Shawna Purnell

The board meeting covered a wide range of administrative and academic topics, including a Fiscal Year 2027 budget overview and a report on school year grants. The board reviewed and discussed updates to numerous board policies related to graduation requirements, attendance, student health, and safety. Additionally, the board discussed the recommended committee structures for the upcoming school year, potential textbook updates for high school pathway courses, and the scheduling of public hearings regarding the budget and revenue neutral rate. The board also formally acted to approve the district's plan to exceed the revenue neutral rate for the budget year.

This document presents the Kansas History, Government, and Social Studies Standards, designed as a comprehensive framework for curriculum, instruction, assessment, and teacher preparation. Its core mission is to prepare students for lifelong success through rigorous academic instruction, career training, and character development. The plan is guided by five key standards: Choices have consequences; Individuals have rights and responsibilities; Societies are shaped by identities, beliefs, and practices; Societies experience continuity and change over time; and Relationships among people, places, ideas, and environments are dynamic. The overarching vision is for Kansas to lead the world in student success, fostering informed, thoughtful, and engaged citizens.

This Strategic Plan for Derby Public Schools USD 260 outlines a future roadmap based on extensive committee, community, and student input. It focuses on key priorities including exploring a center-based early learning model, maintaining a single high school while expanding career and academic pathways, and realizing a student experience vision centered on career readiness, skill development, and community impact. The plan also details recommended facility investments and provides strategic planning levers to effectively manage enrollment growth and optimize district capacity.

The board meeting covered several critical operational and educational updates. Key discussion topics included reports on facilities and partnerships strategy, employee engagement survey results, an enrollment audit report, and a status update on chronic absenteeism within the district. Action items included approval of a middle school social studies curriculum, updates to class fees for band and orchestra, a ductwork change order for Derby Hills, the renewal of workmen's compensation insurance, and the purchase of student iPads for an elementary refresh. The board also previewed upcoming insurance renewals, discussed a new facility advisory committee, and reviewed proposed changes to student handbooks and district board policies.

The board reviewed end-of-year reports, recognized award recipients, and addressed strategic planning goals including academic achievement, school culture, special services, mental health, facilities, and personnel. The meeting included the approval of out-of-state travel, various donations, a management training plan, increased meal prices for the upcoming school year, and the implementation of a behavioral threat assessment software tool. A proposal for piloting a new Middle School Social Studies curriculum was also discussed.