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Centre USD 397 superintendent gives update on anticipated Fort Riley influx years ago

Bob Kiblinger, superintendent of Centre USD 397, gave an update Monday to the board of education regarding the expected influx of soldiers and their families to Fort Riley.

He said 33,000 soldiers are predicted to eventually arrive at Ft. Riley, with 65 percent there by August. Approximately 7 percent have arrived so far.

At least 6,000 children and possibly as high as 10,000 children will come with these troops to the Ft. Riley area, and 70 percent will be elementary age or younger.

Base housing is 95 percent occupied, so surrounding areas will feel the impact.

Kiblinger said Herington has enrolled 11 new military-related students since Sept. 20.

"There will be massive childcare issues as well as early childhood education needs," Kiblinger said.

He noted that one reason the Big Red One opted to come to Kansas was because Kansas has a reputation for having excellent special education services.

He said the state is allowing a second student count date on Feb. 20 for the next two years to provide additional funding if a district experiences a 1 percent or more increase.

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