Education Foundation Funds Fuel Cutting-Edge Classrooms

The rocket of innovation in Kearney School District continues to be fueled by the KSD Education Foundation.

Foundation leaders recently awarded $11,252 in Teacher Innovation Grants (TIG) to 14 certified district staff members at seven schools. The grants were revealed during a tour of schools by KSDEF Chair Season Kerns, several foundation volunteers and Superintendent Emily Miller on Friday, April 11.

TIGs provide needed funding for new and innovative ideas for classroom teachers to be implemented in the following academic year. Winners are selected annually in the spring to implement programs in reading, technology, science, fine arts and more, Kerns explained.

2025 KSDEF TIG Recipients (School) – Amount & Project:

• Krista Beyeler (Hawthorne Elementary RISE Program) - $1200 for “Reaching Independence Through Supported Education”

• Sara Burgener Madden (Kearney High School) - $1000 for “Biomedical Science Equipment Update”

• Kelsey Colwell (Kearney High School) - $1000 for “Go Direct Blood Pressure Sensor”

• Dani Davis (Dogwood Elementary) - $599.99 for “Social Emotional Learning”

• Shelly Dunn (Hawthorne Elementary) - $540 for “Netting Fun for Everyone – Let’s Play Pickleball!”

• Will Ford (Kearney Elementary) - $1000 for “iPads for Art”

• Katy Foster (Hawthorne Elementary) - $685 for “Egg to Check: A Hands-On Learning Experience in Life Science”

• Catina Green (Hawthorne Elementary RISE Program) - $1000 for “Establish RISE rooms throughout the district”

• Jamie Luppes (Southview Elementary) - $450.74 for “Development Wordsmiths One Word At A Time”

• Chelsea Miller (Hawthorne Elementary) - $300 for “Seeds of Knowledge: A Hands-On Learning Experience Through the Plant Life Cycle”

• Heather Oldham (Kearney Elementary) - $876.72 for “Rocking Into Reading: Enhancing Engagement”

• Tyler Owen (Kearney Middle School) - $950 for “Hands-On Ancient History”

• Kassidy Robertson (Kearney High School) - $1000 for “KitchenAid Attachments”

• Sara Woods (Early Education Center) - $650 for “3-D Minis for Hands-On Language Learning”

These teachers applied for and were selected by a special committee to receive these grants, which are funded with the donations raised by the foundation through direct giving and special events like the annual Turkey Trot run. The Teacher Innovation Grants program brings these concepts to life in classrooms, benefiting students when alternative funding isn't available.

“KSD’s teachers are constantly looking to create new and more engaging experiences for our children,” Kerns said. “We’re grateful to our community for supporting this work and excited to see what our TIG recipients achieve!”

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

School District Awards Honor Top Teachers and Support Staff

Kearney School District is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Team KSD Awards, recognizing 17 exceptional individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their roles.

The Team KSD Awards recognize employees who exemplify the world-class teaching and learning and support work that happens every school day in our classrooms and on our campuses. They have demonstrated a long-term commitment to Kearney School District, are outstanding professionals, support their students and colleagues, and are serious about serving our community.

"I don't think it's a big secret that the single most important part of KSD is our team. Their commitment to excellence from pre-K through graduation is why we consistently produce great results," Superintendent Emily Miller said. "This year's Team KSD Awards winners are truly the best of the best. I am so proud of each of them and grateful for their contributions. I encourage our entire community to join us in celebrating these extraordinary Bulldogs!"

The award selection process started in January when the district invited staff members to nominate deserving candidates for their school's 2024 Teacher and Support Staff of the Year awards. One certified teacher and one support staff member were selected as this year's recipients from each school within the district.

These individuals embody the core values of Kearney School District, including integrity, respect, future readiness, student focus, and resilience. They serve as role models for our entire community.

2025 School Teacher of the Year Award Recipients

• Early Education Center – Holly Anderson

• Dogwood Elementary – Nicholas "Nic" Mattson

• Hawthorne Elementary – Chelsea Miller

• Kearney Elementary – Nanette Stout

• Southview Elementary – Rachel Terrill

• Kearney Middle School – Lauren Thomas

• Kearney Junior High – Molly Kuebler

• Kearney High School – Kassidy Robertson

2025 School Support Staff of the Year Award Recipients

• Early Education Center – Donna Lance

• Dogwood Elementary – Ashley Bricker

• Hawthorne Elementary – Theodore "Scott" Henrichs

• Kearney Elementary – Kalie Dickson

• Southview Elementary – Jaclyn "Jaci" Mick

• Kearney Middle School – Brian "B.J." Webster

• Kearney Junior High – Jennifer Duncan

• Kearney High School – Lacy Howdeshell

• KSD Central Office – Stacy Holtzclaw

These honorees will be recognized at the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Excellence in Education Awards Banquet on April 23. All Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year award recipients will be celebrated by the district along with our 2025 retirees during the Team KSD Awards and Retiree Reception on May 1. That is when the district’s Teacher of the Year Award and Support Staff of the Year Award recipients will be revealed, along with KSD's 2025 Business of the Year and Volunteer of the Year award recipients.

The reception is sponsored by the KSD Education Foundation. The district Teacher of the Year Award recipient will be given a $250 cash award and $750 classroom grant from the foundation, which will also give a $250 cash award and $250 classroom grant to the district Support Staff of the Year Award recipient.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Teacher Earns Invite to Innovative Classroom Training

Kearney School District is pleased to announce that Hawthorne Elementary kindergarten teacher Ashlyn Mansil is one of only 93 educators across Missouri selected to participate in the inaugural class of the Personalized Competency-Based Master Teacher Cadre program.

This professional learning opportunity is hosted by the Success-Ready Students Network (SRSN) in partnership with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. It is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and skills to master personalized competency-based learning (PCBL) through a dynamic blend of in-person and virtual experiences.

“I know everyone in Team KSD joins me in congratulating Ms. Mansil for being chosen to represent our school system in this cutting-edge program,” Superintendent Emily Miller said. “Her work with the cohort aligns perfectly with our focus on fostering innovative teaching and learning in every classroom.”

Mansil was picked for the program after a rigorous application process that included strong recommendations from district administrators. She’s in her second year at Hawthorne and eighth overall as a teacher.

The program will be divided into cohorts across the state led by seasoned educators with vast experience and knowledge in this area. In total, approximately 40 hours of learning will be completed between February and June through a combination of pre-work/self-study, four in-person sessions and a series of virtual sessions.

On a recent Tuesday afternoon, Ms. Mansil quietly and purposefully read a children’s book to her assembled students dutifully arrayed on the carpet at the front of her classroom. She then walked through the basic elements of fiction and had the students disperse to locate and read works that fit those criteria.

“I was really surprised and grateful to be chosen for this program,” Mansil said during a break from providing individual attention for various students. “I’m looking forward to working with a group of outstanding educators to learn how we can create even better classroom experiences for our students.”

Program participants will deepen their understanding of personalized competency-based learning and learn how to enhance classroom practices to design powerful, student-centered learning environments. As they engage with the content, they will build a collaborative network of educators dedicated to refining their craft.

By the end of the program, participants will have developed the expertise and leadership skills of a “master teacher” who not only excels in their own classroom but also serves as a mentor and resource to colleagues, guiding them in the effective implementation of PCBL. These educators will be prepared to take on supportive professional development roles within their districts and across others, expanding the impact of PCBL and benefiting both teachers and students across their schools.

“Ms. Mansil is a great choice for this program,” Hawthorne Elementary Principal Chauncey Rardon said. “Of course, I’m happy for her, but I’m also happy for our team at Hawthorne and the whole district because she’s going to help all of us learn how to implement these techniques in our classrooms.”

Visit www.srsnmo.org to learn more about the Success-Ready Students Network.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

School District Fills Two Key Leadership Positions

The Kearney School District is preparing to welcome two new members for important administrative roles.

Doug Schwinn will become Kearney School District's new Director of Business Services. His hiring was approved by the Board of Education during a special meeting on Feb. 4.

Dr. Valerie Utecht is slated to step in as the district's new Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services. The school board signed off on her hiring during its Feb. 19 executive board meeting.

Mr. Schwinn and Dr. Utecht will officially begin their contracts on July 1. Both will also be participating in a wide range of training and onboarding this spring so that they can hit the ground running by the time classes start again in August.

Doug Schwinn

Schwinn will be replacing current Director of Business Services Ginger Elsea, who has been with the district since 2012 and is retiring. Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services Jennifer Kopp has been with the district for 23 years and is also retiring.

"I'm looking forward to having Doug Schwinn and Dr. Valerie Utecht on our leadership team at Kearney School District," Superintendent Emily Miller said. "They both have big shoes to fill and I'm confident that they have the expertise and mindset to help us achieve our strategic goals. I also know that the Bulldog community will welcome them with open arms and help support their success."

Schwinn will take charge of Kearney School District’s Department of Business Services, which includes oversight of Payroll Services, Accounts Payable and Bookkeeping. His big-picture focus will be on building financial and operational strategies and metrics, ongoing development and monitoring of control systems designed to preserve district assets, and reporting accurate financial results. In this critical role, Schwinn will work closely with Dr. Miller and school and district administrators to plan and manage the district's roughly $60 million annual budget.

"I am very excited about what the future holds for KSD and look forward to making Kearney my new home," Schwinn said. "I was so impressed by both the level of achievement in this school system and the culture of teamwork. I know from experience that these are the signs of a great district."

Dr. Valerie Utecht

As skipper of the school system's pivotal Academic Services Department, Utecht will be responsible for charting and navigating teaching and learning across the district. This job demands collaboration and strategic planning in order to help ensure that schools are meeting the needs of students, staff receive the right training and tools, and the system is achieving the community's desired outcomes.

"I am honored to begin serving as the Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services for the upcoming school year," Utecht said. "It is truly a privilege to join this outstanding district, and I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated educators, students, families, and community members to support continued academic excellence and student success."

Schwinn comes to Kearney School District after serving for 22 years as the Director of Business at Unified School District 230 in Spring Hill, Kan., about a half-hour southwest of Overland Park. That position involves oversight of all business/financial activities for a school district with a $120 million annual budget.

Dr. Utecht has been the Assistant Superintendent at Cameron R-1 School District since July 2023. In that position, she oversees curriculum and professional development, evaluation and assessment, federal programs, safety and security, district compliance and Title IX coordination.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

School District Opens Kindergarten Enrollment

Kearney School District’s kindergarten enrollment launched on Jan. 21 for the 2025-2026 academic year. Now is the time for children who will be age five on or before July 31, 2025, to enroll in kindergarten.

Parents/guardians will be required to provide a birth certificate, a record of required immunizations, and a proof of residence for their child during kindergarten enrollment. Use the district’s online district boundary map to locate the elementary school your child will attend. Parents should note that those boundaries were recently changed and will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 academic year.

Any request to transfer an incoming kindergarten student to a different elementary school for the 2025-2026 academic year must be submitted by Feb. 11 for consideration. Transfer requests will only be considered for the reasons outlined in the request form. Approval is not guaranteed. A decision will be made as soon as possible and is contingent upon a wide variety of factors including classroom space and available resources. Parents or guardians will be responsible for providing transportation to and from school if the transfer request is approved.

Kindergarten Orientation events will be held from 6 to 7 pm on Thursday, May 8, at each of the districts’s elementary schools. This is an opportunity for families to receive helpful information about KSD, tour their school and meet their child’s teachers and building principal.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.