Staff Directory
DR. STU MOECKEL
Superintendent of Schools stumoeckel@eudoraschools.org
DR. BILL DEWITT
Head Principal, Eudora High School billdewitt@eudoraschools.org
CARA KIMBERLIN
Assistant Principal and Activities Director, Eudora High School carakimberlin@eudoraschools.org
SEAN HAYDEN
Assistant Principal, Eudora High School seanhayden@eudoraschools.org
JESSICA JOHNSON
Director of Cardinal Academy/Assistant Principal jessicajohnson@eudoraschools.org
JEREMY THOMAS
Head Principal, Eudora Middle School jeremythomas@eudoraschools.org
TY PATTISON
Assistant Principal and Activities Director, Eudora Middle School typattison@eudoraschools.org
SETH HEIDE
Head Principal, Eudora Elementary School sethheide@eudoraschools.org
JAMIE GRADO
Assistant Principal, Eudora Elementary School jamiegrado@eudoraschools.org
SARAH MILLER
Assistant Principal, Eudora Elementary School saramiller@eudoraschools.org
KRISTEN LEWIS
Early Learning Center Director kristenlewis@eudoraschools.org
ALBANIA ANDRADE Communication and Engagement Specialist, albaniaandrade@eudoraschools.org
MACHAELA BESHEARS Transportation Director machaelabeshears@eudoraschools.org
BETSY CRABILL Finance Director betsycrabill@eudoraschools.org
HEATHER HUNDLEY Director of School Improvement Services heatherhundley@eudoraschools.org
SHANDA HURLA Eudora Schools Foundation Executive Director shandahurla@eudoraschools.org
CHUCK JAMES Director of Facilities chuckjames@eudoraschools.org
RON LONG Technology Director ronlong@eudoraschools.org
NICOLE PARKS Food and Nutrition Director nicoleparks@eudoraschools.org
YEMEN SHAABAN After School Program Director yemenshaaban@eudoraschools.org
AMANDA BRUNKOW
Human Resources Director amandabrunkow@eudoraschools.org
AMY SHANKS Human Resources Director amyshanks@eudoraschools.org
STEPHENIE SUDDUTH District Nurse stepheniesudduth@eudoraschools.org
Eudora Schools is Seeking Substitute Teachers
Eudora Schools and Morgan Hunter are partnering in substitute staffing. Substitute teaching in the Eudora School District is an excellent opportunity for parents, retirees, college students, or anyone who loves working with children!
Substitute teaching is flexible and is a great way to give back to the community while making a nice income.
For this school year, the minimum requirement to substitute teach is a high school diploma and a clean criminal background check.
Please contact Morgan Hunter Education at 866-923-6433 or visit their website https://morganhuntereducation.com/ substitute-teacher-jobs/requirements/ for additional information.
Eudora Early Learning Center 1310 Winchester Rd. 785-542-4920
elc.eudoraschools.org
Eudora Elementary School 801 E. 10th St. 785-542-4910
ees.eudoraschools.org
Eudora Middle School 2635 Church St. 585-542-4960
ems.eudoraschools.org
Eudora High School 2203 Church St. 785-542-4980
ehs.eudoraschools.org
Eudora Schools Virtual Learning 785-542-4989
esvl.eudoraschools.org
Eudora Unified School District No. 491 1310 Winchester Rd. P.O. Box 500
Eudora, KS 66025 785-542-4910
On eudoraschools.org
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Eudora School Newsletter is a quarterly magazine which includes content provided by the Eudora Schools communication department and is produced by the Lawrence Journal-World.
To advertise in this magazine, contact advertising@ljworld.com.
The Power of Partnerships
At Eudora Schools, we know that education is a team effort!
Family engagement can lead to higher student achievement and better social-emotional outcomes for children. Helping every Cardinal succeed and reach their full potential is possible when we work together as a team.
Communication
At Eudora Schools, we value open communication between families and staff. Parents are encouraged to regularly check in via email, phone calls, or in-person meetings to discuss their child’s progress, ask questions, and address any concerns.
To streamline communication, Eudora Schools uses ParentSquare—our primary communication platform. ParentSquare allows families to:
Receive school and district announcements
View updates from their child’s respective grade or class
Message Eudora staff directly in a 1-on-1 format
In addition, students in grades 6-12 can access StudentSquare, a companion tool to ParentSquare via app or web browser. This platform enables them to receive updates alongside their parents, helping them stay informed and engaged in their educational journey.
#SchoolMemories:
Encouraging your child’s participation in co-curricular activities can enhance their social skills, boost confidence, and foster a sense of belonging. Get ready for a year of Family Nights, Workshops, Scholar Events, Concerts, Athletic Events, and more.
You can keep up with all the upcoming events by following our district calendar at eudoraschools.org
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Facebook: Eudora Schools
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ELC: X: elccardinals
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EES: X: eescardinals
Facebook: eudoraelementary
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EHS: X; EHS Cardinals
Facebook: Eudora High School
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ESF: X: 491Foundation
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Instagram: eudoraschoolsfoundation
Bright Futures Through Real-World Learning
Eudora Schools Foundation Champions Student Career Exploration
This summer, Eudora High School students are getting a head start on their futures—thanks to hands-on learning opportunities supported by the Eudora Schools Foundation (ESF).
Four students—Gwen Lamer, Brenley Hanson, Gracie Broers, and Lily Mitchell—were selected as ESF Summer Interns. Over nine weeks, they’ve helped shape the future of Career Connect by planning professional Lunch & Learn events, organizing business site visits, and exploring new ways to connect students with mentors. Their work directly supports the district’s Future Prepared initiative—designed to help students graduate with the skills, experiences, and confidence to thrive in life after high school.
For these students, the internship has been about more than just planning—it’s been about discovering new passions, gaining confidence, and growing as leaders.
“I’m most proud of the logo I created for Career Connect,” said Gracie Broers. “Even though it wasn’t a big project, I was happy that I got to create something that everyone would see and recognize.”
Brenley Hanson added, “What I love most is how I can voice my thoughts and give feedback from a current high schooler’s perspective. You should apply—it’s awesome to get to know your community on a deeper level.”
“This experience made me want to go into a career where I can teach people and be part of a supportive community,” said Gwen Lamer. “Talking to principals and administrators made me realize how much planning goes into every opportunity.”
And Lily Mitchell reflected, “This internship has given me new ideas for
the future—about communication, college, and how to organize my thoughts. It’s been fun, but also a great learning experience that sets you up for success.”
We’re also proud to celebrate Eudora’s first-ever participants in the LMH Health Leadership Academy: Allison Allison, Phoebe Cain, and Gabe Campbell. This highly competitive, immersive program provides students with firsthand exposure to healthcare and public service careers.
“My favorite part of the academy so far has been getting to meet with all the people at the City of Lawrence and learning about what they do and how they work to improve the city every day,” said Gabe Campbell.
ESF is proud to support student participation in programs like this by helping reduce barriers such as transportation—ensuring all students can access transformative opportunities.
These efforts are part of a growing commitment to work-based learning in Eudora. From financial literacy programs like Reality U to the upcoming Cardinal U initiative, Eudora Schools and ESF are working hand-in-hand with local partners to prepare students for life after high school—whether that means college, career, or both.
Want to get involved?
Take our Community & Business Partnership Survey to share how your business or organization can support student success:
Bond Projects Completed –Thank You, Eudora!
We are excited to share that all projects outlined in the 2023 bond initiative have now been completed across the Eudora School District, marking a significant milestone in the district’s commitment to enhancing educational facilities.
From expanded and updated classroom spaces to improved safety features and upgraded facilities, the enhancements have been thoughtfully designed to support students, staff, and families for years to come. These improvements are already making a positive difference in the daily experience of our school community.
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BOND
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Key facility additions and upgrades included:
• New classrooms at Eudora High School, along with an auxiliary gym and a fitness center. The EDTEC corridor was constructed to connect the main building directly to the EDTEC classrooms, eliminating the need for students and staff to walk outside.
• The Early Learning Center opened its doors in the fall of 2024, featuring modernized classrooms and a newly designed, age-appropriate play area tailored for young learners.
• A secure new entrance at Eudora Middle School.
• The elementary school playground was upgraded and expanded. This redesign was created to better serve the needs of students, offering more engaging and inclusive play opportunities.
Safety and security enhancements were central to the bond projects. These included:
• A FEMA-rated storm shelter integrated into the new auxiliary gym at EHS.
• Life safety upgrades to fire alarms and replacement of aging systems.
• Enhanced security infrastructure such as new cameras, door hardware, and alarms district-wide.
• Upgraded emergency communication systems, including portable radios and PA systems.
Facilities and infrastructure improvements were made across all schools:
• HVAC system replacements where equipment had reached end-of-useful life.
• Repairs and replacements to doors, windows, walls, and roofs as needed.
• Technology updates in classrooms and buildings, including routers, phones, and WiFi system replacements to support modern learning.
This achievement would not have been possible without the incredible support and trust from our Eudora community.
Your commitment to our schools is deeply appreciated, and we are proud to celebrate this milestone with you.
Thank you for believing in the future of Eudora Schools!
Growing Stronger Together: What We Learned from the Family Engagement Survey
Each year, Eudora Schools invites families to complete the Family Engagement Survey, and we’re grateful to all who shared their voices. This important online survey is designed to inform district and building leaders about how well we are engaging families in their children’s education.
By sharing your thoughts, you help us understand what’s working, where we can improve, and how we can strengthen the partnership between families and schools. Your voice plays a vital role in helping us meet the needs of every student—by name, strength, and need.
What the Survey Measures
The survey asks families to rate their experiences in five key areas:
• Welcoming Environment
• Effective Communication
• Supporting Student Learning
• Sharing Power and Advocacy
• Community Involvement
Responses are scored on a 1–5 scale, from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree.
What We Learned This Year
In 2025, 225 families responded, and we’re encouraged to see growth across every area.
Here are a few highlights:
• Welcoming Environment: Increased to 4.16, with families feeling more respected and supported by school staff.
• Effective Communication: Improved to 3.99, reflecting clearer, more inclusive communication practices.
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• Supporting Student Learning: Rose to 3.94, showing better collaboration between schools and families on academic progress.
• Sharing Power and Advocacy: Reached 3.82, with more families feeling included in school decisions.
• Community Involvement: Obtained a strong 4.11, showing continued success in community partnerships.
Looking Ahead
While we celebrate the progress made, we also recognize there are areas where families expressed a desire for improvement. Survey results highlighted the following areas as needing attention, based on lower ratings:
• Family input and connection: Families want school staff to seek their input more consistently in order to better understand their child and family.
• Positive communication: Families would like to receive more proactive, positive outreach from teachers about their child.
• Support for learning at home: There is a need for additional opportunities where schools provide helpful information on how to support student learning at home.
• Family voice in school decisions: Families want more chances to provide input into school policies and programs.
• Recognition of student strengths: Families expressed a desire for greater acknowledgment of students’ strengths—both academic and non-academic.
These are important areas for growth, and we are committed to working in partnership with families to strengthen them moving forward. We are committed to acting on this feedback and continuing to grow in partnership with you. Thank you for helping us make Eudora Schools a place where every student feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
Celebrating Our Incredible EUDORA STAFF!
At Eudora Schools, we believe that a thriving school community is built through time, talent, and unwavering dedication. This past May, during our Applauding Excellence Employee Event, we proudly honored an outstanding group of staff members whose long-standing service exemplifies these very qualities.
These individuals have not only demonstrated years of commitment to our students and schools, but have also become pillars of our
community—offering consistency, mentorship, and deep-rooted belief in our shared mission and values.
Honored for 10 Years of Service:
• Darren Erpelding, Shanda Hurla, Lisa Moffitt, Ashli Olivera, Nicole Parks, and Sarah Weirick
Honored for 15 Years of Service:
• Seth Heide, Stephanie Jacobs, Jill Moore, Morning Pruitt, Mitchell Tegtmeier, and Yolanda Martinez
Honored for 20 Years of Service:
• Kyle Deterding, Terri Mills, Jamee Mason, and Ron Long
Honored for 25 Years of Service:
• Ty Pattison, Phil Katzenmeier, Holly Reanier, and Megan Whitebread
Together, these individuals represent a remarkable legacy of professional excellence. Their experience enriches the learning environment for our students and strengthens our district through leadership, mentorship, and heart.
Eudora Schools USD 491 2025-26 District Calendar
Dismiss at 1:15 pm; inservice 1:15-3:15 pm
No school - EHS PT conferences; EES/EMS Teacher
Workday
EHS PT conferences appointment only (4:00-8:00 pm)
EES/EMS/EHS PT conferences (4:00-8:00 pm)
No school - EES/EMS PT conferences; EHS Teacher
Workday
No School
No School - Professional Development Day
Dismiss at 1:15 pm; inservice 1:15-3:15 pm
No School - Thanksgiving Break
Dismiss at 1:15 pm; inservice 1:15-3:15 pm
No School - Floating Teacher Workday
No School - Winter Break
Holiday - New Years Day Observed
No School - Floating Teacher Workday
No School - Inservice (1/2 day) & Teacher collaboration (1/2 day)
Classes Resume
Dismiss at 1:15 pm; inservice 1:15-3:15 pm
No School - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
EES PT conferences by appointment only No School - Teacher Inservice Day
Dismiss at 1:15 pm; inservice 1:15-3:15 pm No School
Dismiss at 1:15 pm; inservice 1:15-3:15 pm No School - Teacher Work Day
Kindergarten Classes (Fall 2026
Kindergarten Roundup Screenings)
Dismiss at 1:15 pm; inservice 1:15-3:15 pm
Dismiss at 1:15 pm; inservice 1:15-3:15 pm
Last day for Seniors
EHS Graduation 1:00 pm
Last day for students; dismiss at 11:15 am
No School - Teacher Workday
Before School After School
Main Street (9th & Main)
Elementary School (801 E 10th St )
West Resource Center (1310 Winchester)
15th & Acorn St.
School (2203 Church St )
Middle School (2635 Church St )
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