Othello School District presents Husky Hub supports after DOHS transition; district reports attendance and graduation progress

District staff presented an update on reintegrating the DOHS alternative program into Othello High School and on the newly established Husky Hub, which centralizes alternative learning supports on the high school campus.

Presenters said the transition aimed to "create systems of support" so students and staff feel known and cared for. The Husky Hub is a physical space that houses multiple pathways: Opportunity (short-term individualized supports), the district—s full-time online program (ODL), hub classes (small, relational direct-instruction core classes), credit retrieval and partnerships with SkillSource for GED and diploma pathways. One presenter described the hub simply: "The hub itself is actually just a physical location" staffed to meet students—varied needs.

Staff said the program grew as the district implemented support systems: by trimester 2 the hub served about 42 students and managers split sessions into AM and PM to address student compatibility and need. The ODL program fluctuated between roughly 25 and 40 students during the year; staff noted those counts change as students enter and leave the program. Presenters reported that 19 juniors and 45 seniors came over from DOHS this year; of the 45 seniors, 40 completed graduation requirements through OHS, SkillSource or ODL pathways (several students followed SkillSource or GED tracks). Presenters described these results as an early success while emphasizing the work is ongoing.

Attendance and truancy work were a central focus: presenters said the district averaged in the low-80s for attendance this year ("about 83-84%"), short of the stated goal of over 90%. To improve attendance staff hold weekly "success team" meetings that monitor students in green/yellow/red status, make early phone calls to families, arrange face-to-face meetings and coordinate with counselors and MSAs. District staff also described a strengthened process with Adams County juvenile court and said a juvenile court judge visited the hub and expressed support for the programs.

Board members asked about common barriers to attendance; presenters cited mental health challenges, lack of motivation at home, substance use and family economic pressures. Staff noted interventions begin earlier than high school (including work with incoming freshmen who are already identified as struggling) and described a planned hire at the middle school to address severe behaviors.

The superintendent also announced that a separate presentation on staff interactions with AI and metaglasses will be pushed to the July 27 meeting so directors who recently attended a conference can attend. No formal board action was taken on the presentation; the board praised the work and partnerships and moved on to calendar items.