Jana Boyt

The board meeting included several presentations and discussions. Students from Nike Elementary presented on social and emotional learning, sharing creative writing and drawings related to emotions such as happiness, confusion, fear, and excitement, and discussed coping mechanisms. Students from Madison Elementary presented on their experience with the LETRS training program, focusing on collaboration and understanding the science of reading to improve student literacy outcomes. The automotive program presented on achieving national accreditation through ASE, detailing the career pathways offered, including advanced training, work-based learning opportunities, and concurrent college credits provided through a partnership with Johnson County Community College. The presentation emphasized the benefits of understanding the 'why' behind academic concepts for both teachers and students.

This document outlines the TRAILS (Transition Readiness and Independent Living) Program, a transition program for young adults in the Gardner Edgerton School District. The mission is to promote increased independence for all participants through an individualized, team-based approach, focusing on functional life skills. Key instructional areas include working and living cooperatively in the community, functional daily living skills, budgeting, cooking, nutrition, safety, shopping, self-determination, interpersonal skills, hygiene, education opportunities, and employment skills. The program incorporates weekly outings, monthly field trips, and community-based instruction to achieve its goals.

The meeting commenced with a recognition of a new board member, Julie Aldridge, and confirmation of remote participation by Jeff Miller. Key agenda items included the approval of the agenda, a presentation by students from Grandstar Elementary concerning giving and receiving help, and a presentation by Tim Brady, Executive Director of the Gardener Edertton Schools Foundation, highlighting the foundation's partnership across various school district departments such as the Superintendent's office, community relations, human resources, and business/finance. The board conducted the organization process, electing a president and vice president for 2026, and approved board meeting dates for the 2026-2027 period. A special board meeting was added for April 27, 2026, to discuss district boundaries related to a new elementary school. The public hearing section featured citizens addressing the board regarding communication strategies in special education preschool classrooms and concerns about student safety, restroom usage policies, and the continuation of advanced science courses like AP Physics 2.

The Site Council meeting served as an informational session for regular attendees, with the Superintendent and Board office personnel present to discuss considerations for the future, specifically regarding the construction of a new elementary school and an early childhood center, which necessitates boundary changes. The discussion detailed the process for developing new school boundaries, emphasizing that no decisions were being made during this meeting, which was solely for gathering community feedback on priorities such as minimizing impact, balancing enrollment, preserving the neighborhood concept, considering specialized programs, and ensuring boundaries are sustainable for 5-10 years. The comprehensive process, guided by a consulting firm, includes setting priorities in an April work session, committee review, public forums, and surveys, with the goal of formally adopting new boundaries in January or February 2027, effective August 2027. Additionally, the Board addressed capacity at the existing high school, noting the cafeteria is being updated, and projected that a second high school is at least 10 years away, contingent on future community needs.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance led by students from Moonlight Elementary, followed by the approval of the agenda. A significant portion of the meeting involved presentations from Moonlight Elementary regarding student individual BIS success plans, focusing on predictability, accountability, and consistency, with students sharing personal goals and contributions. Recognition was given for various GHS fall activities, including Unifi Bowling's growth, Volleyball achievements with multiple all-league honors, and the Soccer team's successful stretch with six all-league selections. Further recognition covered Girls Golf, Girls and Boys Cross Country (the boys team placing seventh overall at state), Girls Tennis, and Football, highlighting the senior class legacy. Updates were provided on the Educators Rising district competition qualifiers for state, Cheerleaders qualifying for nationals, and the Dance squad's performance. The Theater program's fall musical 'Shrek' and the Music department's strong representation in the ECKMEA District Honor Choir, band, and orchestra were noted. Student Council activities, including dances, pep assemblies, parking spot painting tradition, and a highly successful food/hygiene drive for Hope Market, were also presented. Finally, recognition was extended to outgoing Board of Education members Greg Chapman and Patrick Ross, and the district's Parents as Teachers program received the Blue Ribbon Affiliate Award.