Board sets budget hearings amid steep enrollment decline

District addresses forced elementary transfers due to uneven enrollment

High school roof repair addendum approved

Elementary schools to receive exterior maintenance

Board approves infill addition for Hutchinson Field turf

District accepts Safe Schools grant for security cameras

Board approves strict high school cell phone policy

Board sets budget hearings amid steep enrollment decline

PITTSBURG, Kan. — The board of education unanimously approved holding its revenue neutral rate and budget hearings on Sept. 9 as the district navigates a significant funding shortfall. Officials reported a drop of 123 students last year, resulting in a $1.2 million reduction to the general fund for the upcoming year. Additionally, the district must allocate $2.8 million from its local general fund to cover shortfalls in state special education funding. Administrators noted that current enrollment numbers point to another drop this year, forcing the board to carefully balance the upcoming budget without the influx of new state money.

District addresses forced elementary transfers due to uneven enrollment

PITTSBURG, Kan. — Following public comments from parents whose children were reassigned to different elementary schools, district administrators explained the transfers were necessitated by highly uneven kindergarten enrollment numbers. Lakeside Elementary saw disproportionately high enrollment compared to Westside Elementary. To balance class sizes without exceeding budget constraints, the district opted to transfer some students and assign dedicated paraprofessionals to each building rather than hire additional teachers. Administrators acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but cited a district-wide drop of 123 students compared to last year, which severely limits staffing flexibility due to the resulting loss in potential state funding.

High school roof repair addendum approved

PITTSBURG, Kan. — Board members unanimously approved a $70,150 contract addendum with the roofing contractor to complete unforeseen repairs at Pittsburg High School. While installing new roof drains near the auditorium, contractors discovered moisture underneath the base coats, necessitating the removal of the old coats down to the fire decking and the installation of a new waterproof membrane. The board bypassed standard bidding requirements because the roofing contractor was already mobilized on-site, a move estimated to save the district $20,000 in remobilization fees.

Elementary schools to receive exterior maintenance

PITTSBURG, Kan. — The board approved a $145,855 bid from a restoration contractor for exterior maintenance at Meadowlark, George Nettels and Lakeside elementary schools. The project includes power washing, sealing expansion joints and minor tuck-pointing on the buildings' exterior insulation and finish systems. The roughly 20-year-old structures will receive the maintenance during school hours, as the work is non-disruptive and involves no harsh fumes.

Board approves infill addition for Hutchinson Field turf

PITTSBURG, Kan. — The board unanimously approved a $44,500 capital outlay expenditure for Mammoth Sports Construction to add 160,000 pounds of infill to the Hutchinson Field artificial turf. The infill, a mix of sand and rubber, is required to keep the turf's monofilament fibers upright, protecting them from ultraviolet damage and preventing premature breakage. Administrators noted the routine maintenance will also ensure the field maintains a safe hardness level to prevent concussions and joint injuries.

District accepts Safe Schools grant for security cameras

PITTSBURG, Kan. — The board unanimously approved a $52,512 project to expand outdoor video surveillance at George Nettels and Meadowlark elementary schools. The project is partially funded by a $22,147 Safe Schools grant from the Kansas State Department of Education, with the remainder covered by the district's capital outlay fund. Administrators noted the district already holds the necessary software licenses for the new cameras, which will seamlessly integrate with the district's existing security framework.

Board approves strict high school cell phone policy

PITTSBURG, Kan. — The board unanimously approved an amendment to the Pittsburg High School student handbook requiring students to turn off their cell phones and store them inside their backpacks during the school day. The policy aligns with recent state disciplinary guidance and aims to eliminate classroom distractions. Because the high school does not have traditional lockers or designated classroom cubbies for phone storage, administrators determined that keeping devices powered down in backpacks is the most practical solution.

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