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Worthington superintendent reports stable enrollment, launches safety pilot and schedules community coffees
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Bowers reported a modest enrollment increase over the summer, outlined a pilot wearable panic-button safety system at four schools, confirmed air-conditioning coverage in classrooms, and announced rotating community coffees starting Sept. 13.
Worthington Board of Education Superintendent Dr. Bowers reported the district opened the school year with 10,737 students enrolled and outlined several start-of-year operational updates.
Dr. Bowers said, “Our mission in Worthington Schools is to empower a community of learners who will change the world,” then provided enrollment and safety updates. He reported enrollment rose by seven students since the end of the last school year (from 10,730 to 10,737) and that kindergarten enrollment stands at 694 students, 12 fewer than this time last year.
The superintendent told the board the district will pilot a crisis alert system this fall from a company called Syntegix. The pilot will run at Brookside Elementary, Worthington Estates, Perry Phoenix and Worthington Academy and uses a wearable, single-button panic device for school employees to alert safety services to a precise location.
Dr. Bowers said the district will assess the pilot this fall to determine whether to expand the system districtwide. He described the device as “designed to empower teachers and staff to get help anywhere on campus with the push of a button.”
On facilities and comfort, Dr. Bowers noted that all Worthington classrooms have air conditioning and that, for the first time, Thomas Worthington High School gyms have air conditioning. He also said Ohio Health, the district’s athletic training provider, will follow heat protocols for after-school activities and monitor conditions during hot weather.
For community outreach, the superintendent announced a rotating series of district “community coffees.” The first coffee is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 13, at 8 a.m. at the Panera at the Shops at Worthington Mall; future events will rotate to venues including Sunny Street Cafe on Sancus and the WEC.
Board members asked clarifying questions and expressed appreciation for the start-of-year preparations and the pilot safety system. President Nikki Hudson thanked Dr. Bowers and the board did not take formal action on the items reported.
The superintendent’s remarks came during the district report portion of the Aug. 20 Board of Education meeting.
