Kearney School District's Board of Education held a regular business meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the central office. Below are a few highlights from the evening. A complete agenda and all supporting documents are available on the board's Simbli website.

School Showcase - Dogwood Elementary

Dogwood Elementary Principal Kathleen Bahan was joined by several of her team members and 11 students, who shared details about the leadership roles they have in their school. The leadership program was started to empower students, foster responsibility and build community. The student leadership tasks included:

• Safety
• Greeters
• Cafeteria support
• Mentorship
• Playground equipment
• Botany care
• Office support
• Learning Pod organizers

To learn more about this student leadership program at Dogwood Elementary, view the presentation.

Bond Project Update

Newkirk Novak, KSD’s capital project contractor firm, plans to have project bids back in early March for the following items: Epoxy floors at the three elementary schools, HVAC projects, and the Southview Elementary roof project. Once that happens, the district can prioritize three projects with the remaining bond funds available and prepare a proposal for the school board’s March 2027 agenda. Work continues on the Kearney Middle School roof metal trim. Roof work began on the KHS field house on Feb. 16, utilizing a stretch of good weather to help complete the two-week project.

LINK - 2022 Bond Project Update

Career & Technical Education (CTE) Program Evaluation

Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services Dr. Valerie Utecht shared an update on Kearney School District’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) programming and how it helps students “find their voice” as they explore career pathways and real-world opportunities. The evaluation highlights a wide range of coursework at Kearney High School and Kearney Junior High—Agriculture, Business, Marketing, Family & Consumer Sciences, and Project Lead the Way (Biomedical and Engineering), along with Cooperative Education—plus expanded options through partner programs such as Northland CAPS and area career centers.

Dr. Utecht emphasized that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all path: students are supported in matching their interests and goals with opportunities that also reflect workforce needs in our community. The district’s Career Readiness Coordinator, Emmy Berry, plays a key role in helping students connect to the right experiences, including internships and other Market Value Asset (MVA) opportunities.

A few highlights from the evaluation:

• Strong student participation in CTE-related organizations and experiences, including internships, which have continued to grow year over year.
• The Class of 2025 achieved 100% MVA attainment, and KSD is on track to maintain that momentum.
• Next steps include continuing to expand client-connected projects, building on internship programming, and developing a CTE alumni network so graduates can return and share how these experiences shaped their success after high school.