KSD Board of Education Meeting Recap (Aug. 19, 2026)
The Kearney School District Board of Education met on Wednesday, Aug. 19, with much of the discussion focused on our school facilities, continued progress on the 2022 bond projects and the work needed to plan responsibly for the future.
19th Street Complete Street Project
City of Kearney Public Works Director Shelie Daniel provided the Board with an update on the city’s planned 19th Street Complete Street Project.
The project includes roadway, pedestrian and drainage improvements along 19th Street, including the area adjacent to Kearney High School. The plans also involve right-of-way and easement considerations on district property. KSD will continue working closely with the city as the project moves forward.
Comprehensive Facility Assessments
Representatives from Hollis + Miller Architects presented the results of comprehensive facility condition assessments conducted at all eight KSD instructional buildings.
The assessments provide a detailed, building-by-building look at areas including the school site, building structure, mechanical and electrical systems, interior spaces, accessibility, safety and security, door hardware, and kitchen facilities. Each assessment also identifies immediate needs, maintenance needs and items that should be considered in the future.
These are physical facility-condition assessments, not measures of academic performance. They give KSD a much clearer picture of the condition of our buildings and will be an important resource as we continue developing our long-range facilities plans.
2022 Bond Project Update
The Board also received another progress report on the projects funded through the 2022 bond issue.
The overall bond program is now approximately 90.3% complete based on projected expenditures, while the core bond projects are 97.7% complete. The major renovation work at our four elementary schools is also nearing completion, with those projects ranging from about 94% to 99% complete.
The district has been able to significantly expand the work accomplished through the original $44 million bond issue by using bond premiums, interest earnings and careful project management. Remaining work includes completion of several renovation items and additional deferred-maintenance projects.
The Board also reviewed the district’s regular financial reports for July.
Preparing for Future Facility Needs
The Board approved several agreements that will help KSD continue the planning and financial work associated with potential future facility projects.
Newkirk Novak was approved to continue serving as the district’s Construction Manager at Risk for possible future bond projects following a competitive selection and interview process.
The Board also selected Gilmore Bell to serve as bond counsel and approved an agreement for the firm to assist KSD with required continuing-disclosure compliance related to the 2022 bond and any future bond issues.
Piper Sandler was approved to provide underwriting services and consultation related to potential future general obligation bonds and lease-purchase financing.
Together, these steps put the professional expertise in place that KSD will need as we continue evaluating our long-term facility needs and possible options for addressing them.
The Board also:
- Set Sept. 23 for KSD’s annual tax-rate hearing. The hearing will be held in conjunction with the regular September Board meeting and will include an opportunity for public comment.
- Approved the 2026-2027 tuition rate of $17,208.68 for students who may attend KSD on a tuition basis under Board policy.
- Adopted the updated Model Local Compliance Plan for Special Education provided by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
- Approved an amended agreement with USI Insurance Services, which provides insurance consulting and related services for the district.
- Approved Summit Seven Creative as the new publisher of Bulldog News. Summit Seven will handle the design, layout, printing and delivery of our quarterly community magazine. We are excited about this partnership and the opportunity to continue strengthening Bulldog News as an important connection between our schools and community.
- Ratified agreements with Mullen Coughlin LLC and Cybereason for legal and cybersecurity support following a phishing incident identified Aug. 5. Because of the need to respond promptly, the district’s Technology Department initiated assistance under KSD’s established policies and procedures, and the Board had been notified before tonight’s formal ratification.
Thank you for staying informed and engaged with Kearney School District. We have a lot of important work ahead, and we appreciate the continued partnership of our staff, families and community.