Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Stem topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Smithville High robotics team asks district to preserve shop space as build season approaches
Summary
Students and coach from Smithville High presented to the Board asking to retain and improve their build and practice space while renovations proceed, noting the district covers the team’s $6,300 annual entry fee and that students travel to regional competitions.
The Smithville R-II Board of Education heard a presentation from the district’s high school robotics team on facility needs and program impacts.
Dylan Williams, the team’s head coach, told the board the district pays an annual competition entry fee of $6,300 and that Smithville School District is the team’s largest sponsor. “Currently, Smithville School District is our biggest sponsor,” Williams said.
Senior team member Jacob Hutchings described the program’s reach: the team competes in FIRST Robotics competitions that include teams across the U.S. and abroad and includes seven new rookie members and seven mentors this year. “We’ve been competing for about 20 years now,” Hutchings said, describing the team’s emphasis on STEM, media and community outreach.
Students asked the district to preserve and improve the team’s shop footprint amid ongoing renovations so they can practice and work efficiently. Williams explained the team’s practical needs for an adjacent practice field and better organization of storage and equipment to speed practice turnarounds during build season.
The board’s discussion acknowledged the team’s educational role. A board member thanked the students for advocating for themselves and urged continued collaboration on bench and shelving design details as construction proceeds.
The presentation also highlighted student outreach: the team participated in parades, hosted Hour of Code at the Mid-Continent Public Library and is planning a waste drive. Students invited interested community members to register at team1806.com.
The district indicated it will continue to coordinate with the team as renovation plans and bid packages move forward. The board did not take formal action specific to the robotics shop during the meeting.
