Liberal Public Schools

10/25/2026

This Week at USD 480 - Week of October 26, 2026

10/23/2026

🌟 USD 480 Principal Spotlight 🌟
Mrs. Louisa Gonzalez - Prairie View Elementary

Continuing our Principal’s Month series, meet Mrs. Louisa Gonzalez, Principal at Prairie View Elementary!

Principal Gonzalez's story is one of perseverance, encouragement, and a commitment to helping others recognize their potential. With 14 years in education, she has experienced firsthand how meaningful relationships and supportive mentors can influence a person's path.

Her journey began at Washington Elementary, where she worked as a paraprofessional while completing her teaching degree. After graduation, she became a teacher at McDermott Elementary and found a passion for dual language education. Teaching first grade allowed her to help students grow in English and Spanish while forming connections with students and families that continue to influence her work as an administrator.

One of the most meaningful influences in Principal Gonzalez's career was her late friend and colleague, Emma Diaz. Emma encouraged Mrs. Gonzalez to pursue leadership and helped her recognize the potential she already possessed. Mrs. Gonzalez carries that encouragement with her and strives to provide the same support to others.

Her personal story also plays an important role in her leadership. As a first-generation college graduate, Principal Gonzalez wants her children to understand that dedication and hard work can open doors to new opportunities. Inspired by her father’s journey, she believes that circumstances do not define a person's future.

At Prairie View Elementary, Principal Gonzalez works to create a welcoming community where students are encouraged to grow, teachers are supported in their professional journeys, and families are valued as partners in education. She is especially passionate about helping people recognize their strengths and giving them the confidence to take their next steps.

Thank you, Mrs. Louisa Gonzalez, for your dedication to Prairie View Elementary and the students, staff, and families you serve! We are proud to have you as part of USD 480.

10/22/2026

🌟 USD 480 Principal Spotlight 🌟
Dr. Maureen Richard - MacArthur Elementary School

Meet Dr. Maureen Richard! With 15 years in education and five years in administration, Dr. Richard is now in her third year as a head principal. Before stepping into leadership, she spent 10 years teaching kindergarten, the only grade level she has ever taught!

Dr. Richard entered education because she wanted to support children not only academically, but also as individuals. As an administrator, she strives to support teachers, students, and families while building a positive school culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed.

Her favorite part of being an administrator is supporting staff, students, and families while seeing the positive impact educators make every day. She is grateful to work alongside knowledgeable, kind, and dedicated people who share a common goal of helping every student succeed.

And, of course, this spotlight includes a special guest, Tucker, the school's therapy dog!

Thank you, Dr. Richard, for your dedication to our students, staff, families, and the USD 480 community!

10/22/2026

We love seeing our teachers out in the community! Check out Mr. Camacho a 4th grade teacher at Sunflower Elementary teaching pottery at the Baker Arts Center!

10/21/2026

🌟 USD 480 Principal Spotlight 🌟
Mrs. Randi Jones - Eisenhower Middle School

Meet Mrs. Randi Jones, principal of Eisenhower Middle School! With 17 years in education and 10 years serving as a principal, Mrs. Jones is passionate about supporting teachers and helping them reach their full potential.

Mrs. Jones’s journey into education began while tutoring a young student who struggled with reading. Seeing the challenges the student faced inspired her to return to school to study English, with the goal of helping older students who experienced reading difficulties.

After working as an instructional coach, Mrs. Jones was encouraged by colleagues and fellow administrators to pursue school leadership. Today, one of her favorite parts of being a principal is investing in teachers, recognizing their strengths, and creating an environment where they feel supported and empowered to accomplish more than they thought possible.

Before becoming an administrator, Mrs. Jones taught middle school English and served as a Student Council sponsor, a role she remembers fondly for all the excitement and craziness it brought!

Thank you, Mrs. Jones, for your dedication to supporting educators and creating opportunities for students and teachers to thrive!

10/20/2026

Check out this update from Eisenhower Middle School Activities Coordinator, Andrew Potter, on Live from Broadcast Square with Joe Denoyer!

10/20/2026

🌟 USD 480 Principal Spotlight 🌟
Ms. Ashley Lehnert - Sunflower Elementary School

Ms. Lehnert has spent 21 years in education, including four years as principal at Sunflower Elementary and seven years in administration. Her journey into education began with a degree in business, but after realizing her heart was elsewhere, she took a leap of faith into teaching. That decision led to a career dedicated to helping students grow, learn from mistakes, and become the best versions of themselves.

Ms. Lehnert's path to administration began when a superintendent recognized her leadership potential and encouraged her to become a principal. She believes leadership means being willing to do the work alongside the people you lead.

One of Ms. Lehnert's favorite parts of being an administrator is seeing staff members support one another and build meaningful relationships with students. Whether celebrating successes or supporting families through difficult times, she values the sense of community that helps students feel loved and thrive.

Thank you, Ms. Ashley Lehnert, for your dedication to Sunflower Elementary and the USD 480 community!

10/19/2026

🌟 USD 480 Principal Spotlight 🌟
Mr. Jason Diseker - Seymour Rogers Middle School

Meet Mr. Jason Diseker, Principal of Seymour Rogers Middle School! With 31 years in education, including 21 years serving in his current role, Mr. Diseker has dedicated his career to supporting students and staff.

When asked why he became an administrator, he shared that it was the next logical step to help more students. He also wanted to support teachers in achieving higher standards and making an even greater impact in the classroom.

And when it comes to his favorite song, you might catch him rocking out to “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC!

Thank you, Mr. Diseker, for your years of dedication to Seymour Rogers Middle School and USD 480!

10/18/2026

This Week at USD 480 - Week of October 19, 2026

This week marks the beginning of the second quarter of the 2026-2027 school year!

10/16/2026

Liberal High School Athletics Senior Night starts at 6:15 this evening at Redskin Field. The Liberal High School Class of 2027 football players, band members, cheerleaders, girls golfer, the Red Med crew will all be recognized this evening. Come show your support as we honor them, their achievements, and their contributions to Redskin Athletics over the last four years!

🔴⚫ SENIOR RECOGNITION NIGHT! ⚫🔴

Join us tonight as we recognize our seniors and their families. We look forward to celebrating their contributions to LHS!

🏅 Sports: Football, Cheer, Band, Girls Golf, and Red-Med
📅 Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:15 PM
📍 Location: Liberal High School | Redskin Field

Arrive early! Senior recognition will begin at 6:15 PM, prior to kickoff vs. Kapaun Mt. Carmel.

Let’s go, Redskins! 💪

We expect excellence. We measure character.