Takeaways from Dodge City USD 443 Education Board Meeting
Week of June 24, 2026
State assessment data sparks debate over academic interventions
English language learner scores highlight reading, writing hurdles
District explores low-cost solutions for new cell phone mandate
New policy bans staff from two-way social media messaging with students
District touts successful teacher hiring season following pay increases
$676,000 approved for classified staff pay raises
Board adopts health insurance premium increases for families
Board approves YMCA pool repairs in split vote
Federal E-rate program to fund majority of network upgrades
Board approves $54,000 for new band and orchestra instruments
State assessment data sparks debate over academic interventions
DODGE CITY, Kan. — District administrators presented the annual accountability report, revealing slight upticks in state assessment proficiency but acknowledging that significant academic gaps remain. There was debate during the meeting over the balance between teaching at a mandated rigorous pace and ensuring students achieve true mastery, along with suggestions to aggressively utilize at-risk funding to expand summer school and provide more instructional time for struggling students. Superintendent Jason Scheck agreed, noting that leadership is currently looking at creative scheduling to combat the "summer slide."
English language learner scores highlight reading, writing hurdles
DODGE CITY, Kan. — English language proficiency data revealed that 9 percent of the 2,643 English language learners tested in the district achieved overall proficiency on the state Kansas English Language Proficiency Assessment this spring. Diana Mendoza, the district's Director of ESOL and Diversity, explained that while speaking and listening skills are improving, reading and writing remain significant hurdles for the district's multi-language learners. The district is continuing its shift toward integrating English learners into rigorous, grade-level instruction with targeted scaffolding, rather than isolating them in separate classrooms.
District explores low-cost solutions for new cell phone mandate
DODGE CITY, Kan. — Anticipating a new state mandate regarding cell phones in schools, Superintendent Jason Scheck told the board the district plans to implement a proactive but low-cost storage policy. While some districts across the state are spending thousands of dollars on specialized pouches and cabinets to lock up student devices, Scheck said Dodge City schools will rely on simpler methods, such as cardboard boxes, while primarily communicating with parents to keep non-essential devices at home.
New policy bans staff from two-way social media messaging with students
DODGE CITY, Kan. — The board held a first read on updated Kansas Association of School Boards policies, including a strict new rule prohibiting staff from engaging in two-way social media communication with students. Designed to comply with recent state legislation, the policy mandates that all interactive communication with students and parents be conducted through official, documented channels like ParentSquare and StudentSquare. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram will be strictly restricted to one-way promotional announcements.
District touts successful teacher hiring season following pay increases
DODGE CITY, Kan. — The district reported a highly successful hiring season for certified staff, significantly reducing its reliance on long-term substitutes for the upcoming academic year. Administrators credited a recently negotiated base pay increase to $53,000, fully paid single health insurance and robust professional development support for attracting an unprecedented number of applicants, including several teachers recruited from neighboring districts.
$676,000 approved for classified staff pay raises
DODGE CITY, Kan. — The board unanimously approved $676,000 in new funding to increase the classified employee wage schedule for the 2025-2026 school year. District finance staff reported that positive state funding per pupil and unspent general fund rollovers made the compensation adjustment feasible and sustainable. The new money will allow the district to increase the base wage and honor step increases for support staff across Dodge City Public Schools.
Board adopts health insurance premium increases for families
DODGE CITY, Kan. — To slow a significant financial drain on the district's self-funded health insurance pool, the board unanimously approved structural plan changes aimed at saving about $1.5 million. Under the adopted "Option 3," the district will increase its contribution by $30 per month for single plans, keeping individual coverage fully funded. However, employees covering a spouse or family will see their monthly premiums increase by $120. Copays for doctor visits will also increase slightly from $15 to $20 to ensure the fund remains sustainable against an estimated 7 percent to 10 percent annual rise in medical costs.
Board approves YMCA pool repairs in split vote
DODGE CITY, Kan. — The Dodge City Board of Education voted 4-1 to pay half the repair costs for the city-owned YMCA swimming pool, committing up to $155,825 from capital outlay funds. The repairs, which include a new dehumidifier and ceiling work, are necessary to maintain a usable facility for the high school swim team. Board member Ryan Ausmus recused from the vote because of service on the YMCA board of directors, and one unnamed member dissented.
Federal E-rate program to fund majority of network upgrades
DODGE CITY, Kan. — The board unanimously approved a $468,592 hardware upgrade for computer networks at an elementary school, Comanche Middle School and Dodge City Middle School. Because the project qualifies for the federal E-rate program, the federal government will cover 85 percent of the cost, leaving the local district responsible for only $70,288. The equipment bid was awarded to a vendor, which will provide the hardware and a five-year management license.
Board approves $54,000 for new band and orchestra instruments
DODGE CITY, Kan. — Local music programs will receive a major inventory boost after the board unanimously approved $54,968 for new band and orchestra instruments. After reviewing a competitive bid process led by local music teachers, the district awarded bids to Sweetwater Sound and a second music vendor to purchase new percussion, woodwind and string instruments. The purchase will be funded through the district's local option budget.
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