Karen Tidwell

This document outlines the Hillcrest School District's Parent and Family Engagement Plan for the 2024-2025 school year, covering both elementary and high school campuses. The plan focuses on jointly developing initiatives with parents, ensuring clear and accessible communication, and building capacity among both staff and parents to support student learning. Key areas include providing flexible meeting opportunities, conducting regular parent-teacher conferences, offering comprehensive information on curriculum and student assessments, and coordinating with community resources. The plan also details the Annual Title I Meeting and the School-Parent Compact, aiming to foster collaborative partnerships between parents, school staff, and students to enhance academic achievement and overall well-being.

This document outlines Hillcrest's plan for utilizing American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) funds. The strategic approach focuses on three core pillars: creating safe and healthy learning environments through prevention and mitigation strategies, addressing lost instructional time with evidence-based interventions such as tutoring and summer programs, and supporting educator and staff stability and well-being. The plan aims to ensure continuous and safe in-person learning, address academic and mental health needs, and promote equitable outcomes for all students.

The Board approved the financial report, student transfers, the Fall election cycle, and the 2026 budget with a four percent increase. Key administrative actions included the approval of the FY25 Recruitment and Retention Plan and the FY25 Student Handbook Policies. The Board authorized the purchase of security cameras using ARP funds and approved the procurement of student accident insurance. Discussions were held regarding school cell phone usage policies. Additionally, the Board conducted an executive session to address personnel matters, resulting in the employment of new staff and the acceptance of resignations for bus driving positions.

The board discussed and approved a standards-based report card for first and second grade for the 2025-2026 school year. Additional approvals included the Act 504 Cybersecurity Policy, the estimated budget for FY26, and federal funding assurances and plans. The board also voted to adopt six-year terms for board members starting with the next election cycle, approved a one-time bonus for staff, and conducted personnel actions, including hiring new teachers and accepting a staff retirement.

The board convened to discuss the potential expulsion of students. Following an executive session, the board voted unanimously to approve the recommendation to expel three high school students for a period of 365 calendar days, effective retroactively.