It’s almost time for students to head back to the classroom. Area districts are enrolling this week for the fall semester.  Iola schools will enroll from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and from 9…

Now that Ben Prasko has worked as technology director for USD 257 for a year, he has a better understanding of patterns. He knows the problems he’s likely to encounter again and again with certain…

The Iola school district boosted pay for bus drivers in hopes of overcoming a shortage of drivers. The Marmaton Valley and Humboldt districts aren’t currently facing a driver shortage, but Marmaton Valley also boosted bus…

“I grew up as a free-meal student. I know what it’s like,” said Stacey Fager, USD 257 superintendent of schools, at Monday night’s school board meeting. “Providing free meals for all of our students is…

Some more names have been added for your consideration when voters head to the polls to decide a litany of city and school board races this year. John Masterson, former longtime Allen Community College president,…

The SAFE BASE summer program kicked off Tuesday morning at Iola Elementary School. The program combines education and adventure for any USD 257 student in kindergarten through eighth grade, including home-schooled students. There is no…

Iola Elementary School celebrated the last days of school with food and ceremonies. On Wednesday, students were treated to ice cream. On Thursday, they enjoyed a cookout. Fifth-graders, who will be moving on to middle…

Superintendent Stacey Fager expects school officials across the state will spend the summer awaiting legal advice on how to navigate the many legislative changes affecting education.  Gone are the days when legislators kept their focus…

Board members for the Iola district will wait to decide what to do about a vacancy, after Mandey Coltrane resigned her position. Coltrane submitted a letter of resignation effective Monday; she did not give a…

As the district-wide Iola preschool program gets ready to wrap up its fourth year, teachers told school board members about some of the ways they’ve been inspired. Three preschool teachers and others recently attended an…