Solomon Unified School District 393

On Thursday, December 12th, the Dickinson County Commissioners and members of the Community Foundation of Dickinson County were honored for their roles in making the Early Learning Center a reality. Together, they toured the facility and posed for a photo to commemorate their contributions. In 2022, the county commission contributed $440,000 to the project, and the Community Foundation donated $42,000. During the visit, Superintendent Justin Coup and Early Learning Center Director Aubre Hawks presented both organizations with certificates of appreciation, recognizing their support and generosity. This marked the commissioners’ second celebratory tour of the facility; the first was in September 2023 when the building was initially completed. Since that time, several finishing touches have been added, including a completed early childhood playground, a new fence around the building, and fresh landscaping, which were all highlighted during Thursday’s tour. Certificates of appreciation were also delivered to other major contributors who made the Early Learning Center possible: the Patterson Family Foundation, and the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund. Collectively, these donors provided approximately $1.2 million for the project, ensuring the center’s creation without any reliance on tax dollars. The financial contributions not only funded the construction but also helped keep the Early Learning Center affordable for families. The contributions also enable the school to sustain the center’s staff with competitive salaries, quality benefits, and excellent working conditions. The Early Learning Center stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and generosity, offering a dedicated space for the community’s youngest learners to grow and thrive. With its state-of-the-art facilities and newly completed amenities, the center is fully equipped to serve local families for years to come.