Hillview Academy staff tell board alternative programs kept students in school, showed high transition rates

Hillview Academy staff presented an overview of their alternative-education programs and outcomes at the Spencer County Schools board meeting on May 28.

Bob Hafendorfer and members of the Hillview team described programs that keep students in school — including an off-campus detention room and an emotional support room — where staff provide academic assignments and social-emotional screening to prevent escalation. "Hillview Academy has never had a fight or single act of violence in that building," Hafendorfer said, citing staff oversight and supports.

Staff reported that 95 students were referred to Hillview instead of being suspended or sent home this year. Of those, the presenters said roughly 88 percent returned after needing only a short-term support and eight students required referrals to a 40-day program. Presenters from the emotional support and middle-school rooms described individual results: Colin Inman said he had 26 students in his emotional support room this year and that many showed measurable improvement; Zach Tipton reported that 40 students were referred to the middle-school room and roughly 33 percent transitioned back to middle or high school.

Presenters outlined next steps: exploring a building refit (new bathrooms, water fountains, electrical work and cameras), potential expansion of the emotional support room, and a possible coop or school-to-work program to help students gain employment skills. Staff also said they plan to track longer-term outcomes such as how many students maintain employment or continue education after transitioning out of Hillview.

Board members praised the work and acknowledged Hillview as a distinct and effective part of the district's continuum of services. The presentation concluded with staff answering board questions about space upgrades and program metrics.