Kearney School District's Board of Education held its final regular business meeting of 2025 on Wednesday evening, Dec. 17, at the central office. The night opened on a high note with a wonderful performance from the Hawthorne Elementary choir, led by music teacher Michelle Johnston, whose holiday songs set a warm tone for the meeting.

Highlights from the Consent Agenda

The Board unanimously approved standard monthly items, including minutes, bills, and the declaration of surplus academic materials. Members also approved several agreements and MOUs across district departments:

• ScoreVision and 5on5 Sports Media/KMCI-TV for Kearney High School athletics media and scoreboard services.
• Behavioral Health Allies to support Special Services.
• UMKC and Sora academic partnerships.
• Teachers of Tomorrow for HR.
• Additional Data Privacy Agreements for Technology.

Information Items

Bond Project Update
The district continues to make progress on the 2022 bond issue. As of Nov. 30, overall bond expenditures are 83.5% complete. Major completed projects include:

• KHS Theater upgrades
• JH roof/wall replacement
• Middle School restroom work
• KEEC expansion
• Multiple HVAC replacements and renovations across buildings

Financials
The Board reviewed routine monthly financial statements.

Program Evaluations
Two major annual evaluations were presented:

• Library Media Program - highlighting 61,933 circulations, expanded makerspace offerings, updated collections, and alignment with Strategic Plan Objective 2.1
• Parents as Teachers (PAT) - celebrating full partnership with all six community childcare centers, 104 families served, and a continued emphasis on improving program efficiency and staff retention

2025 Annual Survey Results
Director of Communications & Community Relations Ray Weikal presented this year’s annual survey data, with 1,882 total respondents and strong upward trends in multiple areas:

• Overall perception: 4.03 average
• Excellent educational experience: 86% top-two response
• Student belonging & acceptance: 4.02 average
• Notable growth in student climate indicators such as dignity, respect, and feeling cared for

Action Items
The Board took action on several significant items:

• Approved the district’s 2024–2025 audit report from Westbrook & Co.
• Approved the 2026–2027 academic calendar, which includes an Aug. 25 first day of school, Sept. 25 Homecoming, Spring Break March 29–April 2, and a May 28 last day of school
• Approved two extra duty positions to manage concessions
• Approved bids for Kearney High School roof restoration and replacement, including the purchase of materials from Garland
• Approved a contract with Kirbirg Roofing
• Approved a payment over $50,000 to MUSIC
• Approved an agreement with Marzano Research for continued instructional support

Visit the KSD YouTube channel to view the meeting livestream. Visit the KSD Board of Education's Simbli website for all meeting schedules, agendas and documents.