7 takeaways from Wellington USD 353 school board meeting

Board considers March special election following bond failure

Vehicle purchase approved in split vote

District clarifies changes to test score reporting

Student-led conferences face board criticism

Board to review finals exemption policy for medical absences

FFA chapter shares national success, plans for Texas

Personnel changes and contracts approved

Board considers March special election following bond failure

WELLINGTON, Kan. - Following the failure of the district’s bond issue in last Tuesday’s election, the Board of Education met with representatives from a consulting firm to discuss next steps. Consultants noted that the measure received 46.2 percent of the vote and suggested that a scaled-back proposal could pass in a special election as early as March. The board agreed to hold a work session next Monday to review survey data, potential scope reductions and costs associated with core drilling roofs to determine if a new bond resolution should be adopted by the December deadline.

Vehicle purchase approved in split vote

WELLINGTON, Kan. - In a move that generated debate regarding capital outlay funds, the board voted 4-2 to approve the purchase of two transit vans for student transportation. The purchase, estimated at approximately $120,000, is intended to address a shortage of vehicles for field trips and activities. A board member questioned the timing of the expenditure given the recent failure of the bond issue and the limitations of the capital outlay budget, but the measure ultimately passed.

District clarifies changes to test score reporting

WELLINGTON, Kan. - A board member questioned administration regarding why “base scores” were not printed and sent home to parents this year as they had been in the past. Administration explained that the district utilized a new “one-pager” format for kindergarten through fifth grade, designed to be more comprehensible for families. The new report includes the student’s score, the benchmark and intervention strategies, satisfying state early literacy requirements.

Student-led conferences face board criticism

WELLINGTON, Kan. - During board member comments, the effectiveness of student-led conferences was called into question. A board member described the current format as “awkward” and potentially “worthless” when parents are paired with advisory teachers who may not know the student’s academic performance intimately. The board discussed exploring alternative formats, such as the arena-style conferences used by the Derby school district, to allow for more direct communication with subject-specific teachers.

Board to review finals exemption policy for medical absences

WELLINGTON, Kan. - The board agreed to revisit the high school’s finals exemption policy next month after a board member raised concerns about how medical absences are counted. Under the current policy, students who miss more than five days in a class must take the final exam, even if those absences are for doctor-verified injuries or treatments such as physical therapy. The board plans to discuss whether medically documented absences should be treated differently, with the goal of updating the policy in time for the second semester.

FFA chapter shares national success, plans for Texas

WELLINGTON, Kan. - Members of the Wellington High School FFA chapter presented a report on their recent trip to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, highlighting networking opportunities with colleges and industry leaders. Following the presentation, the board unanimously approved a travel request for the Turf Grass Science team to compete in Fort Worth, Texas, in January 2026. The district will cover fuel costs and advisor expenses for the trip, where the team hopes to improve on last year’s fifth-place national finish.

Personnel changes and contracts approved

WELLINGTON, Kan. - The board approved a slate of personnel changes under the consent agenda. New hires include Tanner Meyer as middle school assistant girls basketball coach, Jeff Elkins as a paraprofessional at Kennedy, a staff member as esports sponsor, Kobe Harris as high school custodian and Erica Walker as a Title I aide at Lincoln. The board also accepted the resignation of high school assistant wrestling coach Andrew Kirkpatrick.

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