Superintendent highlights student honors, R&D forum and district response to federal education executive order

Superintendent Jason Schumacher used the March 24 board meeting to highlight student achievements, upcoming district events and the district’s posture after a recent federal executive‑order announcement.

Schumacher reported that three students from the district’s Biotechnology Signature Program qualified for the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium in Washington, D.C., and named the qualifiers and their prize placements: Elizabeth Barnes (Shawnee Mission West Junior, second place and a $1,500 scholarship), Cooper Gratzinger (Shawnee Mission South Senior, third place and a $1,000 scholarship), and Suhira Baktu (Shawnee Mission Northwest Senior, fourth place). He credited biotechnology instructors Dr. Kenneth Lee and Zoma Perez Estrella.

The superintendent also noted district recognitions: Anne Langdon received Kansas School Social Worker of the Year for service to Arrowhead and the Shawnee Mission School District, and the district’s winter athletics season produced several state placings across wrestling, swimming and basketball that he summarized for trustees.

Upcoming events: Schumacher reminded the board that the district Research & Development Forum student showcase and the “Great Idea” competition are scheduled in April and encouraged student participation and community attendance. He said the district will publicize deadlines and livestream links in recap materials.

Federal/state policy note: Schumacher told trustees that the president signed an executive order directing the secretary of education to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and that the Kansas State Board of Education and the Kansas State Department of Education issued a statement in response. Schumacher said the district will “take guidance from our state leaders” and described education as “largely a state issue.” He added, in his prepared remarks: “As public school leaders, there's never been a more important time in our careers to fight for what we know is right and to do what we can for those who don't have a voice and depend so greatly on the services that we provide.”

Ending: Schumacher closed his report by thanking staff, highlighting the district podcast and partnerships such as the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation and the Regnier family, and concluding the superintendent’s report portion of the meeting.