Wichita State study reveals conclusions about community
By JENNIFER WILSON
News editor
A study done by a group of Wichita State University doctoral students presents an interesting picture of the Durham-Hillsboro-Lehigh school district and its community.
The study, conducted by four Kansas educators, examines the impact of economic development on USD 410 students. They presented an overview of the study during Monday night's board of education meeting at Hillsboro High School.
Team members included Sherry Bever, director of information technology for Maize, USD 248; Dalia Hale, principal of Franklin Elementary in Wichita, USD 259; Chuck Stockton, superintendent of Clay Center, USD 379; and Dr. Randy Turk, associate professor of education administration at Wichita State. The extensive project began last fall.
In studying the Hillsboro area, they concluded that Hillsboro provides a safe, conservative community for its students, but the area might gain more economic development if it were more open to diversity and industry.
A similar study done by another source could have cost the district thousands of dollars, said Chuck Stockton.
"It comes to you with a considerable amount of expertise and thought," he said.
The team gathered information from Hillsboro through two methods: interviewing school administrators and counselors, and conducting focus groups with teachers, HHS students, parents, and community members. The team researched and supported their findings with other researchers and authors.
Here are their conclusions.
Community characteristics
Residents see the Hillsboro area (including Lehigh and Durham) as a safe, caring place to live. One teacher said the area is "crime-free," and a community member said that people don't lock their doors. But they acknowledge that the community is changing and facing many of the problems that other towns have.
Hillsboro is a religious area, where conservative values and church are important. One parent said, "Church, community, and school are what this community is about." And individuals acknowledged that the Mennonite faith plays a big role in that. But one student said that the community stereotyped those who didn't belong to Hillsboro's religious community.
Hillsboro's two main industries are agriculture and education. With many workers employed either for Tabor College or USD 410, one teacher said that "at least one fourth of the town is in the education business." And with many in the ag industry, there aren't many middle- and upper-class jobs available.
Many students graduate and leave the area instead of settling here. But many also eventually return because they see Hillsboro as a good place to raise children.
Residents said that the area lacks diversity. One parent said, "We have literally no minority issues here in this town; we do not have an ESL program; most people would not even know what ESL stands for." But residents also felt that if more minorities moved in, the community would accept them and take care of their children in the school system.
School characteristics
The Hillsboro community values education and has a good relationship with its schools, team members said. Teachers, administrators, and parents all work together.
In the Hillsboro school environment, students feel compelled to do their best. Their peers make them want to succeed in academics and extra-curricular activities.
Community members also take an interest in the students, One student said, "You do not want to let the community down."
Parents are very involved with their children's educations. One teacher said, "We never lack for parent volunteers to help; whenever we have a need, they step forward."
Residents observed that the Hillsboro area is a very tight-knit community. One student said, "I just moved here and I know everyone; (it's) more personal than where I came from." But one teacher said, "It's hard for new kids to come in and feel comfortable."
Residents also said that a huge influx of newcomers might be difficult for the community to adjust to. One community member said, "If you get so many newcomers that are so different that it overwhelms the community support system, that wouldn't be good for the community. If (there are) 20 students, great; 200 equals mass chaos."
A teacher said, "They (students) may not be too accepting. They have high academic standards and it is hard for new students to fit into the mold. They separate themselves from those who have different values than they have."
But residents think that Hillsboro would provide the programs needed to deal with an influx of newcomers. A teacher said, "I will do my best to make sure they have a good experience here and make them feel welcome."
Industry characteristics
Residents see that the Hillsboro area needs to grow and needs more businesses. A resident said, "We either create jobs or we become a lost community."
But residents want to control the amount of growth that comes in. They would prefer businesses that pay middle- and high-class wages, not just minimum wage. One administrator said, "It would be nice to have a UPS distribution center or a Gateway."
They also said that the town might want more smaller businesses. One teacher said, "We want more mom and pop businesses, like furniture stores." These businesses might attract young families with children.
Implications
If the Hillsboro area was less restrictive in accepting new industry, economic growth would happen, team members said. With growth comes diversity, and with diversity comes a richer learning environment for students. The newcomers would adhere to the high standards already in place.
Board member Reg Matz asked the members if they sensed a "closed-mindedness" from the people they talked to.
Stockton said that people want growth — that clearly came through, he said. But they want "high value" industries that bring in high-paying jobs, not just low-paying jobs that might bring in a more transient population.
Said Sherry Bever, it's not a closed-mindedness, but a concern.
Matz also asked what students said would encourage them to move back to the area.
Many students leave because they're ready for the "big city" with malls and movie theaters, team members said. But they return when they see the strong values in Hillsboro and want their kids to be raised in that environment.
The strong school system of USD 410 can definitely be used when marketing the area to potential businesses.
"You're aware of the issues," Stockton said. "You're aware of the need to be proactive."
The members thanked the Hillsboro community for participating in their study.
The students were "delightful," said Dalia Hale. Residents shared information from the heart.
To view a full copy of the study, contact the USD 410 district office.
