Ryan Blankenship

The Kearney School District's 2022-2027 Strategic Plan is designed to provide exemplary educational experiences in a secure, supportive environment where students can discover their talents, express themselves, and become strong citizens. The plan focuses on creating a safe climate and culture, ensuring academic success and student support, promoting responsive leadership and community engagement, and valuing employees. These pillars combine to achieve the district's goals, emphasizing hometown values and world-class results.

The meeting included discussions on welcoming new central office staff members, a review of renovated spaces at various elementary schools, and finance presentations. Key topics included Senate Bill 68 regarding cell phone bans, back-to-school registration information, and student highlights. The board also addressed the consent agenda, project updates, deferred maintenance items, financials, adult lunch prices, bus routes, an agreement with TRIA Health for cost containment in health insurance, and revisions to student handbooks related to personal communication devices.

The meeting included a school spotlight on Carney Junior High, featuring the student council and their activities. Recognitions were given to the band and vocal departments for their achievements at the state solo and ensemble festival. The superintendent reported on the upcoming end of the school year, graduation, and postseason activities, as well as a board vacancy and legislative updates, including potential implications of a cell phone ban. Updates were provided on construction projects at various schools, and the district's financial status was reviewed. A program evaluation of health and wellness services was presented, outlining the nursing staff and student medical conditions.

The meeting included a school spotlight from Hawthorne Elementary, where students discussed creating a greater sense of belonging, student responsibilities, playground improvements, lost and found organization, and the recycling program. The Early Education Center presented a project promoting their programs, highlighting the benefits of early education. The superintendent provided comments on federal and local education matters, including potential budget impacts and legislative updates.

The meeting included recognition of student athletes with All-State honors in football. An update on summer school plans was provided, focusing on a 20-day program with an emphasis on reading intervention and credit recovery. Details on the long-range planning process for a bond election were shared, highlighting community engagement. Finally, congratulations were extended to re-elected board members.