Kevin English

The strategic plan for Garden City Public Schools aims to ensure all students are future-ready by fostering engagement, learning, and growth, underpinned by a vision of hometown pride and commitment to excellence. The plan is structured around key strategic areas: Academics & Programs, Learning Environment, Operations, Communication, and Personnel. It focuses on providing tools, expectations, and supports for all learners and staff, enhancing classroom instruction, maintaining clean and safe facilities, ensuring regular and accessible communication, and offering differentiated professional development to support staff growth.

The meeting included the pledge of allegiance and reminders regarding addressing the board. Committee updates were provided, including information on syncing fund project updates and the Middle School Athletic Field Project status. Updates covered delivery of salt, filter changes during the break, and floor waxing at the BTC. Curriculum committee discussions involved unpacking state testing data for fifth, eighth, and eleventh graders in social studies and science, and reviewing trends for student readiness. The meeting featured recognition of several "Shining Star" students and "Above and Beyond" staff members across various locations: Burgger, Burgger Transition Center, Lathers, Memorial, Douglas, Farmington, and Garden City Middle School and High School. Specific topics included the status of stage curtains, the addition of new drivers and a bus aid, and a note regarding the theater director moving forward with directing The Diary of Anne Frank despite a health concern.

The board meeting included updates from the building and facility committee, covering sinking fund projects, concrete work delays due to cold weather, potential playground overhang repairs, and stage curtain replacements. Transportation updates included fence line clearing and early morning efforts by the buildings and grounds crew to clear parking lots and apply salt. The curriculum committee discussed MSTEP test results, plans to support non-proficient students, and updates to K-12 literacy laws. A presentation was given on the strategic planning process, including data collection, stakeholder input, and the development of revised mission, vision, and belief statements. The strategic plan focuses on strong classroom instruction, providing tools and support for learners and staff, regular communication, professional development, and maintaining clean and safe facilities.

The meeting included updates from the Finance and Policy committees. The Finance Committee discussed an upcoming parody payment for the GCISS, an easement purchase offer from Crown Castle for a cell tower, a potential bond refinance in December, and state revenue changes. The Policy Committee reviewed a draft policy for facility dogs and proposed a first reading during the meeting to expedite the policy's implementation. The board also discussed a human resources report, the district's strategic plan, and recognized the Garden City High School Theater Group and the buildings and facilities team for their work. Additionally, there was a presentation regarding the 2016 bond refinance.

The meeting included recognition of shining star students and above and beyond staff members from various schools, including Burgger Baylor, Burgger Transition Center, Lathers, Memorial, Douglas, and Farmington Elementary School, as well as the middle and high schools. Recognition was given for academic achievements, kindness, leadership, and contributions to the school community.