Superintendent: first days went well; district to roll out strategic-plan reporting and pursue safety funding

Superintendent Ken Janzrich told the board the first days of the school year were positive, with active student and staff engagement across buildings and increased bus activity at McLennan.

"First day of school is amazing," Janzrich said, noting he visited multiple buildings and thanked buildings-and-grounds staff for summer work that prepared campuses for students. He identified district strategic priorities—student growth and achievement, wellness, operations, employment services and community engagement—and outlined a new reporting cadence: every other month the board will receive either a central-office report (beginning with curriculum and instruction in September, presented by Heather Halpin) or a building report showing what staff and students are doing day to day to meet district goals.

Janzrich also described security investments already planned, including preexisting funding for secure entrances. The chair noted the district had received $700,000 for secure entrances to be installed over the summer at three buildings, and Janzrich said the district would pursue additional state allocations if they become available.

Student representatives praised the start of the year: Adrian Guzman, a senior representative, said things "have gone very smoothly" and noted extracurricular successes including volleyball wins and the ice cream social. Another student speaker described new bus operations and cameras that make students feel safer.

The superintendent and trustees emphasized the district’s intent to keep families informed about specific calendar dates while final negotiations with the teachers’ union continue.