MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
BUHLER, Kan. — Buhler USD 313 enrollment increased by about 20 students this fall, exceeding projections as the district continues partnerships that provide mental health education and opportunities to earn college credit.
Superintendent Cindy Couchman said during an interview on the BW Morning Show that the district had expected enrollment to decline by about 10 students. Instead, a larger-than-anticipated kindergarten class helped produce an increase of roughly 1%.
“We’re just hoping to stay even,” Couchman said. “We are still really excited to maintain our enrollment.”
Couchman uses Reno County birth data to help forecast incoming kindergarten classes. Historically, about 22% of children born in the county enroll in Buhler schools as kindergartners five years later.
Those projections offer guidance, she said, but do not account for every factor, including families moving into or out of the district. Housing developments within the district and potential industrial growth could also affect future enrollment.
The district is also continuing its partnership with Horizons Mental Health to provide mental health first aid training for freshmen. Half of the freshman class receives the training during the first semester, with the remaining students participating during the second semester.
The program helps students recognize potential mental health concerns, understand what questions to ask and learn how to seek assistance.
“This is just a way of helping recognize … what to look for, what questions to ask, what to listen for, and how to get help,” Couchman said.
Couchman said schools have become more aware of students’ mental health needs, while outside influences, including social media, can contribute to anxiety.
“The world has changed a little bit, and our technology around us has changed, and sometimes that affects students in a negative way,” she said.
Meanwhile, Buhler students are taking advantage of college coursework through Hutchinson Community College. The interview cited 85 students taking 138 classes through the college.
Couchman said the partnership helps students earn college credit and prepare for education beyond high school.
“We really love our partnership with Hutchinson Community College,” she said, praising its work to help students begin college successfully.
Buhler seniors will also attend a college fair Oct. 5 at HutchCC, where they can explore colleges and technical schools, gather information and consider their next steps after graduation.