Board recognizes new National Board Certified teachers and state championship football team

The board honored three newly certified National Board Certified Teachers and welcomed the Sumner High School football team and coaches after their state championship victory.

Michelle Lewis, executive director of learning and innovation, introduced the three new national board certified teachers and acknowledged the facilitators who supported their certification work. Lewis noted the district’s high percentage of National Board certified teachers and described the certification as evidence that the district values “teaching and learning.” The three teachers recognized were identified in remarks as Heather Heidi (Tehaleh Heights Elementary, National Board Certified Teacher — Early Childhood/generalist), Megan Jones (Donald [transcript: Donald eyes men] — certified in mathematics and early adolescence), and Kara Reed (Sumner High School — certified in English language arts). Facilitators Jenna Chandler and Julie Hannan were acknowledged for their role in supporting candidates.

The board also recognized Sumner High School’s football team and coaching staff, including Principal Jeff Banes and head coach Ross, after the team’s state championship. Principal Jeff Banes described the game’s community turnout and the team’s resilience, and several student-athletes spoke at the meeting about the team’s journey and the support they received from the community. Student speakers included Jaden (last name not specified) and Luke (last name not specified), who both described community support after personal hardships and said the victory was “bigger than just a team.”

Board members and the superintendent acknowledged the teachers’ achievements and the team’s success, and the evening’s recognitions concluded with photographs and an invitation to take additional pictures in the lobby.

No formal board action was required for either recognition; both items were presented as ceremonial acknowledgments on the agenda.