Board Meeting Brief
January 14, 2024
Recognitions/Presentations
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.
Leah Anguiano, Kindergarten Teacher at Heusner Elementary
Leah teaches with heart and compassion. Her classroom is a school family where every student feels loved, valued and cared for. Leah’s dedication has made an enduring impact on her students and the entire Heusner school community. Thank you Leah, for making a difference.
Michele Coleman, Kindergarten Teacher at Sunset Elementary
Michele’s love and dedication is evident with her students and the families she works with. When a Sunset family was in need of extra help, she made sure they were taken care of. Her compassionate support along with her smile and positivity has truly made a difference. Thank you Michele.
Selina Zeiler, ESL Teacher at South High School
Selina considers her students’ cultures and backgrounds when she designs her lessons. She is dedicated to creating engaging lessons that connect with her students. She continuously strives to improve her craft and cares deeply about her students. Thank you Selina, for making a difference.
Visible Learning Update
Scott Chrisman, principal, and Dena Fouch, instructional coach, reported on Visible Learning at Lakewood Middle School.
Personnel Report and Consent Agenda
Action Agenda
Modified Meeting Resolution
The board approved the revised Resolution to Establish Regular Meeting Dates with the February 11, 2025 meeting date replaced with February 18, 2025.
School Board Reports
- Scott Gardner, board member, attended the Smoky Hill Education Service Center (SHESC) Executive Cabinet meeting.
- Ann Zimmerman, board member, attended the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting, the Central Kansas Cooperative in Education (CKCIE) Board of Control meeting and finished songwriting workshops at Meadowlark Ridge Elementary School.
- Paul Gebhardt, board member, attended SHESC Executive Cabinet meetings, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting and received caroling by Heusner Elementary School staff.
- Dana Kossow, vice president, attended mock interviews at South High School and received caroling by Heusner Elementary School staff.
- Gabe Grant, president, delivered You Make a Difference awards to Heusner Elementary, South High and Sunset Elementary schools. He also received caroling by Heusner Elementary School staff.
Upcoming Dates of Importance
- Thursday, January 23, BOE Worksession, 5:30 p.m., District Office
- Tuesday, January 28, BOE Worksession, 7:30 p.m., District Office
- Monday, February 10, BOE Special Meeting, 7:30 a.m., District Office
Superintendent’s Report
Linn Exline, superintendent of schools, reported that she was present when the Kansas Commissioner of Education, Dr. Randy Watson, called Emma Lidstrom, Grade 3 teacher at Coronado Elementary School, to surprise her by announcing she was chosen as one of 32 Horizon Teachers in Kansas. Emma will participate in the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network conference as part of this recognition. Superintendent Exline thanked Operations staff for their work on weather challenges, including moving a lot of snow and dealing with icy conditions. She thanked Shanna Rector, deputy superintendent, and the educational programs staff for their quick pivot when the weather impacted professional development plans. Superintendent Exline acknowledged the leadership across the district and the flexibility in our community to deal with these challenges and keep students safe.