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Board hears proposal to adopt Capturing Kids' Hearts districtwide after principal pilot
Summary
After Farmington Elementary's reported success with Capturing Kids' Hearts, district staff proposed a $257,000 year‑one implementation (after a grant reduction) to train all certified staff districtwide; staff said funds are available but the contract exceeds single‑purchase thresholds and will be brought for board approval.
The Germantown Board of Education heard a proposal Tuesday to implement Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) districtwide, a relationship‑building program district staff said has shown measurable cultural changes in a Farmington Elementary pilot.
District leaders described CKH as a multi‑day training plus ongoing coaching, online tools and follow‑up support rather than a single‑session workshop. Farmington’s principal and staff reported improved classroom routines, student affirmations, an emphasis on social contracts and reductions in behavior incidents after school‑wide implementation.
Staff presented a year‑one cost estimate of $315,395. After applying a philanthropic grant that staff secured, the net first‑year price shown to the board was $257,000; staff said that funding is available but that board approval is required because the contract exceeds staff spending thresholds. The program would train all certified staff across six schools and include a separate coaching package for sports coaches.
Board members asked about measurement and overlap with existing social‑emotional programs (for example, Character Strong). Staff said CKH would be compatible with existing counselor programs and could be phased in; district counselors would observe implementation and staff recommended beginning with a full training and follow‑up coaching throughout the year. Staff also noted that costs decline after the first‑year rollout.
No contract was approved at the work session; staff said they will return with final contract documents for formal board action.
