Board Meeting Brief

Recognitions/Presentations

You Make a Difference

Staff members are nominated by colleagues to receive a You Make a Difference Award for their support of students and the mission of Salina Public Schools. Board of Education members surprise recipients during their workday with a lapel pin and a handwritten note.

Joe Acheson, Warehouse Manager
Operations Center

Joe’s dedication and outstanding work ethic make him an essential part of Salina Public Schools. He consistently goes above and beyond to ensure each building has the supplies and support they need, always handling requests with friendliness, efficiency and a positive attitude. Whether something is needed quickly or requires extra attention, Joe is always willing to help without hesitation or complaint. His reliability and commitment make the jobs of those around him easier and help our schools run smoothly each day. Joe’s willingness to go the extra mile and his exceptional service makes a difference—thank you, Joe!

Julie Bonilla-Acheson, Paraprofessional
Schilling Elementary School

Julie’s positivity, kindness and caring spirit make a difference at Schilling every day. She brings warmth and encouragement wherever she goes, always greeting others with a smile that lifts the spirits of those around her. Julie genuinely cares about both students and staff, creating an environment where people feel supported, valued and appreciated. Even on the most challenging days, she radiates sunshine and is always willing to step in and help however she can. Her compassion and dedication to others truly make a difference—thank you, Julie!

Tristen Denham, Fifth Grade Teacher
Coronado Elementary School

Tristen’s leadership and dedication make her an invaluable part of the Coronado community. As the lead organizer for Big Little Day, she takes on the responsibility of coordinating staff station assignments, creating an organized voting system for students and sorting all Coronado students into groups based on their preferences. Through her careful planning, communication and attention to detail, Tristen helps ensure that Big Little Day runs smoothly and creates a positive experience for everyone involved. Tristen’s commitment, organization and willingness to serve others show how she makes a difference—thank you, Tristen!

Ana Eisenman, Bilingual Education Support
Schilling Elementary School

Ana’s positivity, flexibility and willingness to help have made her an essential part of the Schilling community. During a recent staff transition, she stepped up to take on additional responsibilities without hesitation and consistently supported the office team in a variety of important ways. No matter the task, Ana approached each day with a friendly attitude, an upbeat spirit and a true commitment to teamwork. Her dependable support and encouraging presence have been greatly appreciated by those around her. Ana’s dedication and team-first mindset makes a difference every day—thank you, Ana!

Patricia Haas, Early Childhood Family and Community Liaison
Heartland Early Education

Patricia makes a difference everyday through her compassion, dedication and strong relationships with families. As a family consultant, she works closely with teachers and provides meaningful support, services and resources to Head Start families within our elementary school buildings. Patricia consistently communicates important updates, checks in to offer support and works collaboratively to meet the needs of both teachers and families. Even while balancing responsibilities across multiple buildings, she approaches every interaction with positivity, kindness and a welcoming smile. Patricia’s commitment to supporting children, families and staff truly makes a difference—thank you, Patricia!

Ruth Ann Holgerson, Instructional Assistant
Schilling Elementary School

Ruth Ann makes a difference every day at Schilling. Her dedication and willingness to serve others have been especially evident during a recent staff transition. Despite already managing a full workload, she has continually stepped in to take on additional responsibilities with professionalism, flexibility and a positive attitude. Her team-centered approach has helped ensure that students, families and staff continue to receive the support they need without missing a beat. Through her steady presence, reliability and readiness to help wherever needed, Ruth Ann has provided invaluable support during a challenging time—thank you for all you do, Ruth Ann!

Krista Linenberger, Director of Elementary Programs
District Office

Krista’s leadership, encouragement and dedication make her an incredible asset to Salina Public Schools. Through the many roles she takes on, she consistently demonstrates what strong leadership should look like by communicating effectively, listening with intention, problem-solving and supporting others with genuine care and positivity. Her collaborative approach creates an environment where people feel valued, encouraged and empowered to grow. Working alongside Krista has inspired others to become stronger leaders themselves, as she has the ability to help people recognize the greatness within themselves. Krista’s impact reaches far beyond her daily responsibilities. Thank you for making a difference, Krista!

Kayla Reid, Speech Language Pathologist
Sunset Elementary School

Kayla’s dedication, leadership and compassion make her an invaluable part of the Sunset community. Kayla spends countless hours creating individualized lessons so her nonverbal students can fully engage and have a voice in their learning. This year, she went above and beyond by programming each student’s communication device specifically for music programs, allowing them to actively participate and shine alongside their peers. She has mentored practicum students as they develop the skills needed to become successful school-based speech pathologists, while also helping guide and support a new hire at another school. Even with these added responsibilities, Kayla continues to provide exceptional care and service to her students every day—thank you for making a difference, Kayla!

Morgan Soldan, Kindergarten Teacher
Stewart Elementary School

Morgan’s dedication to her students and commitment to meeting their individual needs make her an essential part of the Stewart community. She creates a classroom environment where every student is supported and challenged to grow, despite the wide range of learning needs and multiple home languages represented in her classroom. Her commitment goes far beyond the school day, as she has continued supporting new language learners through summer school to help build a strong foundation before first grade. Morgan’s passion, perseverance and student-centered mindset make a lasting impact on the lives of her students and truly make a difference at Stewart—thank you, Morgan!

Superintendent’s Excellence Awards

FFA/Central and South High:
Ashlyn Calhoun, Avery MacKinney, Jaiden Seaman, Viviana Segura, Tate Pommer and Kabellah Sheets. Kaitlyn Elder is the advisor.

Forensics/Central High:
Alyxandria Aldrich, Lexie Bolen, Alex Kelley, Marcos Lira, Roselyn Nienke, Kevia Pennyfeather, Lexx Powell, Allison Ramirez, Mac Sheforgen, Yashika Vashisth and Ava Weaverling. Alice Hilt and Lexie Ellerbeck are the coaches.

Forensics/South High:
Angela Ayala-Duran, Kailey Barnett, Madalynn Becker, Taiya Byrd, Annabella Carter, Thea Hoekstra, December Jarvis, Soledad Jimenez, Kyla Korgol, Joshua Lee Perez, Lena Leuthiphonh, Cynthia Perez Hernandez, Emma'Lee Pfertsh, Jose Pinedo De La Torre and Sofia Torres. Chris Delay is the coach.

Health Occupational Students of America (HOSA)/South High:
Elle Barth, Brittany Benavides, Jillian Bicknell, Zoe Boatright, Isaiah Boswell, Sophie Daily, Cale Hammond, Sydni Horning, Bryan Huynh, Eden Khamdalanikone, Julie Lai, Joshua Lee Perez, Adalyn Lowe, Isabelah McGinty, Hala Nairat, Jennifer Nguyen, Angela On and Sophia Mahmoudian Riley. Melissa Mahoney is the sponsor.

Journalism/Central High:
Da’Zariah Barnes-Franklin, Ashlee Bell, Katherine Chelvan, Holli Crawford, Gabriel Freeland, Zach Fritz, Alex Kelley, Kenadee Kohler, Gabriella Merry, Jazlyn Parham, Danielle Peckham, Hannah Peckham, Brecklyn Smith, Tenille Toelle, Ava Weaverling, Carissa Winebrenner and Elizabeth Yoxall. Darrin Stineman is the sponsor.

Journalism/South High:
Oscar Cortes Perez, Alec Easterday, Aurora Hulsey, Kristen Kinion, Taliyah Koster and Izabella Perez. Kim Warren is the sponsor. 

National French Contest/South High:
Lyndon Brewer, Bayler Burr, Antonio Campa, Morganne Jones, Jennifer Morrell, Lila Owens, Cynthia Perez Hernandez, Dalayne Pierce and Lindsay Reyes Araujo. Brenda Geist is the sponsor. 

Seal of Biliteracy/Central High:
Citlali Alarcon, Everest Alba, Kevin Martinez, Alberto Morales and Sarah Rosario. Lexie Ellerbeck and Leonel Alvarado are the coordinators. 

Seal of Biliteracy/South High:
Samantha Dominguez, Elizabeth Garay, Kristen Kinion, Joshua Lee Perez and Jose Pinedo De La Torre. John Hernandez is the coordinator.

Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge/Central High:
Liam Deniau-Young, Alibbea Mong, Noah Peck, Oscar Perez amd Marshall Zuccarelli. Kelley Jones is the sponsor.

Renaissance Teachers

Certificates were presented to secondary teachers honored as Renaissance Teachers of the Month from January 2026 through May 2026. Teachers included, Central High School: Alyssa Waldron, Lizzie Eades, Michael Hair, Matt Dykas and Patrick Newell; Lakewood Middle School: Sean Pakkarato, Katherine Kueker, Michele Griffitts, Susan Lawless and Megan Johnson; South High School: Kate Ozores, Jason Hooper, Selina Zeiler, Kiley Massey and Darren Brooks; South Middle School: Jordyn Cook, Sara Praytor, Lauren Turner, Jill Thelen and Thaine Willer.

Personnel Report and Consent Agenda

 

Action Agenda

Capital Improvement Plan
The board approved the Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2027-2031 as presented.

2026-2027 Chromebook Handbook
The board approved the 2026-2027 Chromebook Handbook.

Discussion Agenda

Policy Review

The following policies were presented to the board for first reading:

• IIBGC to IIBGB – Online Learning Opportunities
• IIBGC – Staff Online Activities (New)
• IIBGB to IIBGD – Computer Software Selection
• JBC – Enrollment
• JBCCA – Enrollment of Military Students
• JCDC – Student Personal Electronic Communications Devices (New)
• JCDC to JCDD – Gangs

School Board Reports

• Paul Gebhardt, board member, attended Central High School’s (CHS) production of The Outsiders, the Salina Adult Education Center’s (SAEC) Advisory Board meeting, and a meeting with the superintendent.
• Ann Zimmerman, board member, served as a South High School (SHS) forensics tournament judge, read to fourth graders at Sunset, attended the CHS Awards program and the SPS district retirement reception.
• Dana Johnson, board member, attended the Teacher of the Year Region 1 Ceremony, a Kindergarten Roundup event, read to second graders at Sunset, delivered You Make a Difference (YMAD) awards, celebrated teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week and attended a Salina Education Foundation meeting.
• Scott Gardner, vice president, attended the SPS district retirement reception and delivered a YMAD award.
• Amy Freelove, board member, delivered YMAD awards, attended the CHS Awards program and the SPS district retirement reception.
• Dana Kossow, board member, delivered a YMAD award and attended negotiations sessions.
• Gabe Grant, president, delivered a YMAD award, attended the SPS district retirement reception, negotiations sessions and the Central Kansas Cooperative in Education (CKCIE) Board of Control meeting.

Upcoming Dates of Importance

• Friday, May 15, Salina Virtual Graduation, 1:30 pm, District Office
• Sunday, May 17, Graduations, Tony’s Pizza Events Center

Central High School – 2:00 p.m.
South High School – 5:00 p.m.

• Thursday, June 18, Salina Adult Education Center Graduation, 7:00 p.m., Location TBA

Superintendent’s Report

Heath Hogan, superintendent of schools, reported that he presented to the Salina Downtown Lions Club, met with a consultant for the Boys & Girls Club, attended negotiation sessions, the CKCIE Board of Control meeting, the TOTY Region 1 Ceremony, and met with Vicky Schmidt, candidate for Kansas governor. Superintendent Hogan met with Dr. Jennifer J. Gordon, secretary for the Dunbar School Alumni Association Inc., attended the Chamber of Commerce Legislative Roundtable and the CHS and SHS Awards programs, read to first graders at Sunset, and attended mock interviews at SHS. He attended Salina Police Department Capt. David Villanueva’s farewell reception with Dr. Shanna Rector, a Salina Boys & Girls Club planning meeting and the monthly district administration and athletic board meetings. He attended the Salina FFA Banquet, the SPS district retirement reception, Kansas Kids Fitness Day, the end-of-year review meeting with Kelly Education and the ESL celebration breakfast at Coronado. He will attend Dr. Randy Watson’s, Kansas commissioner of education, retirement celebration before attending negotiations.