the upper elementary and high school students involve themselves in one or more extra-curricular activities.   Athletics offered at the junior and senior high schools are cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, track, and 8-man football. The high schools also provide baseball and softball programs as well as weight and strength training. St. Paul is in a cooperative agreement with Parsons for wrestling and swimming; Chetopa cooperates with Oswego for golf. Non-athletic activities include forensics, student council, yearbook, photography, band, choir, scholars’ bowl, NHS, FBLA, and FFA.  Chetopa High School also offers Varsity Club, Cross-Country, and FCCLA.    The communities of Chetopa and St. Paul provide “little league” opportunities for football and basketball, and summer ‘ball for elementary-age students. Both communities offer summer swimming and swimming lessons.   Students have involved themselves with service projects, also.  Older students may participate in Big Brothers/Big Sisters or be involved in one of the school sponsored service-oriented organizations. Outside agencies also provide service and activity opportunities for students: Boy Scouts,  Girl Scouts, 4-H, and church organizations.     What Our Communities Offer Chetopa and St. Paul are full service communities.  They each host medical clinics, long-term care centers, housing complexes, and a variety of businesses and services.    Chetopa and St. Paul are home to several specialty businesses and manufacturing companies which provide services and supplies to each community and surrounding areas.   Chetopa is located on the banks of the Neosho River and is well known as the unofficial "Catfish Capital" of Kansas.  St. Paul is located next to wetland wildlife areas.  The entire area supports good hunting and fishing and year-round outdoor activities.   Planning for the Future Tomorrow’s world will be much different than we know today. Our task is to prepare our students to succeed in a world which we can barely imagine. USD 505 students are becoming accustomed to excellence and it is our goal to continue that expectation. Maintaining a quality school requires the dedication and commitment of all who are affiliated with it. We believe in the concept of teamwork; the members of our team include the student body, the staff, the parents, and the members of our communities. We believe that when the members of our team join together, keep together, and work together, we are better able to provide highest quality opportunities for our children. At USD 505 Schools, we set high standards and we motivate students to attain them. In this district, all students are provided the opportunity to push themselves to their fullest potential. At USD 505 Schools, we promote the importance of...Academics, Teamwork, Respect, Community, Family, and Character.