School updates: Belton opening credit union branch, Raymore-Peculiar announces superintendent

The City of Belton and the Belton Chamber of Commerce have announced a branch of RG Federal Credit Union to open at Belton High School following a ribbon cutting event on Thursday, Oct. 15. The opening event coincides with National Credit Union Day.

Although the branch will be recognized with a Belton Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday morning, the event is limited to invited Chamber members, business leaders, and participating students. The event is not open to the general public.

Credit unions are financial cooperatives that are owned by their members. Bringing the model into Belton High School gives students direct access to financial services, education, and support in a familiar environment, according to a credit-union-industry press release earlier this month.

“This branch is about much more than opening accounts,” said RG CEO Steve Deere. “It gives students the opportunity to build financial confidence, gain meaningful work experience, and see firsthand how a credit union serves its members and community. We are incredibly grateful to the Belton School District leadership for believing in this project and helping us bring a long-held vision to life.” 

Raymore-Peculiar deputy superintendent selected to lead district

The Raymore-Peculiar Board of Education has announced a leadership succession plan that will result in Dr. Al Voelker becoming Superintendent of Schools in January 2027.

The transition comes as current Superintendent Dr. Mike Slagle prepares for a new statewide advisory and leadership opportunity in school and public finance. The Board voted unanimously to name Voelker, who has served as the district’s deputy superintendent, to lead the district.

Voelker’s 20 years of experience in the Raymore-Peculiar School District spans multiple levels of the school system. Voelker has served as an assistant principal, a principal, and a district administrator. His two sons are graduates of Ray-Pec, and his wife is also a retired educator. 

Slagle will continue serving as superintendent through Dec. 31, 2026. 

“The Board has tremendous confidence in Dr. Voelker and believes he is prepared to lead Ray-Pec into its next chapter,” Board President Ruth Johnson said. “We are grateful for Dr. Slagle’s leadership and for the way he has approached this decision with the best interests of Ray-Pec in mind.”

Grandview leaders, South KC Chamber attend cafeteria opening

The Grandview C-4 School District celebrated the remodel and expansion of the Martin City K8 cafeteria with a ribbon cutting event on Tuesday, Sept. 29. The event, held after school hours, attracted members from the community including the South Kansas City Chamber of Commerce as well as Grandview Mayor Leonard Jones and the Board of Aldermen. The school, located in Kansas City, is part of the Grandview C-4 School District.

The expansion involved eliminating the stage in the cafeteria that had long been a part of the Martin City school experience. Two rooms, including the teacher’s lounge, were also eliminated, bringing the capacity from 400 up to 600. New flooring, blue painted walls, added lighting, and new ceiling soffits round out the remodeled area. 

The cafeteria improvements are part of the district’s $50 million no-tax increase bond funding package that was approved by Grandview C-4 School District voters in 2024.