MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The USD 308 Board of Education reviewed encouraging academic data, heard an update on its Building Trades housing partnership and discussed potential next steps for a smaller school bond during its regular meeting Monday evening.
One of the evening's featured presentations highlighted the district's Career and Technical Education Building Trades program, which completed construction of a duplex on Avenue A through a partnership with Hutchinson Community College, Interfaith Housing and a state-funded FRAME grant.
The $708,000 grant, awarded through the Kansas Department of Commerce, supports residential housing projects while providing students with hands-on construction experience. This year's project differed from previous years because the district used grant funding rather than district funds to construct the home. Hutchinson Community College will market the duplex, with proceeds being reinvested into future Building Trades projects.
Students also contributed to construction of a single-family home on East 10th Street through an apprenticeship partnership. District officials said discussions are underway to participate in the proposed St. Elizabeth redevelopment project at 20th and Monroe, which could include four duplexes and four single-family homes.
Board members praised the partnership, noting it addresses both workforce development and Hutchinson's ongoing housing shortage.
The board also received an academic assessment update from district administrators, who reported continued improvement in student achievement tied to the district's strategic plan.
Kindergarten FastBridge assessment data showed an increase in students classified as low risk and a decrease in high-risk students over the past four years. Administrators credited the gains to the addition of a kindergarten instructional coach, improved teacher retention, targeted professional development and curriculum improvements.
State assessment data also showed progress in third-grade reading. The district exceeded its strategic goal by increasing the percentage of students performing at or above grade level from a target of 55 percent to 60 percent. Administrators also reported significant gains in 10th-grade English language arts proficiency over the past five years.
District leaders said the improvements reflect a continued emphasis on quality instruction, instructional coaching, leadership development and alignment with the district's strategic plan.
The board approved 19 policy updates recommended by the Kansas Association of School Boards, including revisions addressing emergency drills, Title I requirements, attendance procedures, student records, graduation requirements and state-mandated changes related to staff communication with students through social media.
Administrators also announced plans to consolidate school-to-parent communication into a single district platform to improve consistency and comply with new state requirements limiting one-on-one communication through social media.
Much of the evening's discussion focused on the district's long-term facility needs following the defeat of a $109 million bond proposal earlier this year.
Superintendent Dawn Johnson outlined three options moving forward, including a proposed $36 million bond issue that would focus on deferred maintenance projects such as roof replacements, HVAC upgrades, restroom renovations, playground improvements and construction of three additional storm shelters.
District officials said the proposal could be completed over 10 years without increasing the district's current mill levy by combining bond proceeds with approximately $30 million in planned capital outlay funding.
Several board members voiced support for pursuing the smaller bond proposal, citing community feedback that prioritized maintaining existing facilities while avoiding a tax increase. Administrators plan to bring financial advisors to a future meeting to provide additional details before the board considers whether to place the proposal on the November ballot.
The board also continued an ongoing discussion about whether Hutchinson High School should remain on a trimester schedule or return to semesters.
Board members reviewed data comparing Hutchinson with similar districts and noted academic performance appears comparable regardless of scheduling model. Discussion centered on course scheduling flexibility, career and technical education programs, International Baccalaureate offerings and maintaining academic rigor.
No action was taken on either the bond proposal or the high school scheduling discussion. Both topics are expected to return for additional consideration at future board meetings.