View the 09.22.2025 meeting agenda on BoardDocs
Overall Summary
The Spring Hill Board of Education met Sept. 22 for a regularly scheduled meeting highlighting student leadership, academic innovation, and the introduction of a districtwide data dashboard proposal. The evening also featured updates on enrollment, safety initiatives, and upcoming community events.
Good News, Recognitions, and Announcements
The meeting opened with a celebration of student leadership from Dayton Creek Elementary School. Principal Dr. Theresa Miller introduced several “Leader in Me” award recipients recognized for demonstrating Habit 1: Be Proactive.
Dr. Miller shared that the Leader in Me program, based on Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, is embedded in all Spring Hill elementary schools to promote responsibility, initiative, and positive decision-making. Board members congratulated the students and thanked families for their continued partnership in developing young leaders.
Spring Hill High School Choir Trip Proposal
Spring Hill High School Choir Director Rose Tochtrop presented a proposal for students to participate in the National Memorial Day Choral Festival in Washington, D.C., in May 2026. The event, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, will feature performances at the John F. Kennedy Center and the National Memorial Day Parade, conducted by Air Force Music Program Director Dr. Craig Jessop.
Twenty-five choir students plan to attend the four-day event, accompanied by five chaperones. Tochtrop outlined several fundraising efforts—including butter braid sales, bake sales, caroling performances, and “Valentine’s Day grams”—to help offset costs.
Board members expressed support for the trip and praised the program’s renewed growth and excellence, noting that the choir has not taken a major trip in more than two decades. Formal approval will be considered at the October 13 meeting.
Data Dashboard Presentation
Executive Director of Schools Dr. Erin Smith presented a proposal to adopt Ion Data Dashboard, a districtwide data management platform that consolidates academic, attendance, and behavioral metrics into a single system. The tool would allow teachers and administrators to analyze student performance trends more efficiently and strengthen interventions through the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework.
Principals Kyle Kost (Spring Hill High School), Dr. Theresa Miller (Dayton Creek Elementary), Tammy Endecott (Spring Hill Elementary), and Mark Meek (Spring Hill Middle School) shared how the dashboard would reduce time spent manually compiling spreadsheets and improve collaboration in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
The proposed five-year contract includes a $4,000 implementation fee and an annual cost of $27,675. The platform will be funded through the Teaching and Learning budget. Board members discussed student data security, integration with Skyward, and long-term implementation plans before tabling the item for potential action at the Oct. 13 meeting.
Two-Way Radio Purchase
The board unanimously approved the purchase of districtwide two-way radios from TFM Communications, which will include shorter antennas at no additional cost. The upgrade enhances safety communication across all campuses and departments.
Board Member Reports
Board members shared highlights from recent school events and site council meetings:
Doug Hull commended Prairie Creek Elementary’s strong academic progress and thanked city partners for improving school zone safety and adding a crossing guard at 167th and South Britain.
Sharon Mitchell participated in “Donuts with a Grown-Up” at the Early Learning Academy, emphasizing family engagement in early education.
Jon Chitwood reported on Timber Sage Elementary’s site council, noting high parent involvement and excitement surrounding their all-school book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Melius shared updates from Spring Hill High School’s site council, including declining discipline referrals, student-led programs such as Unified Choir, and strong parent participation.
Anna Baker attended a suicide prevention presentation at the high school, presented by the Johnson County Health Department, and commended the district’s proactive approach to student wellness.
Action Items
Two-Way Radio Purchase Approved - From TFM Communications, including shorter antennas at no additional cost. Unanimous approval
Consent Agenda – Unanimous approval
Approval of minutes, clerk’s report, treasurer’s report, payroll and claims
Personnel items
Renewal of Read Naturally Live (Grades K–5)
Renewal of Kickstart
Renewal of Parchment (approved for the three-year option)
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Dr. Link Luttrell reported that preliminary enrollment counts indicate approximately 4,045 K–12 students, an increase of roughly 77 from the previous year. Including preschool students, total enrollment exceeds 4,200.
He also previewed the School Safety Forum, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m., which will provide families with an overview of existing safety measures, school resource officer partnerships, and future technology-based enhancements.
Additionally, Luttrell announced the annual State of the District Breakfast hosted by the Spring Hill Education Foundation, set for Thursday, Oct. 16 at Forest Spring Middle School. The event will showcase student performances and highlight district accomplishments, with proceeds supporting foundation grants and initiatives.
Executive Session
Following the open session, the board entered executive session to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel under the Kansas Open Meetings Act. No action was taken.
📄 View the 09.22.2025 meeting agenda on BoardDocs
📝 View the official minutes from the 9.08.2025 Board Meeting