KSD Hosting Public Sharing and Listening Events

Kearney School District is hosting several Public Sharing and Listening Events this September as part of our Great Schools = Great Community initiative.

These events are designed to help families, staff members, residents and community partners learn more about KSD’s school finance, long-range facilities planning and community engagement efforts. They are also an opportunity to ask questions, share priorities and provide feedback before final decisions are made later this year.

The same information will be shared at each session, with details related to all district buildings. Please choose the date or location that works best with your schedule.

Friday, Sept. 4

8:15 to 9:30 a.m.

Kearney Elementary

Wednesday, Sept. 9

8:15 to 9:30 a.m.

Southview Elementary

Thursday, Sept. 10

8:15 to 9:30 a.m.

Hawthorne Elementary

Friday, Sept. 11

8:15 to 9:30 a.m.

Dogwood Elementary

Tuesday, Sept. 15

6 to 7:30 p.m.

KSD Central Office

Wednesday, Sept. 16

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Kearney Senior Center

Wednesday, Sept. 16

6 to 7:30 p.m.

Kearney High School

Thursday, Sept. 17

6 to 7:30 p.m.

Kearney Middle School

A separate online survey will be available for residents who are not able to attend in person.

Learn more at www.ksdr1.net/GreatSchools.

KSD Highlights Safety Resources for Students and Families

Creating safe, welcoming and supportive schools remains a daily priority across the Kearney School District as staff members continue working with families, law enforcement and community partners to protect students and support a positive learning environment.

The district’s safety efforts include collaboration with local law enforcement and first responders, trained school safety personnel, emergency planning and drills, threat assessment procedures, visitor management systems and ongoing education to help students and staff know what to do when concerns arise.

District leaders said families play an important role in that work, especially by staying informed about available resources and encouraging students to speak up when they see or hear something concerning.

The district’s Safety & Security webpage provides information about the School Safety & Security Team, emergency response procedures, common terminology families may hear during an emergency, reunification procedures and ways to report a safety concern.

The webpage also includes anonymous reporting resources, including Courage2Report, Missouri’s confidential school safety reporting system, and Scholastic Crime Stoppers. Students and families are encouraged to tell a trusted adult or KSD employee whenever they become aware of a potential safety issue.

In addition to campus safety, the district is also emphasizing online safety. KSD families can use the Online Safety Hub, which offers articles, videos, courses and other resources to help parents and guardians better understand the digital spaces students navigate.

Families may also access the Qustodio Parents App, which gives parents and guardians greater visibility into how their children are using district-issued devices.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

School District Seeks Members for Great Schools Committees

Kearney School District is asking parents, guardians, staff members, students, residents, business leaders and community partners to help shape the future of local schools through two stakeholder committees connected to its Great Schools = Great Community initiative.

The committees are intended to help the district gather community input, study future needs and plan responsibly before major decisions are made about schools, facilities and student outcomes.

One group, the Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee, will review facility needs, consider priorities and provide feedback as the district develops a plan for maintaining and improving the buildings and spaces used by students, staff and the broader community.

District officials said the facilities committee will require the larger time commitment, with several meetings and activities expected this fall. Meetings are scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kearney School District central office unless otherwise noted. Planned dates include Sept. 3, Sept. 28, Oct. 12, Oct. 19 if needed and Nov. 2 if needed.

The second group, the Portrait of a Graduate Committee, will focus on the skills, experiences and qualities the district wants every student to develop before graduation. That committee is expected to require a lighter commitment, likely one or two two-hour meetings this winter.

Both committees are part of the district’s broader public engagement effort, which is based on the belief that strong schools reflect the hopes, needs and voices of the communities they serve.

Anyone interested in serving is invited to complete a brief Committee Interest Form by the close of business on Friday, Aug. 21. Submitting the form does not obligate a person to serve, but it will help the district identify those who are interested and available.

Kearney School District plans to use the responses to form committees that include a broad mix of voices, experiences and perspectives from across the district.

The district also plans to host public engagement opportunities this fall for families, staff members, residents and community partners who want to ask questions, review information and share feedback. Additional details will be released as those plans are finalized.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

School District Celebrates Excellence at Team KSD Awards

Kearney School District honored exceptional educators, support professionals, retirees, and community partners at the 2026 Team KSD Awards & Retiree Reception held Thursday, April 30, at Tobacco Barn Farm. The event spotlighted districtwide award recipients, with Dr. Brad Miller, chemistry teacher at Kearney High School, named 2026 Teacher of the Year, and Stephanie Dolinar, Puppy Pound Lead at the Kearney Early Education Center, recognized as Support Staff of the Year.

Dr. Miller has dedicated 17 years to public education, spending the past seven at KHS. He is admired for guiding students through complex subjects with confidence, humor, and persistence, setting high expectations while offering encouragement and support.

Mrs. Dolinar, who has devoted all 18 years of her career to KSD, fosters a safe and joyful environment at the Puppy Pound, nurturing the district’s youngest Bulldogs, their families, and staff members.

The Kearney School District Education Foundation was also acknowledged for its ongoing support of the awards and its commitment to investing in students, teachers, and staff, making the honors even more meaningful. Recognition extended to school-level Teachers of the Year, Support Staff of the Year, 2026 retirees, Volunteer of the Year Aaron Jury, and Business of the Year Long Veterinary Clinic.

Congratulations to Dr. Brad Miller, Stephanie Dolinar, and all 2026 Team KSD honorees for their dedication and impact on the Kearney School District community.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Give Your Child a Strong Start: Enroll in Summer School

Summer is almost here, and Kearney School District wants every Bulldog to have the opportunity to keep learning, growing and connecting with classmates during its 2026 Summer School! Families who need transportation must complete enrollment by Thursday, April 30.

"Summer school is more than extra time in the classroom. It is a chance for students to build confidence, strengthen important skills, explore new learning opportunities and stay connected to the routines and relationships that help them succeed," KSD Superintendent Emily Miller said. "For many children, a few weeks of summer learning can make a real difference when they return to school in August."

KSD's 2026 Summer School will be held June 1–25, with classes meeting only on Mondays through Thursdays. There will be no summer classes on Fridays. Elementary Summer School will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Secondary Summer School will run from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Whether your child would benefit from extra support, wants to stay engaged, or simply enjoys being part of a fun and positive school environment, Summer School is a great way to make the most of June. Please take a few minutes today to review the information and complete enrollment at: www.ksdr1.net/summerfun.

KPGZ News - Ray Weikal contributed to this story.