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Superintendent highlights district momentum, new school timeline and staff/student recognitions
Summary
Superintendent Doctor Grit outlined district priorities for 2026, including facility improvements and a plan to present a detailed timeline for a new school that the district anticipates opening in 2029. The meeting also featured student artwork awards and staff accolades, including a memorial tribute to late speech pathologist Miss Vicky Frank.
Superintendent Doctor Grit opened the meeting with a review of district accomplishments and plans for 2026, telling the board the district has "strong momentum" and that officials expect to present a detailed timeline for a new school in March and aim to open the school in 2029.
The superintendent highlighted recent maintenance and capital work completed over the holiday break — new playgrounds, painting and HVAC upgrades — and thanked staff across maintenance, technology and child nutrition for their work. He said the district had spent roughly $34,000,000 so far this year and was approximately 47% through total expenditures, and he credited staff for keeping the district financially stable while the state budget process remains active.
The meeting included an extended recognition segment. Amy Daddle and other presenters announced winners of the district Christmas card contest and introduced staff awardees: Rachel Stewart was recognized as counselor of the year, Taylor Pittman as certified employee of the month, and Chad O'homie as classified employee of the month for December, with presentations noting their service and specific contributions to students and operations.
Speakers also delivered a memorial 'starfish' tribute to the late Miss Vicky Frank, with former students and colleagues recounting her impact as a speech-language pathologist who helped students find their voices. One former student said the memorial award in Frank's name served as "a reminder to carry forward the kindness, patience, and belief that Miss Frank showed every day." The board later took time for photos and community recognition.
Why it matters: the superintendent's remarks and the recognitions underscore district priorities around student support, facilities maintenance and a multi-year capital plan for a new school. The memorial highlighted ongoing attention to special education and speech-language services in district practice.
Next steps: the superintendent and staff will present a detailed new-school timeline in March; the finance committee will review audit findings and capital-match planning in an upcoming meeting.
