Notes from the Superintendent

August 29, 2025

A Smooth Start to the Year

The first 13 days of our new school year are now complete, and overall, it has been a smooth beginning. While there are always a few wrinkles to iron out, those challenges can and will be addressed along the way. Thankfully, Mother Nature has given us mild temperatures to start the year—I hope that trend continues!

This year’s district-wide theme is Excellence Every Day. I am proud of the way our staff have embraced this commitment and are instilling the same high expectations in our students.

Recognition for Spring Hill High School

Earlier this summer, we shared the exciting news that more Spring Hill High School students are both taking and passing Advanced Placement (AP) exams, while ACT composite scores continue to climb. On August 19, U.S. News & World Report released its annual Best High Schools rankings. Spring Hill High School earned the #17 spot out of 293 Kansas high schools—placing in the top 5 percent!

Just three years ago, SHHS ranked closer to 45, then improved to 27 in 2023. This steady climb is evidence that our investments in rigorous programming are yielding a strong ROI and reinforcing our commitment to Excellence Every Day. You can read the entire news release here.

Enrollment Update

As we approach official count day on Monday, September 20, enrollment numbers are beginning to stabilize. While overall PreK-12 enrollment is up from last year, the increase is slightly less than anticipated.

Here is the current snapshot of K-12 enrollment:

(2024-2025 total enrollment was 3,968 students.)

First PLC of the Year

This week marked our first Late-Start Wednesday of the year. Now in its 7th year—and 3rd year district-wide—this time continues to provide our staff with the opportunity to focus intentionally on student needs.

I recognize that late starts may not always be convenient for families. However, the benefits are clear: PLC collaboration strengthens instruction, increases student achievement, and directly contributes to recognitions such as our U.S. News ranking and AP success rates.

We anticipate receiving Kansas State Assessment data soon, and I look forward to sharing more evidence of our students’ success.

Smiles with the Superintendent!

One of my favorite traditions each fall is taking a photo with every Kindergarten student. Their eagerness and enthusiasm for learning is contagious, and it reminds us all of the excitement that comes with starting a new educational journey. Welcome to the Class of 2038!

Safety First

Tragically, the recent school shooting in Minnesota reminds us once again of the importance of campus safety. While miles away, events like this deeply affect us because we know such tragedies can occur anywhere. Our thoughts remain with the families and community impacted.

Please know that student and staff safety is our top priority. USD 230 has multiple protocols and practices in place to ensure safe learning environments. Still, it is vital that we never grow complacent. To that end, I am considering convening a stakeholder committee to review our current measures and identify possible enhancements.

If you ever have questions, concerns, or simply need reassurance regarding campus safety, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

NOTEWORTHY

Good News & Recognitions!

Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Woodland Spring Middle School Yearbook Staff! Under the leadership of sponsors Jessica Gazzano and Dylan Schneider, these students produced an exemplary yearbook that has received state-wide recognition. The 24-25 edition, titled Life Between, earned All Kansas Photography and All Kansas Design distinctions from the Kansas Scholastic Press Association. (There is no category for middle school yearbooks; this recognition encompasses all grade levels. "All Kansas" is the highest honor awarded by the KSPA).

Students pictured are Cole Hays, Anna Chaulk, and Avaleen Kaur.

Other members of the 24-25 Yearbook staff are Emersyn Formanek, Jamison Jenkins, Morgan Hu, Avery Hedberg, Rowan Conry, Archer Brown, Erika Hubbard, Sulie Un, Brinley Watkins, Brooklyn Gering, and Hadley Caldwell.

WSMS Yearbook receives honors from the KSPA

Also, thank you to our Director of Facilities, Kyley Delphia, and his incredible Maintenance and Custodial team for their hard work throughout the summer to prepare our facilities for the return of students. From locker refinishing to lighting upgrades, parking lot repairs and more, they have our schools looking incredible!

Fall Sports & Activities

Fall sports and activities are well underway across the district. These events showcase the talents, dedication, and teamwork of our students and staff. I encourage you to come out, show your support, and join me in celebrating their efforts. If you see me at an event, please say hello; I always enjoy talking about all the great things happening in USD 230!

Event calendars for each school are available online at the links below.

Teacher of the Year Nominations Open

Nominations are now being accepted for the Spring Hill Schools’ 2027 Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year! To nominate a exceptional teacher, complete this form by the end of Friday, Sept. 12. Please submit one form per nomination.

District Calendar

Access the 2025-26 Academic Calendar at this link!

Upcoming district events in September 2025

Looking Ahead

A quick reminder that school will not be in session on Monday, September 1 (Labor Day) or Tuesday, September 2 (Professional Development). I hope each of you enjoys a relaxing and well-deserved long weekend. The regular schedule will resume on Wednesday, September 3.

We are truly fortunate to be part of such a supportive and dedicated school community. Together, we ensure that Spring Hill Schools continue to provide high-quality programming and services for every student, every day.

Joke of the Week

Q. What did the buffalo parent say at student drop off?

A. Bison [Get it….”Bye Son”...ha]

Closing Thoughts

Returning to our theme of Excellence Every Day, "Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; stakeholders working together as a collective school community to achieve great things."

Do know that I sincerely appreciate and am always amazed at the strong partnerships that have been established throughout many years in making Excellence Every Day a reality throughout USD 230.

Have a great extended weekend!

PS: Be sure and follow some of our USD 230 Social Media Sites on Facebook: SHEarlyLearningAcademy, DCESCavaliers, PCESMustangs, SHESColts, TSESRangers, WCESWranglers, FSMSChargers, SHMSMavericks, WSMSStallions, and SHHSBroncos

Most importantly, follow me on ‘X’ at USD230Supt.