Superintendent's Page
Superintendent's Page
Welcome to USD 327!
Better Together, Striving for Excellence
Welcome to USD 327, Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Geneseo! We are proud of our schools, our communities, and the opportunities we provide for students and families. Located near the heart of Kansas, our district encompasses approximately 425 square miles across two counties, serving the communities of Ellsworth, Kanopolis, and Geneseo. Surrounded by strong agricultural traditions, local businesses, and recreational opportunities, our district reflects the values and commitment of the communities we serve.
Our three attendance centers serve approximately 625 students:
- Ellsworth Elementary School: Kindergarten through Grade 3
- Kanopolis Middle School: Grades 4 through 6
- Ellsworth Junior/Senior High School: Grades 7 through 12
At USD 327, we believe that great schools are built through strong relationships, meaningful opportunities, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. Our motto, "Better Together, Striving for Excellence," reflects our belief that students achieve their greatest potential when schools, families, and communities work together.
Our district's strategic plan provides direction for our work through six important themes:
- Educate for Excellence
- Support Exploration & Engagement Opportunities
- Communicate to Build Trust
- Connect with Family and Community
- Invest in Faculty & Staff
- Align Resources with Facilities and Infrastructure
These priorities guide our decisions, support our staff, and help ensure that we are providing meaningful educational experiences for every student.
We are especially proud of the opportunities available to our students. Over the past several years, we have expanded our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to include 12 different career pathways. These programs provide valuable hands-on learning experiences, encourage students to explore their interests, and help prepare them for success in college, careers, and life beyond graduation.
We are also proud of the many accomplishments of our USD 327 alumni, whose diverse talents, careers, and contributions reach far beyond our district boundaries. From agriculture and skilled trades to education, healthcare, business, military service, and countless other professions, our graduates continue to make a positive difference in their communities and around the world. We value the connections that bring our alumni back to their schools and encourage opportunities for them to share their experiences, mentor students, support school activities, and celebrate the traditions that unite generations of Bearcats. Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat!
Equally important is our commitment to investing in the people who make our schools successful. Our dedicated teachers and staff work each day to challenge students, support individual needs, and create learning environments where every student has the opportunity to grow and succeed.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to listening, learning, and engaging with our students, families, staff, and community members. Their perspectives and involvement are essential as we continue to strengthen our schools, build trust, and make thoughtful decisions that support the long-term success of our district.
Whether you are a current family, a prospective student, a staff member, or a community partner, we invite you to be part of the great things happening at USD 327.
Together, we can continue building a district that honors our traditions, embraces new opportunities, and prepares students for a successful future.
Better Together. Striving for Excellence.
Sincerely,
Kenneth V. Cravens
Superintendent of Schools
USD #327
