8 takeaways from USD 373 school board meeting

Board considers AI-based learning pilot for middle school

Superintendent distinguishes new pilot from past controversial program

Vendor offers performance guarantee for academic growth

Pilot program proposed for Chisholm Middle School

Superintendent notes funding challenges for program expansion

Board honors outgoing members for service during pandemic

High school trainer receives state recognition

Maintenance staffer recognized for 45 years of service

Board considers AI-based learning pilot for middle school

NEWTON, Kan. - The board of education heard a presentation from Studient regarding "Motivention," an AI-powered personalized learning tool designed to address student knowledge gaps. The superintendent emphasized that the program is intended to assist students who are falling behind grade level by using artificial intelligence to scan for specific skill deficiencies and assign targeted lessons. The district is considering launching a pilot program at Chisholm Middle School this spring to evaluate the software's effectiveness before considering a wider rollout.

Superintendent distinguishes new pilot from past controversial program

NEWTON, Kan. - Addressing potential community concerns, the superintendent explicitly distinguished the proposed "Motivention" pilot from the "Summit Learning" program, which had previously caused controversy within the district. He acknowledged "Summit whiplash" and assured the board that unlike Summit, which replaced core curriculum, this new AI tool is strictly an intervention method meant to supplement, not replace, teacher-led instruction. He stated that the goal is to give teachers a tool to manage wide disparities in student skill levels within a single classroom.

Vendor offers performance guarantee for academic growth

NEWTON, Kan. - Representatives from Studient, including company representative Jenna Pipchuk and another company representative, outlined a performance guarantee attached to their software proposal. The company claims that students using the program for 35 minutes daily—comprising 25 minutes of adaptive learning and 10 minutes of fluency practice—will achieve two times the average growth rate on independent NWEA MAP assessments. The presenters noted that the program utilizes an outcome-based model where the district would see results verified by outside data.

Pilot program proposed for Chisholm Middle School

NEWTON, Kan. - The proposed pilot at Chisholm Middle School would involve a small cohort of approximately 25 students, according to district administration. The group would aim to include 20 students identified as "at-risk" or performing below grade level, alongside five students performing at or above grade level to test the system's ability to provide extension opportunities. Administration officials emphasized that participation in the pilot would be entirely voluntary, requiring parental permission for all selected students.

Superintendent notes funding challenges for program expansion

NEWTON, Kan. - While discussing the potential future of the AI pilot, the superintendent noted that the "Motivention" program is not inexpensive and acknowledged that a district-wide rollout would likely require outside funding sources. He suggested that if the pilot proves successful in narrowing the achievement gap, the district may need to seek grants or alternative funding to afford the program for broader implementation across grade levels or content areas.

Board honors outgoing members for service during pandemic

NEWTON, Kan. — The board recognized two outgoing members, Brenna Stein and Melissa Schreiber, for their years of service to USD 373. The superintendent noted that both members were appointed during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, a particularly challenging time for public service in education. They were thanked for their contributions to district leadership and presented with gifts as they concluded their terms on the board.

High school trainer receives state recognition

NEWTON, Kan. - Katrina Steiner was recognized by the board for being named the 2025 Trainer of the Year by the Kansas Athletic Trainers' Society. Administration highlighted Steiner's dual qualifications as a master's level athletic trainer and a certified K-12 teacher, noting her work creates shadowing opportunities for Newton High School students interested in sports medicine. Steiner has been with the district since 2021.

Maintenance staffer recognized for 45 years of service

NEWTON, Kan. — Among the staff recognitions, the board highlighted the contributions of a long-time maintenance department employee, Galen Entz, who has served the district for 45 years. He was commended for his critical role in managing shipping, receiving, purchase orders, and distribution for the school system. The superintendent and board expressed gratitude for his four and a half decades of dedication to keeping district operations running smoothly.

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