Summary
The USD 230 Board of Education held its regular meeting on Monday, April 28, at the District Administrative Center. Board members in attendance included Mrs. Horne, Mr. Chitwood, Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Melius, Mr. Hull, and Mrs. Baker. Mr. Ewing was absent.
Public Comment
No public comment was received.
Good News, Recognitions and Announcements
Superintendent Dr. Link Luttrell highlighted several recognitions from across the district:
Three Spring Hill High School vocal music ensembles received perfect scores at state competition. Judges praised the performances as the best of the day and a model of the value of music education.
Spring Hill Schools was named a Kansas Purple Star School District by the Kansas State Department of Education for its support of military-connected students and families. The district is one of only nine in the state to earn the designation.
The Special Education Department, led by Mrs. Dziadosz, earned the highest possible status from the Kansas State Department of Education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) performance plan for FY2023.
Megan Daniels, instructional coach at Dayton Creek Elementary School, received the District Core Value Award for Student Success. She was commended for her leadership in supporting instruction, intervention, and staff development.
Reports and Updates
District administrators presented several items:
Strategic Plan – World Class Staff: The district’s licensed retention rate improved to 94.99%, up from 88.4% the previous year. USD 230 hosted 13 student teachers this year and welcomed back five former licensed staff.
2025–26 Handbooks and Code of Conduct: Draft revisions to the student handbooks were presented, including a new high school athletic code of conduct. Board members requested clarification of offense policies before final approval.
Speech and Debate Nationals: Spring Hill High School students qualified for national tournaments in Chicago and Des Moines. Trip details and chaperone plans were shared, along with efforts to ensure equitable costs for all qualifying students.
Action Items
The board took action on the following items:
Approved national competition expense allocations of up to $500 per qualifying student, with administrative discretion to address cost disparities.
Vote: Yes – Mr. Chitwood, Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Melius, Mr. Hall, Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Horne.Approved the 2025–26 Board of Education meeting calendar.
Vote: Yes – All members present.Approved the classroom display replacement project.
Vote: Yes – All members present.Approved a 4.5% salary increase for classified staff and returning administrators.
Vote: Yes – All members present.Approved the hiring of the Director of Communications and Engagement.
Vote: Yes – Mr. Chitwood, Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Melius, Mrs. Horne; No – Mrs. Baker, Mr. Hall.
Future Topics
The board requested further discussion on:
Reviewing the national competition funding policy in June 2026.
Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) membership dues and benefits.
Spring Hill High School and Insight School graduation logistics.
Property insurance renewal and the 2026–27 district calendar.
Superintendent Remarks
Dr. Luttrell shared the following updates:
Spring Hill High School and Insight School graduation ceremonies will be held Saturday, May 17, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., respectively.
The final Bond 2025 Facebook Live session will be Wednesday, April 30, at 7 p.m.
Staff Appreciation Week begins May 5. Board members were invited to participate in appreciation visits across the district.
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📄 View the official minutes for this meeting.