Superintendent and union representative describe summer planning and readiness ahead of opening day

Superintendent Jeremy Smalene and a union representative reported on summer planning and activities the district used to prepare for the 2025–26 school year, emphasizing leadership development, school improvement planning and targeted summer programs.

"In July, our administrative units spent dedicated time developing school improvement plans and department goals," a union representative, identified in the transcript as Mr. Lum, said during the union-comments portion of the meeting. The transcript records that the summer work focused on "student behavior and safety," attendance and well-being, instructional updates, and alignment of school improvement plan (SIP) and strategic equity plan (SEP) goals. Smalene said the district participated in an annual leadership week and that guests and staff "spent a week together focused on leadership development," noting a speaker, Jasmine Kullar, who urged leaders to consider "influence, trust, and empowering others."

Why it matters: Summer planning sets measurable priorities—school improvement plans, departmental goals and leadership development—that guide instruction, safety and supports as students return to school. The district said it would "continue to monitor progress and provide the board with regular updates."

Details and context: The union representative and Superintendent Smalene described a "leveling up" initiative to "raise expectations and opportunities for students" and said summer programs provided targeted assistance to help students enter the year on track. The superintendent welcomed new student board member Bailey Katina, a senior at Athena High School, who said she plans to bring student perspectives to board discussions.

Ending: The board praised opening-day activities—an a cappella performance and marching band were called out—and multiple members encouraged community support for staff and caution around school buses as the year begins.