Crimson Edwards has participated in forensics for the last three years and he also qualified last year. He is going to compete in Original Oration this year once again. Crimson is a senior.
Jacob Warner has participated in forensics for the last three years and he has qualified along with Sophia in the Duet event. This is his first year competing at the state level. Jacob is a senior.
Sophia Goombi has participated in forensics for the last three years and she has qualified in Duet with Jacob but also in Original Oration. This is her first year competing at the state level. Sophia is a senior.
We are excited to compete!
Weather permitting!
Crimson Edwards-1st place-Original Oration
Sophia Goombi-3rd place-Original Oration
Jacob Warner-3rd place-Informative
Phillip Apel-4th place-Extemporaneous
At the HS Big East Pre-League Track Meet on April 7, Pierson Cyphers set a new school record in the pole vault, clearing 14’1”!
Pierson breaks the previous record set by Fred Bowser in 2005, marking an incredible achievement for our program.
Congratulations, Pierson, on this outstanding accomplishment!
This is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the leadership, dedication, and passion Coach Bontrager brings to our volleyball program every day. Our student-athletes and community are lucky to have such a committed and inspiring coach leading the way.
Congratulations, Coach Bontrager, we are proud of you and excited to see you represent Holton on the All-Star stage!
Projects like this are a powerful way to connect students across grade levels, combining creativity, hands-on learning, and collaboration. Mrs. Oldehoeft's Intro to FACS classes have created monsters for several years.
Yesterday, the kindergarteners received their monsters, and it was a special moment for everyone involved. The excitement from the littles and the pride from our high school students made it a day to remember! 💙
Come cheer on the Cats!
Group III- 7-9th grade
🎨1st place- Abigail Schuster
🎨1st place- Turner Morris
🎨Honorable Mention- Jordan Kennedy
Group IV- 10-12th grade
🎨1st place- Taylor Kivitter
🎨1st place- Rylie Doran
🎨2nd place- Chloe Schuster
🎨3rd place- Sarah Immenschuh
🎨Honorable Mention- Rebekah Dement
🎨Honorable Mention- Mariah Senn
Three students’ artwork is being sent to Washington DC for further competition!
🥇Taylor Kivitter was awarded Best of Show and her artwork will represent Kansas in the Junior Duck Stamp Contest at the federal level!
🦆Rylie Doran’s painting will be entered for the Sid Crawford Award for high school seniors.
🪿Turner Morris’s collage is being sent to compete for “Alternative Art”.
Abigail Schuster and Rylie Doran’s paintings were also in the Top 5 for our state.
Inter-State Studio Spring HS Sports Picture Day
Baseball/Softball photos taken at 1:45
Golf/Track photos after school
Boys: Korben Fox
Girls: Rebekah Lassey
Understanding School Staffing, Class Size, and Budget Planning in Holton
In recent weeks, questions have surfaced regarding the district’s budget and possible staffing adjustments at the elementary level. Some have expressed concern that reducing teaching positions could significantly increase class sizes.
Concerns about class size, especially in early grades, are understandable. Parents want classrooms where their children feel known, supported, and able to learn. That priority is shared by the educators who serve Holton students every day. At the same time, it is helpful to understand how staffing decisions are made and what the current numbers look like in our schools.
Current Class Sizes
Holton Elementary has historically targeted class sizes between 17 and 20 students. Due to recent enrollment declines, many current classes are smaller than that range, typically 12 to 17 students.
When a grade level becomes particularly small, the district may adjust the number of sections offered to balance classrooms and use resources responsibly. Based on current projections, those adjustments would likely result in:
• Most elementary classes ranging from 14 to 19 students
• One grade level potentially reaching around 22 students
These numbers remain within typical Kansas class-size ranges, which often fall between 20 and 25 students.
At the secondary level, most classes range from 14 to 20 students, though a small number of elective courses may occasionally reach 28 students or more. In those cases, additional instructional support may be present.
How Staffing Decisions Are Made
Staffing decisions are based on enrollment, state funding, program needs, class size distribution, and long-term financial stability.
District leaders first determine how many positions can responsibly be supported based on enrollment and funding. Building leaders then organize staff to best serve students. When enrollment drops significantly within a grade level, adjusting the number of sections may be necessary.
Simply put, staffing decisions follow student enrollment and available funding.
What Research Says About Class Size
Research shows smaller classes can support learning environments, especially in early grades where students benefit from individual attention. However, decades of research show class size is only one factor influencing student learning.
Education researcher Dr. John Hattie, who analyzed more than 800 studies involving over 80 million students, found that the quality of instruction and strong teacher–student relationships often have an even greater impact on student success.
Key factors linked to learning include clear instruction, meaningful feedback, strong teacher–student relationships, high expectations, and collaboration among teachers.
Why Staffing Is Being Reviewed
Holton experienced a drop of 68 students from the 2024–25 school year to the 2025–26 school year, roughly the size of one grade level.
Because Kansas school funding is tied to enrollment and weighted student categories, declining enrollment reduces district revenue. When student numbers drop, staffing levels must adjust accordingly. This is being done through attrition -- not rehiring positions after staff resign or retire, and then moving people to remaining open positions.
Last year the district reduced three positions, including one administrative role. This year the district is reviewing the possibility of closing up to six positions based on enrollment.
How School Funding Works
A large portion of school funding is categorical, meaning it must legally be spent on programs such as special education, transportation, food services, and facility needs. These funds cannot simply be redirected elsewhere such as staffing salaries.
Like most school districts, the largest portion of Holton’s budget supports people who work directly with students and athletes with 80% of the current budget spend on staffing/coaching salaries.
Planning for the Future
The district is working on several efforts to strengthen enrollment and financial stability, including pursuing early childhood grant funding, exploring a district-run virtual learning program, and reviewing feedback from families who have left the district.
A Final Thought
Holton has long been a community that values strong schools. Maintaining that strength requires thoughtful planning, open communication, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
District leaders remain committed to listening to families and staff while making decisions that protect strong learning opportunities for students today and into the future. Please realize, while leaders empathize with each concern, many results are still based on constraints outside the control of the district.
Together, we can ensure Holton schools continue serving students and the community well.
Click Here: These slides contain in depth information reviewed by staff March 11, 2026.
😎 Spring Break is here!
Public access is closed while staff may be on site working on projects.
Have a safe and fun week! 🌴
Cheese Pizza
