Superintendent previews new curriculum, technology upgrades and summer programming

Superintendent Dr. Okonnell opened the Aug. 19 board meeting with a report on summer work and preparations for the 2026–27 school year, saying administrators and teachers spent weeks updating curriculum and preparing for new implementations across grade levels. “It's been a very busy summer and I'm excited to share with you several of the things that have been going on,” she said.

Dr. Okonnell described targeted training for middle‑school English language arts teachers to support a new CKLA program and previewed professional learning scheduled for Aug. 24–26. She also highlighted technology work: interactive projectors installed in elementary schools, a new visitor‑management kiosk rollout (visitor aware/raptor replacement), stage lighting at PHS and migration work on the district website. The superintendent thanked instructional staff and technology teams for preparing classrooms and devices, and noted a new teacher induction cohort to meet with mentors through the year.

The report included brief extracurricular and athletics updates (band and summer camps attendance figures were provided) and an invitation for families to attend upcoming events; Mr. Hong was listed as the contact for IronPigs‑game ticketing for the high‑school singers. The superintendent emphasized community recognition items, including a local value ranking and an alumni appearance on a streaming series.

What happens next: the district will begin the professional learning week Aug. 24–26; administrators said they will continue to share schedule templates with families as middle‑school scheduling is finalized.