Goddard Unified School District 265

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.

The meeting commenced with the Flag Salute and a statement of the district's mission. District Attitude Awards were presented to several staff members, recognizing outstanding contributions. The agenda was adopted, and the Superintendent provided information recognizing Board of Education Appreciation Month, introducing the recommended candidate for Day School Principal, and presenting a first read of policy updates. Key discussions included a patron presentation, the presentation of the fiscal audit results for the period ending June 30, 2025, and the review of the ZeroEyes pilot program, resulting in the approval of the grant application. The consent agenda covered various staff resignations, retirements, terminations, and new contracts/letters of employment, including the hiring of Reanne Kuhnke as Day School Principal. The Board also accepted several gifts and grants, approved the Resolution to Establish Board's Election of School Board Officer 2026, approved the audited financial statements, finalized the BOE Committees assignments, and added a Work Session for March 9, 2026. Business actions included the approval of bills and transfers totaling $775,746.83 and the approval to pay classified staff for a weather day.