Unified School District 490, El Dorado Public Schools, serves students and families throughout 128 square miles in the city of El Dorado and the surrounding rural area of Butler County with a comprehensive educational program including vocal music, band, orchestra, fine arts, physical education, art, foreign language, and technology. The district has been recognized for excellence in technology and takes pride in providing tools that support acquisition of 21st century skills.

Students attend one of five elementary schools, a middle school serving grades 6-8, and El Dorado High School a 4A school serving students in grades 9-12. Pre-K students are served through a State Four-Year Old At-Risk grant. The district provides full day kindergarten.  Both the middle and high school have alternative programs for students who experience success in non-traditional settings. In addition, the district sponsors the Butler County Special Education Cooperative, serving students in all nine Butler County school districts. A free district shuttle bus system ensures the safety of students required to cross two highways intersecting the city.

The Board of Education has adopted Student Achievement as the number one goal of the district. A comprehensive strategic plan with support goals of communication, safety and facilities provides staff and patrons with clearly articulated priorities for promoting Student Achievement.

Community support enhances the district services through a number of initiatives many of which are unique to El Dorado:
    •  Adopt-a-Class Mentoring Program, matching local businesses with graduating classes;
    •  Dolly Parton Imagination Library, providing a free book each month to preschoolers;
    •  I Can Read, one-on-one reading volunteers for second grade students;
    •  School Bell Award, recognizing local excellence in teaching;
    •  Kiwanis Health Grants, to provide for health needs in elementary schools;
    •  Rotary ACT, Dictionary and Social Skills projects, and;
    •  Partners In Education, a foundation supporting special projects and scholarships.

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Key Staff
Superintendent:  Sue Givens
Director of Fiscal & Support Services:  Norman D. Wilks
Director of Special Education:  Greg Buster
Director of Curriculum:  Julie Jensen
Director of Technology:  Doug Jensen
Other Key Contacts:  Trish Toney, Budget Director; Lynda Sharp, Human Resources; Jackie Clark, Board Clerk & Public Information