Cowley College Plans Next Decade of Growth in Sumner County with Continued Voter Investment

Cowley College is looking toward the future of its Sumner Campus and asking voters this November to continue a key local investment that has fueled growth and opportunity in the region.

The Cowley College Board of Trustees has approved ballot language to reauthorize the existing half-cent Sumner County sales tax, with the Sumner County Commission voting to place the measure on the November ballot. The proposal is not a tax increase and will not impact property taxes—it simply extends the current sales tax for an additional ten years.

“Eight years in, we’re proud of the students we’ve trained at our Sumner County campus and excited to begin the next decade of technical and general education for students in the area,” said Michelle Schoon, Cowley College President. “The communities have been tremendous partners, and we look forward to continuing this partnership.”

State law requires voter approval every ten years for local sales tax measures. Renewal of the sales tax would allow Cowley College to continue preparing future teachers, paramedics, welders, and other professionals close to home. Estimates show that about 20 percent of the sales tax revenue comes from out-of-county shoppers, bringing added benefit to local taxpayers.

“Technical education programs are in high demand, and we’re at capacity for specialized training,” said Phil White, Cowley College Sumner Trustee. “Continuing this investment will help us expand offerings in areas such as construction management and aviation—programs students are eager to pursue—and allow us to add cohorts to waitlisted programs so students can train and graduate more quickly.”

The Sumner Campus currently serves 163 students from nine school districts, along with 45 adult learners. It also provides robotics and enrichment programs to younger students who may one day become Cowley Tigers.

Residents can learn more about the proposal at a College Open House on Monday, October 20 at 4:30 p.m. at the Sumner Campus, 2208 Davis-White Loop, Wellington, KS 67152, or by emailing CowleyCollegeSumner@gmail.com.

Hunter Ferguson | Integrated Communications Specialist
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
hunter.ferguson@cowley.edu