[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6581044,"mediaKeyId","3142235-ae05bde36f84ad6b4f41cd087798c846","parentId",3142235,"title","District chronic‑absenteeism remains above target in most buildings; central office outlines interventions","audioSeconds",610,"startMs",4408000,"endMs",5018000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3142235-ae05bde36f84ad6b4f41cd087798c846&start=4408&end=5018","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3142235-ae05bde36f84ad6b4f41cd087798c846/thumbnail_4408000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6581044/Derby/Sedgwick-County/Kansas/District-chronicabsenteeism-remains-above-target-in-most-buildings-central-office-outlines-interventions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6581044-e03fdf9571420336ed44bcb0ac0827f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770974956&Signature=AnsuZbT~T6TW9CuzdXJAu8Rq0sGM3A3CTUQ-M~2oGMQmjhD9Hj3be~XJtJfoCrrBOYWkVmy5yJpEoyJNLHuUzJt0QStiD9wyDDLgxotOkdTEPDan2koDVgEkv2m35lKHRc7MHYKfxT3Xn41id628EHOoFC5Cx8ElenUS3Tq1q85oclK3lV7qJ26aBgjCck8WKyD2WkTEPds4goKzgV7v6TTB25EuqBUft21UXljzlNpHtTxklxcy05lia5dCq1b3xCG1f0PcI5AbDUEQgJHTzquswSgbwydAvP3eqxl~~-XiezN1EEJkb8HzOPxK-2WLyqDbAR~ibKocqWbt~FImDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Derby","date","2025-04-28T00:00:00Z","article","Derby, Kan. — District officials presented third‑quarter chronic‑absenteeism rates to the board on April 28 and outlined school‑level interventions intended to reduce absenteeism before the end of the year.

Key figures: Dr. Holly Putnam Jackson reported third‑quarter cumulative chronic‑absenteeism rates (students missing 10% or more of school days) as follows: Cooper 21.5%, Derby Hills 12.5%, El Paso 20.7%, Oak Lawn 20.27%, Park Hill 15.5%, Stone Creek 14.47%, Swaney 18.9%, Tanglewood 12.29%, Y and T 18.4%, Derby Middle 17.34%, Derby North 17.7% and Derby High 22.75%.

Interventions: Staff described building strategies including nudge letters, attendance teams and incentive programs (class challenges, assemblies, prize incentives and attendance‑focused events such as a water day). Several schools reported individualized plans and tier‑2/tier‑3 interventions including social‑work support and attendance‑care teams.

Why it matters: Chronic absenteeism correlates with learning loss and reduced achievement. The board reiterated its goal of reaching a district rate of roughly 12–13% and asked schools to continue targeted outreach and incentives as fourth quarter approaches.

Board reaction and follow-up: Trustees asked clarifying questions about whether the presented percentages were cumulative (Dr. Putnam Jackson confirmed the third‑quarter percentages reported were cumulative for the school year through third quarter). Trustees expressed concern at the number of buildings above the target and urged continued use of incentive and outreach strategies.

Ending: Staff will maintain fourth‑quarter incentives and report updated rates at future meetings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Derby - School Board - Apr 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The district reported third‑quarter chronic‑absenteeism rates by building, with several schools above the board's 12–13% target and the high school at 22.75%; staff described tiered interventions and incentives for fourth quarter.","taxTitle","Derby, Sedgwick County, Kansas","taxId",56179,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6581048,"Operations report: summer projects, Evergy LED rebates and new grab‑and‑go USDA meal option at Swaney",447,3865000,4312000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3142235-ae05bde36f84ad6b4f41cd087798c846&start=3865&end=4312","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3142235-ae05bde36f84ad6b4f41cd087798c846/thumbnail_3865000.jpg","/articles/6581048/Derby/Sedgwick-County/Kansas/Operations-report-summer-projects-Evergy-LED-rebates-and-new-grabandgo-USDA-meal-option-at-Swaney","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6581048-7d91beddbb048f816231d30cccc6eea1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770974956&Signature=AmUVkVVQ4liEhX8CDzquNM8MDwlnHSrAB19Mj85TwtyP48a9YfRfMuvsNP0q6WA5HfMcbBG6pdeNKdr3y2UrTVPgZAzX7t~NTmDowJDkqPL3pZ6sGO2epLadOmmoeiMCp0kv~e4LPOL3SIUA8fLOPWiYC2E7dpphnC7u8OAm-NpgykdX9oWkVaRPfVv897Wkc0uxeiiIF1Pe0LVsbdFC22vwDR5pn-wPdiiVaESdhT9XqjgUEuYRfsjFLS4WMfN0eQN3ipoMnlCppQYL4nwq3pWbF6BJx0A19R7VOHVRp7EHnD1TNviodFCW2-Prnl4Shs29kNbdVayS9sod--PeVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Derby, Kan. — Operations Director Burke Jones told the board on April 28 that the department is scheduling multiple summer projects — restroom remodels, paving, LED lighting upgrades and HVAC mini‑split installs — and highlighted a new USDA rural designation that allows Swaney Elementary to serve grab‑and‑go summer meals for a week’s worth of breakfasts and lunches in a single pickup.

Jones summarized planned work and savings: LED fixture replacements at Derby High School are eligible for a per‑fixture Evergy rebate (Jones estimated roughly $60 per replaced fixture), and the department will pursue the rebate as part of a multiyear lighting upgrade. He also described grounds work that improved the girls’ soccer field and baseball field turf, and the implementation of a preventative‑maintenance program for HVAC and rooftop equipment.

On summer meals, Jones said staff secured a USDA rural designation for Swaney Elementary that lets the district distribute multiple days’ worth of meals in a single pick‑up (planned Tuesday drive‑through pick‑up, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), a change from the prior requirement that meals be consumed on site. He said the district is seeking central‑kitchen approval to expand capacity if needed.

Why it matters: The changes affect how summer meal service will reach families and reduce energy costs over time through LED upgrades and preventive maintenance that reduces unexpected outages.

Questions and next steps: Board members asked about cost recovery for use of district buses if the city needs shuttle service for a June festival; Jones said the city previously paid drivers directly for their time and the district will revisit per‑mile or cost‑recovery arrangements before finalizing any agreement. Jones said he would return with more details on fee/recovery options.

Ending: Jones asked the board to note that many smaller repairs are handled in house during the summer and that the operations department will report progress on the major projects.","Director of operations outlined summer capital work, an Evergy lighting rebate program, grounds improvements and a USDA rural designation that allows weekly grab‑and‑go summer meal distribution from Swaney Elementary.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6581051,"Derby High reports 90.7% 4‑year graduation rate, growth in concurrent enrollment and AP qualifying scores",552,908000,1460000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3142235-ae05bde36f84ad6b4f41cd087798c846&start=908&end=1460","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3142235-ae05bde36f84ad6b4f41cd087798c846/thumbnail_908000.jpg","/articles/6581051/Derby/Sedgwick-County/Kansas/Derby-High-reports-907-4year-graduation-rate-growth-in-concurrent-enrollment-and-AP-qualifying-scores","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6581051-a49b9fe69f8e051a8b146bd7ad1afa59/orig.mp4?Expires=1770974956&Signature=Ttvhhx0YdLvEk7pgcBwhlvPzsOQhHvqKNmuylhMwWzbhn6x~o~g-SAupZ8SBuINIgIBUPGSyhEc6Pb9EooysbvZr~fNw1bR-oU1Oq4pmGOsXlMNV1mBXw9K-REbiF8Aw8az3AboCjO5809Dx3pX5VLAGmk~aDmNb025UsNGrnuY-hbQ4eqMemZvum5L1l9xx584APq6Va81mVHFyRifr~tQEivCLH7ptPFR5jt9~H8V7Aub90xoM4wKXQmNJgGseQb8WIEu7fVGW24z8Uya5LbYuKY8vyxziVgQCuYOIjWOhOYKbJyZQK6c3HPcE3HRP9kIEepsIh~6jXEuS8QVQGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Derby, Kan. — Derby High School Principal Gretchen Pontius told the board on April 28 that the school’s 4‑year graduation rate was 90.7% and that the school had grown concurrent‑enrollment participation and AP qualifying rates.

Pontius said the 90.7% graduation rate places the school above the state’s 4‑year average and noted a dip in 2023 that staff attributed to a leadership transition. “We’re really working to put in place now to make sure no matter what happens, that will never happen again,” she said as she outlined interventions for students off track.

Concurrent enrollment and AP data: Pontius told the board that college‑algebra concurrent enrollment increased to 61 students (up from an initial 28) and that program offerings through WSU Tech and Newman University have expanded. She also reported that the 2024 AP qualifying rate (students earning scores that qualify for credit) was 74 percent — the highest recorded in the school’s data set — with 11 students taking 68 AP tests in 2024.

Other highlights presented to the board included a CNA pinning ceremony, planned EMT and fire‑science programming, the use of vape detectors (which Pontius said appear to have reduced incidents), and a record number of students completing state assessments. The principal also discussed graduation‑requirement review for the class of 2028 and work‑based learning expansions during the school’s prime‑time/homeroom period.

Why it matters: Graduation and AP/dual‑credit participation affect post‑secondary readiness, district accountability measures and course‑of‑study choices for students. The growth in concurrent enrollment and higher AP qualifying rates suggest increased college readiness among participating students.

Board response: Trustees thanked Pontius for the presentation and highlighted the importance of continued supports for graduation and AP participation; no formal vote was required for the informational presentation.

Ending: Pontius stood for questions and then the meeting moved to staff recognitions and district reports.","Derby High School principal presented school performance data to the board, highlighting a 90.7% four‑year graduation rate, increases in concurrent-enrollment participation and a 74% AP qualifying rate on 2024 exams.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6581055,"First‑year Derby High teacher warns board about working conditions, cites $20,000 penalty discussion",294,584000,878000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3142235-ae05bde36f84ad6b4f41cd087798c846&start=584&end=878","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3142235-ae05bde36f84ad6b4f41cd087798c846/thumbnail_584000.jpg","/articles/6581055/Derby/Sedgwick-County/Kansas/Firstyear-Derby-High-teacher-warns-board-about-working-conditions-cites-20000-penalty-discussion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6581055-97abd0495489cc015804b01fbb7e32a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770974956&Signature=BKO9WhbHgBiW2DgDe571agwy7MAx~RD38EgkBbA98f30y3svO1l29ybW5ADQInLOFxrvb7Km7kEOaOCXfMwNeFhl6citJxd6tgLyRieKhPWdhIVVlKv-x9RXMVKjP6~B4HdqLU0FuRf8f9Ij0h2tzfaQX6mjIRrKTibU8NinKLqxC4y77VP7Rkd3TJvxC5lhgM6EsQacs-yDKXIiuK9Z2~zZQxsbWCPfT8kmrRaWrlIxNdAa-~JLM~38DFGxAFVhua-aW5ZeYH2PF-EDgGMf42i6qxqd-ntgDBsAmMNIISWUJkfYknexIgbpqY4fvvzmXZrb7DSW880NNZl20EOe8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Derby, Kan. — A first‑year teacher at Derby High School addressed the board during public comment on April 28, describing long hours, large class sizes and inconsistent support for behavior and special-education needs.

“I later was a bit appalled when I learned the district was considering penalizing teachers who leave during or even before the school year with a $20,000 fee,” said Gareth Malene, who identified himself during the meeting as a first‑year teacher at Derby High School. “I believe it misses the mark on why teachers choose to work here.”

Malene told the board he had classes that reached about 30–32 students and that one of his classes was designated “inclusion” but did not receive a paraprofessional support that was promised. He said he had three separate course preps, spent 16‑hour days preparing lessons and often worked late into the night to meet class needs.

He described behavior issues in a remedial pre‑algebra class—students talking over the teacher, throwing objects and drug‑related expulsions—and said disciplinary responses were inconsistent. He said smartphone use was a constant distraction and that some students were sleeping in class or refusing to participate.

On curriculum adoption and staff respect, Malene said he and other teachers felt their professional input was sidelined during the social‑studies curriculum review. “It appeared that the decision was rushed,” he said, and added that more time and clearer communication would have allowed social‑studies staff to address misinformation.

Why it matters: The speaker framed his remarks as retention issues—smaller class sizes, consistent assistance for students with IEPs, and clearer administrative messaging—as actions that would likely improve teacher retention and classroom conditions.

Board and staff response: The public comment was taken as part of the meeting’s open forum; the board’s usual response policy was read at the start of the public‑comment period and board members noted the comments would be taken under advisement. No formal action followed at the meeting.

Ending: Malene’s remarks were part of a broader meeting that included curriculum discussions and staff reports; the matters he raised relate to personnel, classroom resources and district policy that board and administration may choose to address in future meetings.","A first‑year Derby High School teacher told the board that large class sizes, inconsistent support for special-education students and disciplinary problems make early teaching difficult and greater supports are needed to retain staff.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6581059,"Derby Board approves foreign-language adoption and three capital projects; several curriculum adoptions discussed",9161,67000,9228000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3142235-ae05bde36f84ad6b4f41cd087798c846&start=67&end=9228","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3142235-ae05bde36f84ad6b4f41cd087798c846/thumbnail_67000.jpg","/articles/6581059/Derby/Sedgwick-County/Kansas/Derby-Board-approves-foreign-language-adoption-and-three-capital-projects-several-curriculum-adoptions-discussed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6581059-9febf884d2ecf869913979edde39e6ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1770974956&Signature=merNFd7ORYcnD9PNhSPicTv719QGABNaC7ggm~dE~10XhcoOfc-O4er5rx4DZo42e2cMzGDilLtfvJ09Os-zVwkJh1mi2pe3C0mtT89GwzIZ8s8USpwsIcmQySjXBj--P8Y~lFbzNl0Kjab1bKo8cxyC1T-X2z-KnuzurX7y6wFZncnYVnNT-0rQrN~Gcjj4XaTT88uJVWORNkymAzBGYgCD6H3QpUpzHWr~llWS2O2NqNdbFf5-0IG7Pe5Q5v21xlL9u6nUZPP9Z6fkTHRVNXyBHf9JQw8aPty66W-Ds2cgGGorAz5y84byIIeYGrNDboZnevN~IRX5SyoBBqtopg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Derby, Kan. — The Derby Board of Education on April 28 approved a foreign-language curriculum adoption and signed off on two building-stabilization projects and a restroom remodel while discussing several other course adoptions and district reports.

Why it matters: The actions put new instructional materials and building work on multiyear purchase schedules and commit capital-outlay and textbook-fund dollars the district will spend over the next several years. Board members raised budget constraints and trade-offs as multiple large purchases were presented in the same fiscal period.

What the board approved: Among the formal approvals during the meeting were the foreign-language course adoption (7-year adoption), a guaranteed maximum price for a Tanglewood Elementary restroom remodel, and a stabilization project for Derby Hills Elementary. The board also approved routine business, enrollment fee schedules, policies, forgiveness of inclement-weather make-up days and summer-PTO use for district employees.

Votes at a glance
- Agenda adoption: approved, tally announced as 6–0.
- Minutes (April 14): approved, tally announced as 6–0.
- Consent agenda (donation to Swaney Elementary; out-of-state travel for Derby High School; Kansas State Department of Education professional-development plan; pizza and bread bids; personnel reports; fund balance report; claims): approved, tally announced as 6–0.
- Tanglewood Elementary restroom remodel (GMP): $426,104 (includes $35,000 contingency); approved, tally announced as 6–0.
- Derby Hills Elementary stabilization (phase 1 this summer): $600,000 (includes $103,128 contingency); approved, tally announced as 6–0.
- Foreign-language course adoption (7-year adoption, middle/high school materials): $149,588.83; approved, vote announced as 5–1.
- Enrollment fees for 2025–26: approved as presented, vote announced as 6–0.
- Forgiveness of inclement-weather days: approved, vote announced as 6–0.
- Board policy updates (packet): approved, vote announced as 6–0.
- Summer employee PTO use (allow PTO use for summer staff with supervisor approval): approved, vote announced as 6–0.
- Nonresident enrollment report and open-seat tables: approved, vote announced as 6–0.

What the board discussed but did not finalize: District staff presented recommended adoptions and pilot results for several courses, including Law and Public Safety (staff recommended Cengage/MindTap; 7-year cost $82,680), AP Biology/Chemistry/Physics (recommended publishers and a combined 7-year price of $130,702.12 for AP science materials and virtual labs), and high-school health/PE materials with supplemental CPR and hygiene resources (7-year package quoted at $146,710.59). Those items were presented for review and will return for action as specified by staff and board timing.

Budget context and board comments: Board members repeatedly noted cumulative costs across multiple adoptions and capital projects and asked staff to return with a clearer multiyear curriculum-adoption timeline and cost schedule. One board member said the district should weigh textbook/adoption timing against capital and personnel priorities for the current budget cycle; another member said pausing adoptions risks depriving teachers of instructional materials.

Discussion and next steps: Staff agreed to supply a consolidated curriculum-adoption timeline, per-board request, showing which adoptions are mandatory to retain licensure/resources and which could be delayed. Several items presented as discussion only will return for board votes on scheduled future agendas.

Ending note: The meeting concluded after an extended executive session for negotiations and routine adjournment.","At its April 28 meeting the Derby Board of Education approved a foreign-language textbook adoption, two building-stabilization projects and a restroom remodel and approved routine business; the board heard extensive curriculum presentations and a district absenteeism update.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

District chronic‑absenteeism remains above target in most buildings; central office outlines interventions

Operations report: summer projects, Evergy LED rebates and new grab‑and‑go USDA meal option at Swaney

Derby High reports 90.7% 4‑year graduation rate, growth in concurrent enrollment and AP qualifying scores

First‑year Derby High teacher warns board about working conditions, cites $20,000 penalty discussion

Derby Board approves foreign-language adoption and three capital projects; several curriculum adoptions discussed