complete 30 or more college credit hours graduate with a transferable credential recognized by all Indiana public universities. “This year, five to seven students will earn the College Core,”Mr. Kyle says. “That’s significant when your graduating class is under 100.” The district also runs a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program that doubles as a bridge to higher education.“Our CNA students can graduate with up to 41 college credits,”Mr. Kyle explains. “By senior year, many are working part-time in local hospitals and earning $18–$20 an hour. A few of our former CNAs are now registered nurses who started right here in our classrooms.” CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AND SMART STEWARDSHIP Even as Alexandria focuses on student growth, it’s also modernizing its facilities with an eye toward fiscal responsibility.“We’ve made it a priority to plan ahead and stretch every dollar,” Baker says. Baker relays that recent capital improvements include, HVAC upgrades across district buildings, including a new high school chiller that replaced a 30-year-old system, LED lighting installations at the high school, improving energy efficiency, carpet replacement in 16 classrooms, and a new press box and concession stand at the softball field, and a storage and pavilion space for tennis. To guide future investments, the district completed a facility study and is creating a five- and ten-year infrastructure plan.“We’re budgeting from the ground up rather than borrowing through referendums,” Baker explains. One of his proudest achievements is a district-wide reduction in staff insurance costs—saving employees a combined $20,000 annually. “That’s money back in their pockets,” he says. “It’s not glamorous, but it matters.” INVESTING IN PEOPLE: TEACHER ONBOARDING AND MENTORSHIP For Principal Kyle, strong schools begin with strong teachers.“When a new teacher joins us, the first thing 172 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
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