USD 231 Board Briefs (Feb. 2025)

Nike Elementary students are making strides in fostering inclusion within their school. Over 60 students meet monthly to learn about disabilities and ways to create a more welcoming environment.

They engage with books that highlight different disabilities, discuss sensory processing disorders, autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. Through music therapy and creative projects like inclusion posters and bookmarks, these young leaders spread awareness and kindness throughout their community.

To view the slide deck, click HERE.

Madison Elementary proudly introduced its first-ever student council this year! Students underwent a rigorous application process, delivered campaign speeches, and held elections.

The council is divided into committees focusing on school spirit, teacher appreciation, welcoming new students, and digital news updates.

These young leaders are actively making Madison Elementary a better place, proving that student voices matter in shaping their school community.

To view the slide deck, click HERE.

Senator Molly Baumgardner was recognized for her years of service and dedication to improving education in Kansas. A longtime advocate for literacy and school funding, she played a key role in securing state Supreme Court approval for school finance reforms.

Senator Baumgardner reflected on her decade-long legislative career, emphasizing her commitment to ensuring all students receive the education and resources they deserve. She particularly praised Gardner Edgerton’s focus on literacy and special education, highlighting the district’s leadership in advocating for improved funding and support.

Board members expressed gratitude for her efforts in advancing educational initiatives and presented her with a token of appreciation. Though she is stepping away from her legislative role, Senator Baumgardner remains dedicated to advocating for Kansas schools and students.

USD 231 honored two outstanding first-year teachers nominated for the Kansas Horizon Award: MaryAna Barnes, a second-grade teacher at Gardner Elementary, and Jared Skahan, a fifth-grade teacher at Trail Ridge Middle School. Both have shown exemplary dedication to student success, innovative teaching strategies, and positive relationship-building. Their commitment to excellence in education sets a high standard for new educators in the district.

USD 231 is proud of our partnerships with many stakeholders (students, parents, employees, churches, local vendors, etc.). Often, due to these partnerships, our students and employees are the recipients of generous donations.

To view a list of recent donations and grants, click the icon on the right/above.

The district is actively moving forward with its $100 million bond initiative, which includes a new elementary school, updates to early education spaces, and enhancements to high school facilities.

With voter registration deadlines approaching, community members are encouraged to stay informed and participate in upcoming elections to shape the future of Gardner Edgerton schools.

To view the slide deck, click HERE.

Rob Schwartz of RSP & Associates presented a five-year enrollment projection for Gardner Edgerton schools, forecasting growth to 6,000 students by 2029-30. Key drivers include housing development in the northwest and south, though declining birth rates may slow kindergarten enrollment.

To manage growth, the district is planning a new elementary school and an early childhood center, while also modernizing high school common areas. Capacity concerns, shifting demographics, and the need for community engagement will shape future decisions.

The district will use this data to guide staffing, facility planning, and bond projects, ensuring schools meet the needs of a growing student population.

To view the slide deck, click HERE.

The Gardner Edgerton School District will participate in Operation Recognition, a program that awards honorary high school diplomas to veterans who were unable to complete their education due to military service.

Under state law, veterans who left school to serve in World War I, World War II, or the Korean War are eligible. The board discussed extending this recognition to Vietnam War veterans, ensuring those who sacrificed their education for service receive the honor they deserve.

While the district has not previously awarded a diploma under this program, board members expressed strong support for honoring veterans in this meaningful way.

The district is exploring a Therapeutic Day School to support students with disabilities who have significant behavioral challenges. Currently, 16–18 students are placed in costly out-of-district programs each year.

The proposed in-district program would serve grades 3-7 with a small class size, specialized staff, and trauma-informed support, helping students develop emotional and social skills. This initiative aims to reduce costs, provide local support, and improve student success.

No location has been determined at this time.

To view the slide deck, click HERE.

The district reviewed bids for transportation services, focusing on cost, reliability, and service quality.

• 6.1 - 6. - Approval of minutes from the Board Meeting on February 10, 2025; Approval of the minutes from the Budget and Negotiations Meeting on January 27, 2025; Approval of financial statements; Approval of renewal of Liability/Auto Insurance policies; Approval of School Building Activity Account (SBAA) Fund Balances as of FY25 Quarterly Report (7/1/24 - 12/31/24); Approval of contracts/purchases; Approval of claims;
• 10.2 - Approval of the Operation Recognition for Kansas Veterans to be awarded Honorary High School Diplomas;
• 10.9 - Approval of the Personnel report.
• 10.11 - Approval of Superintendent's evaluation.

​Board Briefs are informal reports from the Gardner Edgerton Board of Education's regular meetings. They are typically released a day or two after each meeting and are not meant to be accepted as meeting minutes.

To view previous Board Briefs, click the image on the right.

Monday, March 10, 2025 - 6:00 p.m.