Kokomo Schools highlights surge in dual‑credit courses and student participation in extracurriculars

A staff presenter at a Kokomo School Corporation work session outlined plans to expand dual‑credit options and described rising student participation in athletics, arts and other extracurricular programs.

The presenter said Kokomo High School will add seven dual‑credit courses next year — increasing offerings from 37 to 44 — and will be the first high school in the state to offer a Tech Prep certificate in business administration through Ivy Tech Kokomo. The district reported that last year just under 8,000 dual credits were earned at Kokomo High School; 644 unique students earned at least one dual credit, representing roughly 48.8% of the high‑school population, the presenter said. The district also cited about $7.5 million in estimated college‑credit savings (IU Bloomington equivalent) tied to those credits and noted the class of 2025 earned $16.4 million in scholarships.

Why it matters: District officials framed the dual‑credit expansion as a way to lower college costs for families and broaden post‑secondary opportunities. The presentation said the corporation is using federal grant funds to cover university and textbook costs for teachers who pursue dual‑credit credentials, and the collective bargaining agreement provides a $500 permanent base‑pay increase for teachers who earn that credential.

Athletics and arts: An athletic director’s overview described robust middle‑ and high‑school sports programs (cross country, football, volleyball, wrestling, basketball, swimming, baseball/softball, soccer, golf and newer programs such as boys volleyball and expanded girls wrestling) and praised coaching staff and facilities for improving participation. The district reported more than 1,350 middle‑ and high‑school students participated in athletics (about 56% of enrollment) and roughly 1,500 students in extracurricular/co‑curricular activities (about 63%).

The presenter supplied spectator and hosting figures: the district said nearly 11,300 spectators attended 12 ticketed arts events last year, and that 24 athletic tournament events (including nine IHSAA events) drew more than 28,000 spectators; combined arts and athletics totals at Kokomo High School facilities were reported as just under 47,500 ticketed attendees. Officials noted those counts exclude free events, and estimated total participation including unticketed events likely exceeds 50,000.

Finances and hosting: On event finances, the presenters explained IHSAA event receipts are pooled and distributed differently depending on the competition level (sectionals vs. regionals/state). Concession revenues return to schools and are commonly used as athletic fundraisers; organizers said Kokomo does not generally lose money hosting these events.

Other programs and services: The presenter highlighted growing arts, orchestra, speech and debate, robotics/Technocats, eSports, drama and other clubs as additional engagement pathways. Bridges Outreach, led locally by Travis Tafflinger, provides after‑school tutoring across middle and high schools, officials said.

Facilities and calendar: The district outlined two summer projects: mechanical work at Boulevard and sanitary‑drain/restroom repairs at Kokomo High School (restrooms near the auditorium had been closed for about two years). Officials described temporary flooring and terrazzo replacement timing. Staff also announced a community “Pioneer Day” planned for July 11, a teacher orientation lunch on July 20, and the 2026–2027 school year start on August 5.

What’s next: Board members and presenters praised the programs and noted community and regional reach (the presenter said 205 different high schools visited Kokomo facilities last year). No formal votes were recorded on these items during the work session; recognitions for unified track qualifiers and other student achievements were scheduled for the upcoming board meeting.