Board approves $751,915 property insurance plan to combat rising premiums

Emergency wheelchair bus purchased following fleet accidents

$83,200 reading program contract renewed amid efficacy discussions

Edmentum selected to overhaul district's virtual learning

Potential transition to grade-level attendance centers floated

Kindergarten enrollment lags behind high school graduates

District prepares for strict state-mandated cell phone ban

Board approves $751,915 property insurance plan to combat rising premiums

Pittsburg, Kan. — Facing a 125 percent increase in property insurance premiums over the past five years, the board of education voted unanimously to switch its provider to a Kansas school insurance cooperative program. The board approved a one-year premium of $751,915.59, opting to leave its longtime local carriers, Ryan Dittman Insurance and EMC Insurance. According to public board documents, district administrators noted the new policy offers expanded coverage, including higher structural replacement limits and cosmetic damage protection, at a lower price point than the incumbent local carriers.

Emergency wheelchair bus purchased following fleet accidents

Pittsburg, Kan. — Needing to replace a wheelchair-accessible bus sidelined in an accident and another that aged out of its 25-year service limit, the board approved the immediate purchase of a 2020 Thomas 14-passenger diesel bus for $67,327 from Midwest Bus Sales. To avoid a months-long wait for cheaper alternatives that would not arrive until midsummer, officials selected the highest of three bids because the vehicle was already inspected and available immediately.

$83,200 reading program contract renewed amid efficacy discussions

Pittsburg, Kan. — The board unanimously approved an $83,200 contract renewal for the Success for All reading program for the 2027-28 school year, securing the rate ahead of potential budget constraints. Questions were raised during the meeting regarding the program's effectiveness and its alignment with new state literacy guidelines, with some negative feedback noted from teachers regarding phonics instruction. Administrators defended the curriculum, pointing to a jump from 30 percent to nearly 60 percent of students reading at grade level since its implementation in 2021.

Edmentum selected to overhaul district's virtual learning

Pittsburg, Kan. — The district is transitioning its virtual school and alternative learning platforms to Edmentum, citing the provider's alignment with Kansas state standards and use of live, state-licensed teachers. Unlike previous vendors, Edmentum guarantees 24- to 48-hour feedback for students and provides robust support for specialized learning plans, English language learners and National Collegiate Athletic Association-approved honors courses. Alternative school students attending classes in person will also use the new platform alongside on-site staff.

Potential transition to grade-level attendance centers floated

Pittsburg, Kan. — Preliminary discussions have begun regarding a potential restructuring of elementary schools into designated attendance centers to increase operational efficiency. While no formal plan has been drafted, it was acknowledged during the meeting that looming budget constraints and declining enrollment may force the district to consolidate specific grade levels into specific buildings. Administrators plan to incorporate the community into strategic planning sessions regarding the potential shift starting in September.

Kindergarten enrollment lags behind high school graduates

Pittsburg, Kan. — The district faces an enrollment deficit heading into the next academic year, with only 174 incoming kindergartners currently registered to replace an estimated 260 graduating seniors. Administrators are hosting additional sign-up events, including a dedicated enrollment night on April 27 featuring translators for Spanish-speaking families, in hopes of pushing the kindergarten class total past 200 students.

District prepares for strict state-mandated cell phone ban

Pittsburg, Kan. — Students will face stricter device rules next year as the district updates its building handbooks to comply with a new Kansas law requiring students' personal devices to be powered off and stored so they cannot be accessed from the first bell to the last. Enforcement logistics were debated during the handbook's first read, including whether storing phones in backpacks meets the "inaccessible" standard or whether the district will need to purchase specialized locking pouches. Administrators said they expect to amend the handbooks as additional state and model-policy guidance becomes available ahead of required district compliance deadlines.

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