HCCS presents student transfer data, plans

Source: HCCS

At the January 27 Huntington County Community Schools (HCCS) board meeting, Director of Secondary Education Chuck Brimbury presented detailed data on student transfers, shedding light on where district-enrolled students are attending school and how the district compares with neighboring areas. Superintendent John Trout provided additional insights and commentary, emphasizing the importance of addressing transfer trends proactively.

The presentation revealed that 15% of students living within HCCS boundaries choose alternative educational options, including online schools, religious schools, or other public schools. While this figure positions HCCS favorably compared to some neighboring districts, such as Southern Wells at 19% and Wabash at 31%, both Brimbury and Trout acknowledged the need to reduce this percentage further. “We want every child in our district to choose Huntington schools,” Brimbury stated, citing the district’s strong academic programs, dedicated teachers, and positive culture.

Trout highlighted the district’s commitment to leveraging this data for future planning: “We are doing well compared to many of our neighbors, but our goal is continuous improvement. By spring, we’ll present actionable plans to reduce the 15% transfer rate before the next school year.”

Key points from the data include:

• Religious Schools: A significant portion of students transfer due to religious preferences.
• Online Education: Some students opt for online schooling, a trend HCCS is analyzing to enhance its virtual education offerings.
• Proximity to Other Public Schools: Geographical factors also influence transfer decisions.

Looking ahead, HCCS plans to explore new programs to meet students’ needs and attract families who currently look elsewhere for educational opportunities. The administration is committed to ensuring HCCS remains “the best choice in town” for students and families.