Shawnee Heights site council outlines KBOR dual‑credit changes, launches inclusive Renaissance program

Shawnee Heights site council members told the school board Thursday that changes from the Kansas Board of Regents and local dual‑credit partnerships will give more students access to college credit while the high school restarts a Renaissance program focused on inclusive student recognition.

The presenters said KBOR’s new structure groups general‑education requirements into seven “buckets,” and that students can complete many of those buckets while in high school via dual‑credit courses offered through Washburn University and Allen County Community College. The presenters described options such as composition, public speaking, interpersonal communications and foundational math courses; Allen County’s recent tuition reductions were cited as a factor in expanded participation.

Why it matters: The KBOR changes and expanded dual‑credit availability can reduce college costs and affect course sequencing for Shawnee Heights students. School staff said counselors will work individually with students to map college and high‑school credits so students do not take unnecessary courses.

Presenters said Washburn provides tuition discounts for high‑school students and that Allen County has lowered tuition (the presenters said a recent three‑credit class cost $195). The presenters also said KBOR and the state are moving toward funding up to 15 college credit hours free for eligible students; specifics on eligibility and implementation timing were described as coming from state guidance and not finalized.

On mathematics, presenters said the district is phasing in a more traditional sequence — Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II — beginning with Algebra I next year. They said KBOR approved further statewide mathematics changes effective fall 2026 and that the district is notifying students and families.

Separately, school staff described plans to relaunch Renaissance (a program run by Jostens) as an inclusivity and climate‑and‑culture initiative rather than solely an honors program. School sponsors took 17 underclassmen to a regional event to develop ideas; student proposals already under way include weekly hallway greeters, “student of the month” displays, slushie rewards for low‑tardy students, and seniors decorating parking spots (students would pay a fee that would benefit the Renaissance club). The PTO has agreed to offer startup support, and two staff members — Jamie Moses and Carol Watkins — were named as project leads.

Presenters and board members emphasized counselor outreach to families, noting counselors will meet students and parents individually during enrollment and student‑led conferences to avoid overloading students and to coordinate online course options. Staff described supports for students who enroll in college courses, including diagnostic tests or ACT cutoffs used to determine readiness for college algebra.

The presentation included practical details such as: students in pre‑college programs may take contemporary math, elementary statistics, or college algebra depending on major needs; some students will pursue college composition (Comp I/II) via Washburn or online Allen County sections; and AP exam credits remain available for bucket placement.

Board members asked for follow‑up on which students from local middle‑school leadership programs carried leadership practices forward; staff said they would ask the high‑school leadership team to survey participating students.

The board received the site council report; no formal board action was required on the presentation itself.