Superintendent Ryan previews district "STRONG" plan, updates on turf, playground and community access

Superintendent Ryan told the board the school year officially kicked off with staff back in the district and introduced a year‑long strategic theme: "STRONG," which he said stands for "support, trust, respect, open, nurture, and grit." He said the plan will guide building-level goals and district work this year and that printed copies of the plan and board goals were distributed to members.

Ryan gave construction and athletics updates, stating SAW Sports Turf is scheduled to be on site Monday, Aug. 18, with a tentative completion date before Sept. 5 so football can play on the new turf. "Everything looks like it will be in before the first football game," he said. He added the first soccer game will be played on the adjacent grass field and the elementary playground's main portion was expected to be completed around Aug. 14, with additional installations (volleyball court, outdoor classroom, basketball hoops) continuing for several weeks and temporary fencing used during construction for student safety.

The superintendent also addressed transportation, thanking drivers and asking for patience as usual first‑week "wrinkles" are worked out. He invited board members to a ribbon‑cutting and back‑to‑school night scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Thursday and said the district will include a dedication tied to community engagement events in the opening week.

Public commenters asked the board to preserve community access to the high‑school track. Luke Baker, introduced by the clerk as a resident who would like to speak, said he wants to "keep the track open so I can practice my shot put" and noted he uses it independently for practice. Angi(e) Martinez (who identified herself as a local resident and taxpayer) said she uses the track regularly with her children in the spring and summer and asked that the district keep community use available and "feel safe in the morning." Neighbor Amy Schuster, who lives across from South Park, asked for more transparency if the district is considering restricting access, expressing concern about park conditions and pets.

Ryan and staff acknowledged the comments and said the district would "take it under advisement" while construction and safety fencing are in place. The meeting ended this section with invitations to view the posted plans and to participate in back‑to‑school events.

The board did not take a formal vote on track access during the meeting; public comments were recorded for the board's consideration and any operational changes will be addressed through follow‑up communications or future agenda items.