Summary

The USD 230 Board of Education held its regular meeting on Monday, April 14, at the District Administrative Center. Board members in attendance included Mrs. Horne, Mr. Chitwood, Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Ewing, Mrs. Melius, and Mr. Hull.

Public Comment

Marcus Howell addressed the board regarding support for students who qualify for national academic competitions. He

Picture of Henry Seitz Spring Hill High Schoool's National Merit Finalist

encouraged the district to explore funding opportunities for these high-achieving students.

Good News, Recognitions and Announcements

Superintendent Dr. Link Luttrell led a series of recognitions across the district:

Henry Seitz, a senior at Spring Hill High School, was recognized as a National Merit Finalist. Out of more

than 1.3 million students who take the qualifying exam, only about 16,000 reach the finalist level—placing Seitz in the top 1.3% of seniors nationwide. Congratulations were extended to Henry, his family, and the educators who have supported his journey.

Spring Hill High School was awarded the 2025 All-Star High School designation by Apply Kansas for its efforts to support students in postsecondary planning and college readiness.

Wrestling Highlights:

Picture of 5A State wrestlers who placed and and SHHS high school counselors receiving the All Star High School Award.

Avery Bartek (157 lbs) – State runner-up, demonstrating skill and determination.
Gage Wingerter (285 lbs) – Placed fourth in the heavyweight division after a strong season.
Ellie Ruffin (135 lbs) – Finished second in the state, showcasing competitive excellence.
Campbell Mermis (145 lbs) – Captured the state title, becoming Spring Hill’s first-ever female state champion, marking a historic moment for the program.

Core Value Awards:

Pictures collage of Mrs. Pape, Mr. Ozakinci, and Mr. Bartlett, plus Ms. Dome

Mrs. Pape, Mr. Ozakinci, and Mr. Bartlett were recognized by high school and middle school administration for demonstrating the district’s core values of World Class Staff, Supportive Environment, and Student Success through their leadership of the after-school symphonic orchestra.

Ms. Jessica Dome was honored by principals Paul Carter and Darcy Sly for exemplifying Student Success and Supportive Environment as a shared instructional coach at Forest Spring and Woodland Spring middle schools.

Reports and Updates

Dr. Luttrell shared several district updates:

Legislation: Governor Laura Kelly signed Senate Bill 45, which requires KSDE to use an alternative graduation rate calculation for school accreditation. The district will monitor implementation closely.
Bond 2025: The Building Opportunity campaign continues ahead of the May 13 election. Ballots will be mailed April 23. Upcoming events include a Town Hall on April 22 and Facebook Live session on April 24. Learn more at www.usd230.org/bond2025.

Board member updates included:

NSBA Conference reflections, with discussion of site-level bond planning strategies and civics education resources.
Attendance at several district events, including the prom red carpet, high school dance showcase, Kansas Teacher of the Year recognition, music programs, and a fentanyl awareness assembly.
A future Board retreat was scheduled for May 29.

Action Items

The board took action on the following items:

Approved a contract for district-wide inventory services.
Approved an LED lighting upgrade at Spring Hill Elementary School.
Approved the recommendation to continue with no open seats for non-resident enrollment in 2025-26.
Approved a three-year lease for elementary technology device rotation totaling $680,863.50 after a tied vote to table the item failed.
Approved licensed non-administrative contracts and supplemental assignments for 2025-26.
Approved the appointment of Alex Winkler as assistant principal at Spring Hill High School.
Approved the minutes from the April 7, 2025, Board Work Session. These minutes will be attached.

Future Topics

The board requested additional discussion at upcoming meetings on:

Funding support for students attending national competitions.
Research into the impact of device usage (iPads vs. Chromebooks) on academic performance.

The meeting adjourned following the superintendent's remarks.

🗂️ For full agendas, official minutes (including work sessions), individual board member voting records, and more details about USD 230 Board of Education meetings visit BoardDocs.

Board of Education Meeting Summary: April 14, 2025