HESD opens school year amid staffing efforts, full air conditioning and early enrollment shortfall
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Summary
Superintendent reported a smooth opening with districtwide training and air conditioning in every school, while enrollment is roughly 244 students below last year and about 80 students below projections as of the fourth day.
The HESD superintendent reported that the district opened the school year with staff trainings, new practices at school offices and the first year of air conditioning in all district schools, but with enrollment below expectations.
"This is the first year that we started with all of our schools having air conditioning," the superintendent said, describing relief for sites during a heat wave as staff and leaders adjusted routines.
District staff said August was busy with custodial and maintenance work and that Human Resources and special-education teams completed staffing tasks and trainings, including a districtwide MTSS event on Aug. 11. The superintendent praised principals and office staff for hosting family packet pick-up and other pre-opening activities that helped a "calmer first day."
On enrollment, the superintendent reported that the district was "down 244 students compared to last year" as of the fourth day of school and about 80 students below the district's projected enrollment. Staff cited lower kindergarten numbers at some sites and fewer TK/early-childhood registrations at others as drivers of the decrease. The presentation noted that numbers continue to shift in the opening days.
The superintendent also described the district's event operations, including a "Shine" event and back-to-school-night scheduling, and invited trustees to send calendars to be introduced at school events. Staff said calendars will be distributed as times are finalized.
No formal board action accompanied the superintendent's report; the board later entered a closed session for confidential student and employee matters.