The River Trails School District 26 Board of Education held a meeting on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at Prairie Trails School. It was also livestreamed on our website. A recording of the full meeting is available for viewing on our YouTube page.
Here are the highlights:
- Natalie Hudson spoke on behalf of the River Trails Education Association and thanked Dr. Jodi Megerle, the district administrative team and the Board for all their hard work throughout the summer to prepare for the school year. She added, “We’re so ready to come back and we look forward to an awesome year.”
- Dr. Susan Stolzer, a recently resigned board member, was awarded a plaque and recognized for her service to the district. The plaque read, “The Board acknowledges and expresses its deep appreciation for your commitment and dedication on behalf of public education.”
- Board President William Grimpe talked about the vacant board position and the process for naming a new member. The deadline for applying is September 2 and interested candidates can learn more by visiting the district website.
- The Board named Donna Johnson as the new Board secretary to replace Dr. Stolzer.
- Board Member Louis Camardo credited River Trails Middle School Principal Mary Krall-Meske for being so organized and accommodating as the new school year begins.
- Patty Reyes, the administrative assistant for the superintendent and the Board, was recognized for going above and beyond in her role. “Not everyone sees what Patty does,” former superintendent Dr. Nancy Wagner said, “which makes her a true hidden gem, making all those around her look good.”
- President Grimpe noted a recent meeting with board presidents from surrounding school districts, and his plan to meet with them regularly in order to collaborate and strengthen the relationships between the districts.
- Kristy Seifert, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, updated the Board on the 43 new staff members that were hired throughout the summer. She also spoke about the plan for teaching new staff about the district and its priorities.
- Matt Tombs, director of innovation and technology, recapped the recent Innovation Symposium in which several employees participated. He called it “a great start to the year.”
- Dr. Lyndl Schuster, assistant superintendent for business services, presented a financial update for the 2023 fiscal year. “We ended FY2022 in a very favorable financial condition.”
- Dr. Schuster updated the Board about the nearly-completed construction work on the River Trails Middle School parking lot.
- The Board approved an upgrade to the district’s security and surveillance system at each of the schools.
The next regular board meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 20. You can email the board at boe@rtsd26.org.