Rural Vista Schools USD 481 - Home of the Heat

Be the Extra Support That Helps Students Shine!
POSITION: Paraeducator - full and part-time positions may be available

LOCATION: Rural Vista school district - Pre-K through high school in Hope and White City schools.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Provide assistance in implementing plans and programs related to academic or functional skill attainment for students with disabilities, observing and documenting student progress and/or behavior, and ensuring the safety and welfare of students. Work days students are attending school (approx. 170 days/yr.)

REQUIREMENTS: Must enjoy working with special needs students! Strong communication and interpersonal skills. In addition to a high school diploma or equivalent, must obtain a passing score on the state paraeducator assessment, or have a minimum of 48 college hours, or have a post-secondary degree. Employment subject to drug screening, physical exam, criminal background check and TB screening.

DUTIES: Provide support to classroom teachers, instruction of students with disabilities and other classroom duties as needed.

PAY: Starting base pay $14.42/hr

BENEFITS: Full time employees are eligible for BCBS health insurance. KPERS retirement.

Apply at https://www.applitrack.com/usd305/onlineapp/_application.aspx?posJobCodes=5802&posFirstChoice=Support%20Staff&posSpecialty=Paraeducator%20for%20Sped

Now Hiring: Business Teacher
USD 481 Rural Vista, a small rural school district, is seeking a Business Teacher for the upcoming school year. Join a close-knit school community where relationships matter, and teachers make a real impact.

Courses may include computer applications, entrepreneurship, and personal finance.

Why Join Us?
Supportive staff and students
Small class sizes
Strong community involvement

Appropriate licensure required.
Competitive salary and benefits.

Apply through Educate Kansas https://educatekansasjobs.org/?p=funct.search.job&jobHash=b27215edc0f525d&employerHash=a6ceb76a91f4b78

This is a traveling position. So the teacher will teach in White City on one day and Hope on the next. This is also a Career and Technical Education pathway, so the teacher needs to be familiar with CTE Pathways and competencies.

Benefits Information

We currently offer $520 towards a single health plan through Blue Cross and Blue Shield. The district also provides 12 days a year for sick or personal leave plus an additional 3 professional days of your choice. Please visit our district website to view the current negotiated agreement. https://www.usd481.org/documents/district/448352

Salary Information
Base Salary $41,200

Now Hiring: FACS Teacher for Rural Vista School District

Our close-knit rural school district is seeking a fully-licensed Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) Teacher who is passionate about preparing students with real-world skills for life, careers, and community. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a supportive, small-school environment.

Position Highlights:
Teach practical, hands-on life and career skills
Small class sizes and strong community support
Competitive salary and benefits
Supportive administration and collaborative staff

Qualifications:Valid teaching license (or ability to obtain)
Endorsement in Family and Consumer Sciences preferred
Commitment to student success and rural education.

If you are looking for a rewarding teaching opportunity where relationships matter and your work truly makes a difference, we would love to hear from you. Apply today at https://educatekansasjobs.org/?p=funct.search.job&jobHash=0653612b235b88b&employerHash=a6ceb76a91f4b78 and help shape students futures, one life skill at a time.

Benefits Information
We currently offer $520 towards a single health plan through Blue Cross and Blue Shield. The district also provides 12 days a year for sick or personal leave plus an additional 3 professional days of your choice. Please visit our district website to view the current negotiated agreement. https://www.usd481.org/documents/district/448352

Salary Information
Base salary $41,200

8th - 12th Math Instructor for White City - VB Coaching Available

Rural Vista - USD 481 is searching for a mathematics instructor for students in grades 8th-12th for their school in White City, Kansas. The teacher would be teaching Pre-algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and a Precalculus course. Class sizes are small with the largest class containing 15 students.

Rural Vista is also searching for a head volleyball coach. We also have a number of other coaching opportunities and class sponsorships available. All interested candidates should fill out the application on https://educatekansasjobs.org/?p=funct.search.job&jobHash=c1f3a92d89e42d3&employerHash=a6ceb76a91f4b78. Please include a copy of your teaching license, references, and transcripts. We would also encourage you to visit our school`s website at www.usd481.org.

Benefits Information
$520 toward a single health plan through BCBS
12 PTO days per year (no questions asked)
3 Professional Development days of your choice per year
Vision and Dental Insurance available
$50/month 403B Match

Salary Information
Current Base Salary $41,200

Regular BOE Meeting
March 9th, 2026
White City, KS- School Library
7:00 P.M.

1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Consent Agenda Approval
3.1 Approval of Minutes
3.2 Treasurer’s Report
3.3 Approval of Warrants
3.4 Donations
3.5 KASB Membership Renewal
3.6 New Hire
3.7 Supplemental

4. Adoption of the March Meeting Agenda

5. Public Presentation
5.1 Citizen’s Open Forum
5.2 Correspondence
5.3 Government Relations

6. Old Business
6.1 Little Huskies Child Care

7. New Business
7.1 Little Lions Learning Center
7.2 Flooring Projects
7.3 Diploma Handout
7.4 BOE Goal Setting
7.5 Executive Session – Negotiations

8. Administrative Updates
8.1 Hope Principal
8.2 White City Principal
8.3 Superintendent

9. Adjournment

Late Start on Wednesday, February 25
What parents need to know . . .

There will be no preschool that day.

Bus will run 2 hours later for pick up in the morning.

Do not drop off your child prior to 9:45 am as there will not be supervision.

Breakfast will be served - Grab n’ Go

School will start promptly at 10:00.

Middle School Quiz Bowl Season is Off to a Great Start!

The Rural Vista Quiz Bowl teams traveled to Centre on Thursday, February 12th for their first competition of the season. The varsity team, made up of 8th graders, went 3-1 for the GOLD, and the junior varsity team, made up of 6th & 7th graders, went 3-1 for the SILVER.

Eleanor Riedy led the varsity team with 8 questions answered correctly. Next was Averi Keiter with 5 questions answered correctly. Then Kayden Stroda and Kaydence Bracebridge answered 3 questions apiece. Josh Lautt answered 2 questions, and Thomas Wakefield-Eufracio answered 1. Rhett Noeth also participated.
In Round 1, Rural Vista varsity lost to Wakefield 35-80, but they bounced back for the next 3 rounds, winning 40-30 over Peabody, 90-35 over Herington, and 60-15 against Centre.

For the junior varsity team, Blake Mistic led the team with 7 questions answered correctly. Holly McCullough answered 5 right. Norah Effland answered 4 correctly. Kiley Otte answered 3 correctly, and Brianna Herndon and Peyton Keiter both answered 1 apiece. Gage Glessner also participated with this team.
In Round 1, Rural Vista JV won over Wakefield 40-30. Then in Round 2 they beat Peabody 60-0. Round 3 they suffered a loss to Herington 30-60, but bounced back for the last round and won 80-10 over Centre.

Congratulations to both teams on their fantastic finishes!!!

No School on February 16, 2026

Rural Vista Families & Staff
There is no school for students or staff on Monday, February 16, 2026. Enjoy your day off!

Regular BOE Meeting
February 9th, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Hope, KS- School Library

1. Call to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Consent Agenda Approval
A. Approval of January Minutes
B. Treasurer’s Report (Cash Summary)
C. Approval of Warrants

4. Adoption of the February Meeting Agenda

5. Public Presentation
A. Citizen’s Open Forum
B. Correspondence
C. Governmental Relations

6. Old Business
A. Policy

7. New Business
A. Audit
B. Resignations
C. New Hires
D. 2026-2027 Calendar
E. Mileage
F. Supplementals
G. Daycare Quotes
H. Executive Session – Negotiations
I. Executive Session - Personnel

8. Administrative Updates
A. Hope Principal
B. White City Principal
C. Superintendent

9. Adjournment

New Board Policy
Re: Public Forum at Board Meetings

Parents and Taxpayers of USD 481 who desire to address the board on any topic related to board work are welcome to do so at this time. Speakers are requested to limit their remarks to not more than 5 minutes; to appoint a spokesperson if the concern is a group concern, and to supplement verbal presentations with written
reports, if necessary or desired. Public comments critical of an individual are not acceptable. Please note, the board will listen to the public comment, but will not respond. The board may direct the superintendent to follow up at a later date on
questions asked or concerns raised.

This policy was approved at the January 12, 2026 school board meeting.

KSDE Insight Podcast - How Kansas Funds Schools and Why It Matters for Families

School funding can feel complicated and disconnected from the classroom, but it plays a major role in the opportunities students experience every day.

In January’s episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube, we break down how school funding works in Kansas, where the money comes from, and how funding decisions affect class sizes, programs, and student supports. We also discuss why Kansas’ current school funding formula is set to sunset in 2027, what work is already underway with the Kansas Legislature, and why it is important for families to understand these conversations now.

Joining the conversation are Dr. Frank Harwood, Kansas State Department of Education deputy commissioner of fiscal and administrative services, and Dr. Cory Gibson, superintendent of De Soto USD 232. Together, they offer clear, parent-focused insights into school funding, transparency, and how families can stay informed and engaged.

Full-Time Student Transportation Driver - White City

We are seeking a reliable and safety-focused Full-Time Driver to transport students to and from Salina, Kansas for educational opportunities. This position plays an important role in supporting student learning beyond the classroom.

Position Details:

Full-time, school-year position

Daily transportation of students to approved educational programs and activities in Salina, KS

Maintain a safe, orderly, and positive environment for students during transport

Qualifications:
Valid driver’s license
Clean driving record
Ability to pass background check and required DOT physical screenings
CPR/First Aid Certified or willing to become certified
Ability to pass a Defensive Driving course
Dependable, punctual, and student-focused

We Offer:

Competitive pay

Consistent schedule aligned with school hours

Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students’ educational experiences

If you enjoy working with students and value safety and dependability, we encourage you to apply at https://jobs.educatekansas.org/inner.php?p=scripts/funct.search.job&jobHash=52a776b20f29084&employerHash=a6ceb76a91f4b78

Benefits Information:
10 PTO Days - prorated
$420/month toward a Single Health Plan through BCBS
KPERS Eligible

Salary Information: $17/hour

Wheat State League Champions!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rural Vista's Varsity Scholars Bowl team brought home the gold on Monday, January 12th. The team competed in 9 rounds of competition, and they won 7 of the 9 rounds.
Round 1 RV wins over Herington 40-30
Round 2 RV wins over Little River 40-30
Round 3 RV beats Peabody 70-20
Round 4 Canton-Galva wins over RV 50-30
Round 5 Solomon beats RV 50-0
Round 6 RV wins over Wakefield 40-25
Round 7 RV wins over Centre 50-40
Round 8 RV wins against Elyria 20-10
Round 9 RV wins over Goessel 20-10

Hadley Friedli led the team by answering 20 questions correctly. Kevin Smith answered 9 questions correctly, and Paige Linder buzzed in and got 2 questions correct. Jayda Shipman supported the team throughout the competition.

The Junior Varsity team also competed in 7 rounds at Centre. Although they did not win any rounds, the students scored 80 points total. Members of the JV team included Jameson Lautt, Jeremiah Peterson, Clara Stewart, and Cora Stewart.

Regular BOE Meeting
January 12th, 2026
White City, KS- School Library
7:00 P.M.

1. Call to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Consent Agenda Approval
A. Approval of December Minutes
B. Treasurer’s Report (Cash Summary)
C. Approval of Warrants

4. Adoption of the January Meeting Agenda

5. Public Presentation
A. Citizen’s Open Forum
B. Correspondence
C. Governmental Relations

6. Old Business
A. Policies

7. New Business
A. Purple Wave
B. K-12 ITC Contract
C. Negotiation Team
D. New Hires
E. Council Grove Area Foundation Grant
F. Executive Session- Acquisition Real Property
G. Executive Session - Personnel

8. Administrative Updates
A. Hope Principal
B. White City Principal
C. Superintendent

9. Adjournment