Brittany Stephens

This strategic plan for Almena Elementary outlines key initiatives across Partnerships, Communication, and Environment. It aims to establish partnerships to support students in achieving their goals and ensures consistent, effective communication with parents, staff, and the community. A core focus is a nontraditional learning environment that fosters independent, confident, and responsible lifelong learners by integrating Language Arts (K-1st grade and all grades), Science, Social Studies, and portions of Mathematics at all grade levels to optimize individual learning opportunities.

The board conducted annual organizational appointments for leadership positions and committee representatives. Key actions included the approval of the consent agenda encompassing staffing changes, donations, fundraising requests, and overnight travel. The board further approved a school district agreement, the selection of a banking service provider, open enrollment lists, academic policy procedures, borrowing for an early learning center project, procurement of school buses, and payroll software. Additionally, the board processed several new hire and compensation approvals for teaching and support staff, and reviewed informational reports concerning food service, facilities, and district enrollment.

The meeting included the administration of the oath of office for re-elected board members, a spotlight on district academic planning and staff, and the approval of a consent agenda covering vouchers, staff resignations, retirements, hiring recommendations, various donations, fundraising requests, overnight travel, and summer school staffing. Informational reports were presented regarding district correspondence, food service, boiler plant operations, enrollment, technology, and career center activities. Action items included the approval of summer school course offerings, teacher contracts for the 2026-2027 school year, resignations, and new staff hires. The board also authorized participation in the Project SEARCH program, renewal of student accident insurance, and the SIS software contract renewal. An executive session was held to discuss employment and compensation matters.

The Board meeting included a presentation on Academic and Career Planning, a report on a recent student tragedy, and the approval of a consent agenda encompassing financial vouchers, staff resignations, retirements, hiring, donations, and fundraising activities. Action items included the approval of a charter school agreement, a shared services contract, policy updates, college credit programs, and the purchase of math curricula for grades KG-8. Additionally, the Board entered an executive session to discuss employment, compensation, and performance evaluations for new staff positions before adjourning.

The Board of Education held public hearings regarding the alteration of school district boundaries, approving a petition to attach property from the Prairie Farm School District and denying a petition to detach property to the same district. The meeting featured presentations from students, staff recognitions, and the approval of a consent agenda including vouchers, resignations, staffing appointments, donations, and fundraising requests. Furthermore, the board reviewed informational reports on food service, boiler plant operations, and enrollment. Key action items included the approval of several teacher and coaching resignations, procurement of technology equipment such as Ubiquiti switches and UPS backup power supplies, and the adoption of 2026-2027 course descriptions for the middle school.