Rendering of outside of the expanded facilities at Kearney High School, (Courtesy)
KEARNEY — The members of the Kearney Public Schools board of education approved a name for the south expansion of Kearney High School which will support girls wrestling and JROTC program.
“The 28,704-square-foot KHS flex space addition will be constructed on the south end of Kearney High School. This cutting-edge facility will house dedicated spaces for the new girls’ wrestling team, a JROTC air rifle range, and an indoor drill area for JROTC cadets, providing essential room for these growing programs,” according to a press release by Kearney Public Schools, (KPS).
Superintendent Jason Mundorf told the board members that the students and staff were asked about their thoughts for a name for the facility and eventually there were three choices that were made available for students to vote on.
Of the 458 votes, 324 voted to in favor the “Kearney High School Performance and Activity Wing, or Paw.”
The board members voted to approve the name for the facility.
A construction update was presented to the board, with a majority of the work regarding the renovation and expansion of Windy Hills Elementary. The project is on schedule and at the moment under budget.
A significant amount of work has been completed to date, but there are still around five months of work left in the building. The hope is for substantial completion to be ready by June, to give teachers and staff time to move into the building before the start of the school year.
During the recognition period, KHS senior Drew Welch was honored for achieving a perfect score on the ACT.
“On Jan. 22, the University of Nebraska System formally recognized Drew Welch as qualifying for the university’s Presidential Scholars program. Launched in February 2024, the Presidential Scholars program provides a full-ride academic scholarship, plus a $5,000 annual stipend, to every high school senior who graduates from a Nebraska high school, receives a perfect 36 on the ACT and attends college at the University of Nebraska,” according to KPS.
Welch told the board members he intends to pursue premedical studies at the University of Nebraska.
Central Elementary School was also honored for being Named a National Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished School By the State Education Agency in Nebraska.
“The National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program publicly recognizes qualifying federally funded schools for the outstanding academic achievements of their students. It highlights the efforts of schools nationwide making significant improvements for their students. Central Elementary is one of 69 schools nationwide recognized for exceptional student achievement in 2024,” according to KPS.
During the personnel section, the board approved several resignations and retirements including those of Emma Allen, 7th grade English teacher at Horizon Middle School; Dr. Chris Loofe, associate superintendent and director of finance at Kearney Public Schools; Kim Loofe, special education teacher at Hanny Arram Center for Success; and the retirement resignation of Suzanne Morgan, 3rd grade teacher at Meadowlark Elementary School, effective at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.
Employment of staff included, Kelli Bauer, 4th grade teacher at Park Elementary School; Madison Felt, special education teacher (TLC) at Kenwood Elementary School; Allysen Gross, special education teacher (Level II) at Sunrise Middle School; Jessie Huffman, school psychologist for Kearney Public Schools; Tyler Jensen-Sadler, 5th grade teacher at Bryant Elementary School; Colin Jones, BA, science teacher at Kearney High School; Marissa Kalb, 2nd grade teacher at Bryant Elementary School; Jacob McCarthy, adaptive physical education teacher for Kearney Public Schools; Cooper McIntosh, 8th grade math teacher at Horizon Middle School; Joshua Paisley, grade science teacher at Horizon Middle School; Meg Schluns, 1st grade teacher at Bryant Elementary School; Dana Stelling, 7th grade english language arts teacher at Horizon Middle School; Breanna Trampe, teacher at Kearney High School for the 2025-2026 school year.
Employment of administrative staff included Kyle Heilbrun as principal of the K-5 Alternative School; Alyssa Clay and Cassie Houser as special education supervisors for Kearney Public Schools, for the 2025-2026 school year.
The board also approved to accept the bid from Connection for Chromebooks for 5th and 9th grades and upgrades to Kenwood technology, in the amount of $300,195.00.
The next regular meeting of the Kearney Public Schools Board of Education will be held on March 10, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the Staff Development Room in the Administration Building.
