Valerie Armstrong

The Board meeting commenced with the Flag Salute and recitation of the Mission Statement, followed by the presentation of the District Attitude Awards to several students and a teacher for demonstrating exceptional kindness, positivity, and leadership. The agenda was adopted, and the Superintendent provided information, including recognition from the GEA Co-President and updates on the upcoming State of the District Address and legislative matters. Key discussions included an update on legislative priorities and a first read on proposed 2026-2027 school year enrollment fees and meal prices. Under capital projects, the Board authorized an amendment to a contract, adding $75,000 for contingency and setting a threshold for future change orders. The Consent Agenda included approvals for resignations, retirements, and terminations across various school levels and departments, the approval of new contracts and letters of employment for the 2026-27 school year, the adoption of the 2026 Legislative Platform, approval of the annual K-5 Virtual School agreement with Greenbush, approval of the 2027-2028 School Calendar Draft 2, acceptance of gifts and grants, and approval of KASB Policy Updates. Financial matters included the approval of bills and transfers totaling $1,042,582.45 and the approval of a proposal from Double Check Company, LLC for underground tank removal.

This document outlines the 2026 Legislative Platform for Goddard Public Schools, with the mission to educate all students for lifelong success. It supports legislative positions aligned with the district's Strategic Plan, focusing on five core beliefs: ensuring access to resources for post-secondary and career success, pursuing excellence in educational opportunities, providing a safe and connected learning environment, recruiting and retaining world-class staff, and establishing education as a shared responsibility among all stakeholders.

The meeting began with the Flag Salute led by students from Goddard Middle School and a statement of the district's mission. Key items included the presentation of the District Attitude Awards to several staff members for their exceptional contributions, and recognition of Board Member Mark Richards for 20 years of service. The board adopted the agenda and received informational updates from the Superintendent regarding the evaluation process and a legislative update from the Board Attorney. Presentations covered the Early Learning Update, an update on the USD 265 Police Department, and information on easement requests. The board approved the consent agenda items, which included processing resignations, retirements, terminations, new contracts and job changes, acceptance of various gifts and grants totaling over $33,000, approval of proposed courses for the 2026-27 school year, approval of an updated Memorandum of Understanding, approval of an easement for an underground natural gas line requested by Onegas, authorization for the CFO to sign a USDA-FSA Form, and approval of an updated agreement with Diligent Corporation (Board Docs). In monthly business, the board approved bills and transfers totaling $686,721.93 and received an update on the Day School project timeline.

The Special Meeting of the Board of Education commenced with the approval of the Waiver of Written Notice and the adoption of the agenda. The primary discussion item involved Day School bids, resulting in the approval of the low-cost bid, including the alternate, to Key Construction in the amount of $1,266,000.00, to be paid from existing capital outlay funds. One board member was absent at the call to order but joined the meeting prior to the bid approval.

The Board of Education met for a Work Session. The agenda was approved by motion. The primary discussion point was the Board leadership training, which was led by Dr. Doug Moeckle of the Kansas Association of School Boards.