Matt Humphreys

The Board of Trustees held a special session to discuss and act on several key agenda items. Discussions included improved academic achievement and advanced academics, as well as legal guidance regarding the redistricting of political boundaries and potential alternative boundary adjustments. The Board authorized moving forward with the selection of mascots for two new high schools, approved budget amendments, and sanctioned a waiver for homebound and remote instruction. Additionally, the Board took action regarding teacher contract abandonment and approved the proposed teacher applicant pool. Finally, the Board reviewed financial, technology, and maintenance reports, including the recommendation to replace HVAC units and the award of a supplemental trades bid for emergency services.

The Turnaround Plan for Hirschi Middle School aims to address low academic performance, inconsistent instructional practices, weak data-driven instruction, and high teacher turnover. It details a strategy involving a partnership with Third Future Schools (TFS), focusing on transitioning to TFS operational management for the 2025-2026 school year, implementing the TFS Academic Model (extended school year/day, mastery-based progression), and deploying a turnaround leadership model. Key priorities include staff recruitment and retention, ongoing instructional coaching, and robust accountability to drive rapid improvement in student outcomes and leadership effectiveness, with the goal of meeting federal exit criteria by the end of Year 2.

The board discussed several topics, including public comments regarding mascots, the superintendent's report covering inclement weather days, COVID-19 updates, UIL re-alignment, and food service company pre-bids. Actions taken included the approval of budget amendments for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, the award for the replacement of synthetic turf at Memorial Stadium, and the award of data transmission services. Additionally, the board adopted the 2022-2023 school calendar, discussed mascot naming for new high schools, reviewed local policy updates, received a report on special education, and discussed potential attendance zone modifications. The board also addressed personnel matters in closed session, including the abandonment of contracts by probationary teachers, and reviewed the monthly personnel report.

The Board recognized staff for various leadership and professional honors, including TEPSA and TASSP recognitions. Public comments focused on school naming conventions, colors, and mascots. The Superintendent provided reports on COVID-19 safety measures and vaccination clinics. The board approved a consent agenda covering property resale bids, procurement contracts for maintenance and staffing, policy updates, 4-H extracurricular status, and committee memberships. Additionally, the Board approved financial reports and the appointment of representatives to the Wichita Appraisal District Board of Directors. Deliberations were held regarding mascot and color nominations for new high schools, though no formal action was taken prior to the meeting losing quorum.

The board meeting included several recognitions for students and staff, including high school athletic awards, SkillsUSA state competitors, BPA state qualifiers, UIL debate state qualifiers, and various professional awards such as TEPSA Assistant Principal and TEPSAN of the Year. The Board also recognized schools for Capturing Kids Hearts status and Marzano High Reliability School certifications. Key actions included the adoption of new instructional materials for English and Spanish Language Arts and reading programs, the renewal of a contract with Chartwells for food services, and the awarding of an RFP for property insurance. Additionally, the Board discussed administrative policy, reviewed enrollment capacity reports, approved a teacher applicant pool, and held a closed session to deliberate on personnel matters, including contract renewals and non-renewals.