Communication Series Introduction

Dear Knob Noster Public Schools Families and Community:

I hope this letter finds you well as we begin the New Year! We have an exciting year in store for 2022!

I am writing to introduce a mini-series of communications which will be sent to you each Sunday evening for the next ten weeks. These communications are designed to provide information and details on a number of important topics in Knob Noster Public Schools (KNPS), specifically as it relates to the district’s move toward construction of a new Knob Noster High School Innovation Campus. This mini-series will include the following topics:

1. Current State of Performance in Knob Noster Public Schools

2. Public K-12 Education: The Number One Issue Impacting Military Mission Readiness & Quality of Life

3. The Role of Knob Noster Public Schools in Driving Community/Economic Development

4. Why the Need for a New Knob Noster High School

5. Current State of Affairs in Knob Noster Public Schools

6. Overview of Local Tax Effort and Federal Impact Aid

7. Overview of the Defense Communities Infrastructure Program and Infrastructure Bill

8. Current Progress Towards the Plan

9. Preparation for Open Enrollment

10. Next Steps

KNPS leadership has engaged aggressively in advocacy work over the last six years to help enhance the eligibility and opportunity for our district to qualify for infrastructure grants. The proposed project calls for $25 million in federal grantmaking and $5 million in state grantmaking. This funding would support the local financial contribution for the project. The district was active in helping create the relatively new Defense Communities Infrastructure Program grant program and we are carefully investigating the new and expansive infrastructure bill, both of which provide funding opportunities for this project. We have positioned Knob Noster Public Schools to have a very good chance at success as a result of our current performance and our highly-regarded reputation at the state and federal levels.

Accordingly, this communication series is being sent as the next step in opening local lines of communication, building awareness, gathering input, and working to establish understanding of what we are trying to accomplish for our community, and why. Should this funding be secured, it will be important that the community is aware of what is being proposed, the rationale behind it, and how this project will reshape the future trajectory of our community. In determining the scope of the project, the district will revisit a long-range facility study completed in late 2016, which identifies certain needs. The district will also engage the community on project components and design features as well as additional needs moving into the future.

It is an exciting and highly unique time for our district to bring federal and state dollars into our community which could produce significant positive changes for the future. As we begin communicating details on this plan, I want to send an open and standing invitation to every member of our community to contact me or meet with me regarding details of this plan, should you have any questions, comments, or feedback whatsoever. My message will remain consistent for all inquiries. Again, this communication series is one of many communication efforts which will occur as we pursue this opportunity. As new information is made available, and as progress on this project occurs, I will continue to keep our community updated. Along with this communication series, we will hold town hall meetings to engage in continued two-way dialogue. In the meantime, updates will be shared on the district social media accounts and website.

On behalf of the KNPS team and our nearly 1900 students, thank you in advance for your time in reviewing this communication series. As always, my door is open to you and to our community if you would like more information. Knob Noster Public Schools – Our Mission Is Student Success!

Very Respectfully,

Jerrod Wheeler, Ed. D, Superintendent of Schools