Mark DeWitt

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.

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 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.

The board meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance led by students from Pioneer Ridge Middle School, followed by a thank you to veterans. Key agenda items included the approval of the agenda and a presentation by students and the administrative team from Pioneer Ridge Middle School regarding their 'Sources of Strength' program, which focuses on building protective factors and promoting a positive school culture through campaigns focused on belonging and gratitude. Community members addressed the board during the hearing and requests section. A student expressed concerns about the political atmosphere during meetings and advocated for compassion and support for teachers and students. Teachers provided updates on specific classroom initiatives, such as physics lessons, specialized early childhood programs (CLIMB), and Freshman English classes focusing on reading for joy and critical analysis. An update was also given on the GEHS literary and arts journal, the Blazer Review, and the Writing Lab. Commendations included recognition of a science teacher receiving a prestigious award from the Wendel G. Mulling Foundation.

The Board of Education meeting centered on playground improvements at various elementary and middle schools as part of the BOND 2025 initiative. Key discussion points included project overviews, design phase timelines, representative workgroup feedback, and stakeholder priorities such as climbing and spinning features, safety, shade, and sensory elements. The board reviewed uniform designs, layouts, and safety measures, and discussed the proposal and pricing from ABCreative, the preferred provider, including a 5% purchasing discount and value-engineered savings. The total project cost is $5,174,345.00. The meeting concluded with a recommended motion to award the contract to ABcreative for the playground renovations.