Othello High tightens off-campus privileges, adds Hub Center supports and scanning system

Othello High School administrators told the school board they have implemented new campus controls, started ID scanning for off-campus lunch privileges and opened a Hub Center that consolidates student services, online learning and short-term intervention supports, administrators said.

"We've been really looking at creating systems and resources for all of our students and our staff so that they know that they're known and cared for," said Kat Atchison, principal at Othello High School, describing the goals behind the changes.

Why it matters: administrators said the measures aim to reduce chronic absenteeism and tardiness, keep students safe on campus and support on-time graduation. Leaders presented both operational details — fencing the back area, closing a gravel lot, issuing parking passes — and programmatic supports housed at the Hub Center, such as Hub classes, an online digital learning (ODL) pathway and an Opportunity Program for short-term suspended or at-risk students.

Operational changes. School staff said they began by closing one exit and reducing four planned off-campus exits to three after observing traffic and use patterns. They introduced ID scanning at exits and initially used scanning only to accustom students to…