By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Hays USD 489 is showing a slight increase in enrollment compared to its audited numbers from last year.

A report to be reviewed by the school board Monday shows enrollment at 3,033 students compared to an audited count of 3,006 last year.

Based on the last seven years, Hays enrollment has trended slightly upward. Audited enrollment during the 2012-13 school year was 2,916 students.

The school board will also hear a report on changes to its administrative handbook that are required due to direction from the Kansas Fire Marshall’s Office. That letter increased the number of required crisis drills, reduced the number of fire drills and stipulated school districts statewide could only give five minutes notice of a drill to the public.

State officials suggested giving more notice might lead to someone taking advantage of the drills to harm students or staff.

The board will continue to refine its goals. In past meetings, the board has decided to focus on the following goals:

• Design a stable financial structure that allows the district to accomplish its educational mission.
• Create an educational improvement guide utilizing the Kansas Educational Systems Accreditation process.
• Cultivate relationships with families, other educational organizations, businesses and government agencies.
• Develop a plan to prepare the district’s facilities for the future.