Northwest School Board Highlights Student Successes and Plans for the Future

The Northwest R-I School District Board of Education highlighted student achievements, approved improvements to Northwest High School, and discussed several initiatives designed to strengthen educational opportunities during its Thursday, October 15 meeting.

Board members received reports on career and technical education, gifted education, student health services, and the district's partnership with Compass Health Network. The meeting also included a discussion about declining student enrollment and how changing demographics could influence future district planning.

Superintendent Dr. Kyle Gibbs outlined several upcoming events and initiatives, including new transportation technology, expanded student health services, and long-term facility planning.

Enrollment Trends Prompt Continued Planning

While much of the meeting focused on student accomplishments and educational programs, district administrators also discussed continuing enrollment declines.

According to Gibbs, Northwest has experienced a decrease of approximately 700 students over the past nine years, representing a decline of nearly 13 percent.

Enrollment declined by another 135 students this school year, a decrease of approximately 2.5 percent.

Gibbs described the numbers as "a somewhat concerning trend" and explained that the district continues to examine enrollment patterns to better understand how they might affect future staffing, programs, and facilities.

The district's kindergarten enrollment is particularly notable, with approximately 370 students entering kindergarten this year. The high school also experienced a decrease of roughly 100 students, while Woodridge Middle School reported an enrollment increase.

Gibbs emphasized that Northwest is not alone in experiencing declining student populations. He pointed to similar trends in neighboring school districts and noted that demographic changes and limited housing availability could be contributing factors.

District leaders will continue monitoring these trends as they plan for the years ahead.

Board Approves Improvements to Northwest High School

The board approved two contracts for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning improvements at Northwest High School.

The first contract, totaling $204,000, was awarded to Integrated Facility Services for ventilation and equipment upgrades in the school's industrial arts classrooms.

The work will focus on improving air circulation and providing healthier, more comfortable learning environments in areas where students work with specialized equipment.

A second HVAC improvement project will address additional portions of the high school, including the main office, library, cafeteria, and upstairs areas.

District officials explained that the project will build upon previous improvements made to the high school gymnasium, using existing equipment to support ventilation upgrades in nearby areas.

The work will also introduce automated controls, allowing maintenance personnel to monitor building conditions more efficiently and identify potential problems without relying entirely on manual inspections.

Both projects are part of the district's ongoing efforts to maintain and improve its facilities.

District Financial Audit Receives Positive Review

Board members reviewed the district's draft financial audit for the 2025–2026 fiscal year.

The independent auditor reported an unmodified opinion and indicated that the audit identified no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in the internal controls examined.

The audit also included federal programs involving child nutrition and special education, with no reported compliance findings.

Chief Operating Officer Travis Dierker explained that the report remains in draft form because the district is awaiting final federal guidance before the audit can be completed.

The board approved the draft audit, with final completion expected once the remaining requirements are satisfied.

Career and Technical Education Programs Show Continued Success

Northwest High School's career and technical education programs were among the highlights of the meeting.

District administrators outlined opportunities available to students interested in business, engineering, technology, skilled trades, and other career pathways.

One of the district's success stories is the student-operated screen-printing business, which generated more than $55,000 in gross revenue during the previous school year.

That amount represents an increase of approximately $5,000 compared with the previous year.

The program also provided nearly $10,000 in scholarships to participating students.

Students involved in the business gain experience in graphic design, manufacturing, customer service, marketing, and daily business operations.

The shop produces merchandise for school organizations and has also completed projects for local businesses and community groups.

Students enrolled in certain business courses can now earn as many as 12 hours of college credit before graduation, an increase from the nine hours previously available.

Other accomplishments included engineering students receiving scholarships for an accessible shoe design, expanding participation in robotics, and continued interest in skilled trades through the district's partnership with Jefferson College.

Administrators noted that demand for technical programs at Jefferson College has increased, making admission to some programs more competitive.

The district continues to emphasize hands-on learning that allows students to explore career interests before committing to college, technical training, or a particular profession.

Gifted Education Program Encourages Creativity and Innovation

The board also reviewed the district's Center for Academically Talented Students, or CATS, program.

The program currently serves approximately 250 active participants, with 291 students identified as gifted across the district.

Students take part in enrichment activities designed to promote creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.

During the previous school year, younger students studied aerodynamics and designed kites, while other classes explored entrepreneurship through mock marketplaces and developed inventions for presentations modeled after the television program Shark Tank.

Some students created digital escape-room challenges using the Breakout EDU platform, with two projects published for use by students elsewhere.

Following the district's screening and assessment process, 54 additional students qualified for the program.

Administrators also emphasized that CATS provides an environment where gifted students can connect with peers, develop social skills, and learn strategies for managing challenges that sometimes accompany advanced academic abilities.

According to the program evaluation, student feedback suggests that participants appreciate having a place where they feel challenged and connected.

Student Health Services Continue to Support Families

The district's health services program reported substantial activity during the previous school year.

School nurses and health room assistants handled approximately 56,000 student visits, averaging around 293 visits per school day.

According to the program evaluation, approximately 97 percent of those students were able to return to class after receiving care.

Health services staff also completed 3,435 hearing and vision screenings, identifying 103 students who needed further evaluation.

More than 30,000 medication administrations were recorded during the school year.

The district highlighted its partnerships with local health organizations to provide students with services that might otherwise be difficult for families to access.

These include dental care, behavioral health services, sports physicals, vaccinations, and vision assistance.

Looking ahead, Northwest plans to increase the number of automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, throughout district facilities from 24 to 28 during the current school year.

The district is also working with Kids Vision for Life to provide eyeglasses to students who need them.

In some cases, students can receive additional glasses that remain at school, helping ensure they have the eyewear they need for classroom activities.

Administrators also announced plans to work with local health partners to offer an additional vaccination clinic in May 2027, giving families more opportunities to prepare for summer school and the following academic year.

Compass Health Network Recognized for Partnership

During the meeting, district officials recognized Compass Health Network for its ongoing partnership with Northwest schools.

The organization provides mental health and other support services to students and families, helping address obstacles that can interfere with learning.

According to the district's presentation, 18 Compass Health staff members are dedicated to serving Northwest.

The partnership has provided violence-prevention presentations to more than 2,800 students, early-intervention services to more than 100 students, and school-based mental health services to more than 150 students.

District officials also reported that 426 students received approximately 5,700 therapy sessions through the partnership.

A Compass Health representative praised the district's commitment to supporting students.

"What you have here with the leadership team with the Northwest School District is one of the best I've ever worked with," Said Susan Curfman Senior Vice President of Regional Corporate Relations at Compass Health Network. "They truly, truly care about 'What are the needs of the students, and how can we partner?"

District representatives expressed appreciation for the organization's willingness to respond to student needs and work closely with school personnel.

Transportation Improvements and New Parent Technology

The board received an update on district transportation operations, including efforts to improve bus routes following the beginning of the school year.

Transportation officials explained that the district attempts to keep bus routes at 60 minutes or less whenever possible while maintaining student safety and efficiency.

The district is also testing a new transportation application designed to provide parents with additional information about their children's bus transportation.

The technology is expected to help families determine whether their child has boarded a bus, providing greater visibility into daily transportation activities.

Officials said the system is currently being tested with a limited group of families.

If the pilot progresses as anticipated, a broader rollout could begin in November.

Students Request Earlier Graduation Date

Two Northwest High School seniors addressed the board during the public comment portion of the meeting, requesting that the district consider moving graduation ceremonies from June to May.

The students argued that a May graduation would provide additional time for graduates preparing to attend college, enter military service, begin apprenticeships, or join the workforce.

They also discussed the challenges families face when preparing students to move away for college, including finding housing, purchasing supplies, and completing enrollment requirements.

The students asked district leaders to reconsider the graduation schedule to provide seniors with greater flexibility during their transition out of high school.

The board listened to the presentation but did not take action on the request during the meeting.

Upcoming Events and District Initiatives

Several activities and initiatives are planned for the remainder of the fall semester and into 2027.

October 20 — Community Trunk-or-Treat

Woodridge Lighthouse students will host a free trunk-or-treat event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The event is open to the public.

October 26–28 — Parent-Teacher Conferences

Northwest schools will host conferences, including student-led conferences in some buildings.

October 30–November 3 — Fall Break and Professional Development

Students will have a break from regular classes surrounding teacher professional development activities on November 2 and Election Day on November 3.

November — Transportation App Rollout

The district hopes to begin expanding its new parent transportation application beyond the initial pilot group.

Early December — Facilities Planning Committee

District officials expect to hold the first meeting of a facilities planning committee to examine building needs, infrastructure priorities, and potential approaches to future improvements.

Early 2027 — Potential Community Food Program

District officials discussed a possible partnership with the St. Louis Area Foodbank to bring a reduced-cost mobile grocery market to the community.

Under the proposed program, participating residents could purchase groceries at approximately 25 percent of typical retail prices, with no income verification requirement. Plans remain under development.

May 2027 — Additional Student Vaccination Clinic

Northwest intends to partner with local health organizations to provide another opportunity for families to obtain required vaccinations ahead of summer school and the next academic year.

Looking Toward the Future

As Northwest moves through the 2026–2027 school year, district leaders are balancing educational opportunities, student services, and facility improvements with the challenges associated with declining enrollment.

The October meeting highlighted student accomplishments and expanding community partnerships while also demonstrating the importance of long-term planning.

With ongoing investments in career education, health services, technology, and facilities, Northwest officials are working to maintain educational opportunities for students while preparing for the district's changing needs.

Subscribe for Free