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Gaylord Middle School adds career exploration and school newspaper electives; board honors students and staff
Summary
The board approved changes to Gaylord Middle School's 2026–27 curriculum to add a nine-week career exploration elective and a semester-long school newspaper class, and recognized student-athletes, band achievements, staff tenure and inducted a former superintendent into an Academic Hall of Fame.
The Gaylord Community Schools Board of Education approved updates to the Gaylord Middle School 2026–27 curriculum guide to add new elective options and recognized several students and staff for achievements.
The curriculum update replaces music appreciation in the rotation with a nine-week career exploration elective and adds a school newspaper course; administrators clarified the newspaper will run as an 18-week, semester-long option that will alternate with art so more students can take it over the year. Trustees confirmed current staff will cover the courses.
During recognitions, the board honored student-athletes and band accomplishments. The meeting highlighted Katie Birkshshire’s cross-country and track accomplishments and noted student Jiren Benzinger’s wrestling record (more than 150 wins) and football achievements, including a 95-yard touchdown run. District band successes at state festivals and the band director’s state-level teacher-of-the-year recognition were also noted. The board inducted former superintendent Brian Pearson into the district Academic Hall of Fame and summarized his contributions to district programs and local history preservation.
The curriculum update and recognitions drew applause from trustees and citizens; the curriculum motion passed by voice vote, recorded as 7–0.
