Superintendent previews strategic priorities; nutrition program and PE teachers highlighted

Superintendent Paula Dawson used the board meeting to preview a draft strategic plan and multiple district highlights, while staff recognized classroom and nutrition successes.

Dawson outlined three top priorities for the draft strategic plan: excellence in teaching and learning; safe, welcoming and connected schools; and responsible stewardship of resources. The superintendent said the district's mission is "educating every child for confidence today and contribution tomorrow." She told the board a configuration change is planned for the 2027-28 school year that will place early learning programs (pre-K/TTK/kindergarten) at Lake Tops Elementary and move third grade to Derringer Heights to create a PK-2 building and a 3-5 building in other locations; the middle school configuration was described as unchanged.

The board also recognized child nutrition manager Kelly Foley after the district received a 2026 Rooted in Excellence award from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction in the culturally inclusive meal category. The superintendent and board thanked Foley for a program that included chef demonstrations and vegetarian meals to broaden students' palates.

Monica Barker and Wayne Smith, the district's elementary PE teachers, described units offered across grades (rollerblading, lacrosse, dance, Kids Heart Challenge) and shared results such as over $1,700 raised at a plant sale that will be donated to eighth-grade graduation. They noted fitness testing is part of curriculum and emphasized the aim of encouraging lifelong activity.

What happens next

The board will continue drafting the strategic plan with community input and staff expects to return with financial details and implementation timelines for the listed priorities and facilities planning.