The Davenport Community School District meeting featured multiple staff recognitions: the board honored Shaney Ford for donating more than 70% of her liver to save her sister, presented an award to Rudy Newkirk as Iowa Fine Arts Administrator of the Year, and announced the district's new quarterly Heart of Excellence awards.

Superintendent Schneckleff introduced Shaney Ford's recognition and described Ford as an "organ donation advocate" who provides frontline support for at-risk students. Ford addressed the board and thanked the district, saying, "I would do it again in a heartbeat." Presenters said Ford's actions exemplify compassion and service to students and families.

The superintendent also introduced Rudy Newkirk, described her leadership in K–12 fine arts, and reported she was named the 2026 Iowa Fine Arts Administrator of the Year by Arts Education/SAI criteria. District administrators explained the Heart of Excellence award process: nominations were open through October, nearly 100 nominations were received, and winners were selected by a panel using a rubric across four categories (certified, classified, non‑bargaining, and administration). The district said winners may be nominated for state and national recognition in the future.

Board members praised the recognitions and the new award program. Trustees said the awards help highlight staff contributions and that Project SEARCH's presentation was an important complement to the evening's recognitions.

What’s next: the Heart of Excellence awards will continue quarterly; district staff indicated they will consider nominees for higher-level awards and incorporate the program into ongoing recognition efforts.