Kearney, Mo., April 22, 2025: Kearney School District is hosting 2025 Kindergarten Orientations from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 8 at Dogwood Elementary, Hawthorne Elementary, Kearney Elementary and Southview Elementary.

This will be an opportunity for students who are eligible for kindergarten this fall to prepare by spending time with their teachers and other school support staff. Parents and guardians will get to meet and interact with school administrators during a Q&A session.

In addition, these orientations will include devices and support for parents and guardians who want to complete the kindergarten enrollment process for their children. Families should go to the orientation at the school their child will be attending when school starts this fall.

Visit www.ksdr1.net/enrollment for details about how to enroll your child in kindergarten for the 2023-2024 academic year.

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KHS sophomores Luke Vanderstel, Carl “Ben” Jenkins and Carter Lydick were recently selected to attend the 2025 Missouri Scholars Academy this summer at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Founded in 1985, the Missouri Scholars Academy is a three-week residential program for 330 of Missouri’s academically gifted students who are ready to begin their junior year of high school, according to the program’s website. The Academy is held each June on the Mizzou campus and administered by the university’s Honors College.

“It’s an honor to be nominated and selected for this program,” KHS Counselor Ashlee James said. “We’re so proud of Carter, Luke and Carl, and excited to see what they accomplish at this summer’s academy!”

All public and private schools in Missouri are eligible to nominate at least two sophomore students for the Academy. A selection committee, comprised predominantly of teachers from across the state, evaluates the nominations. Students are selected based on a variety of factors, including grade point average, test scores, essay submissions and letters of recommendation. They also have to demonstrate leadership, creativity, intellectual curiosity, problem-solving ability and initiative.

With a carefully selected faculty and staff, a specially designed curriculum with interdisciplinary courses, and a variety of stimulating extracurricular activities, the Academy enables students to be part of a unique learning community. The Academy provides a model that all schools can use in building or expanding their own programs for gifted students. Educators who have served as faculty members have used this experience to benefit students in their local schools.

PHOTO CREDIT: Kearney School District Communications Intern Kaeden Rothwell

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Guided by Project Lead the Way teacher Rachel Cerra, the KJH team represented the Bulldog community with curiosity, creativity and commitment to excellence. Competing against hundreds of students from across the metro, KJH students earned top academic honors, special recognitions, and multiple gold and silver project ratings for their innovative scientific investigations.

“We are incredibly proud of these students,” said Rachel Cerra, KJH’s Project Lead the Way instructor. “They worked hard to ask meaningful questions, design smart experiments and communicate their findings with confidence. It was a joy to see their work recognized alongside the region’s best young scientists.”

Academic Award Winners

• Bentley Anderson – 1st Place, Earth & Environmental Science ($100)
• Jack Anderson – 1st Place, Engineering ($100)
• Malachi Smith – 1st Place, Chemistry ($100)
• Anabelle Krehbiel – 2nd Place, Microbiology ($75)

Special Recognition

• Bentley Anderson – Honorable Mention, U.S. EPA Region 7 Excellence in Environmental Science
• Jack Anderson – Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovator Challenge Nominee
• Malachi Smith – Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovator Challenge Nominee
• Anabelle Krehbiel – Dr. F. Gene Hampton Award ($100)

Gold-Rated Projects

The following students received Gold Ratings—the highest recognition—for their projects:

• Bentley Anderson – The Effect of Type of Plastic on the Speed of Degradation of the Plastic
• Jack Anderson – The Effect of the Blade Area Ratio on the Amount of Thrust Produced
• Grant Buhman – The Effect of the Type of Substance Used on the Spin Rate of a Baseball
• Alaina Campbell – The Effect of Molecular Weight on the Biodegradation of Plastics
• Johnna Cory – The Effect of the Type of Soda on the Duration of a Mentos Geyser
• Emma Cox – The Effect of the Type of Bread on the Amount of Mold Grown
• Greta Grice – The Effect of the Type of Detergent on the Ability to Remove a Stain
• Caden Harrold – The Effect of the Size of a Hot Air Balloon on the Rate at Which It Rises
• Anabelle Krehbiel – The Effect of the Type of Cell on the Decellularization Rate
• Maggie Rinehart – The Effect of the Type of Ash Additive on the Strength of a Brick
• Malachi Smith – The Effect of the Type of Flour Used on the Volume of a Muffin
• Tinzley Suppes – The Effect of the Type of Cleaner and Surface Used on the Amount of Bacteria
• Kate Vanderstel – The Effect of the Environment on the Growth of Fragaria ananassa

Silver-Rated Projects

Several students also earned Silver Ratings for their strong scientific work:

• Sofie Boguske – The Effect of the Temperature of DNA on the Accuracy of Fingerprint Separation
• Tatum Grassley – The Effect of the Age of a Person on Reaction Time
• Kendyl Schafer – The Effect of the Type of Liquid on the Mass of a Tooth
• Elayna Viox – The Effect of the Source of the Water on the pH and Turbidity Levels

The Greater Kansas City Science and Engineering Fair is one of the largest STEM fairs in the Midwest. Learn more about the event at unionstation.org.

Congratulations to all our student scientists!

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This year’s summer school program will be held from Monday, June 2 through Thursday, June 26. Elementary school programs will be in session from 8 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. Secondary programs will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be NO summer school classes on Fridays except for Friday, June 20. There will be no school on June 19 to observe Juneteenth.

Students who will attend kindergarten through third grade for the 2025-2026 school year will attend the summer program at Southview Elementary. Fourth- and fifth-graders will take summer classes in the LENS wing at Kearney Junior High. All secondary summer classes will be held at KJH.

Kearney School District will provide bus transportation during our 2025 Summer School program for students entering grades K-5 who live outside of the “No-Busing Zone” on the Google Map linked below. Students need to be enrolled by April 30 to receive district-provided transportation. Please use the link to see if your student is eligible for district busing.

LINK: 2025 KSD Summer School No-Busing Zone Map

A Summer School Open House will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 29. More information is coming soon.

Visit www.ksdr1.net/summerfun to learn more about our 2025 Summer School Program and to enroll your child today!

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Kearney, Mo., March 14, 2025: Kearney School District is proud to announce that Kearney High School senior Parker Mendel has been selected for an “Honorable Mention” recognition in the prestigious 2025 Missouri Scholars 100 program.

This statewide initiative recognizes outstanding academic achievement, honoring Missouri’s top 100 graduating students. The announcement was made by KHS Principal Andy Gustafson, recognizing Mr. Mendel’s exceptional commitment to academic excellence.

“Parker is a great example of what it means to be a Bulldog,” Dr. Gustafson said. “He works hard, supports his classmates and cares about making things better. We could not be more proud of him in Team KSD!”

Sponsored by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals, the Missouri Scholars 100 Program invites nominations from schools statewide. The program has been around for 31 years.

“The Missouri Scholars 100 Program stands as one of the premier academic recognition programs in the country, celebrating the dedication and success of students who have upheld the highest academic standards,” Clark Mershon, Executive Director of the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals, remarked. “It is a true celebration of learning.”

Selection is determined by a comprehensive formula incorporating the student’s grade point average, ACT or SAT scores, and participation in an “Academic Decathlon” encompassing ten events that assess the student’s academic prowess.

To qualify, students must meet stringent criteria, including a minimum GPA of 3.750, a minimum ACT score of 29 (or a minimum SAT score of 1,280), ranking in the upper ten percent of their class, and enrollment in high-level courses in mathematics, science, English, and foreign language. Exemplary attendance, outstanding citizenship, and active participation in school activities are also essential.

PHOTO CREDIT – KSD Communications Intern and KHS junior Kaeden Rothwell

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Kearney, Mo., March 13, 2025: Kearney High School math teacher Rachel Heili’s combination of experience, skills and attitude add up to one of the best public educators in the state.

Ms. Heili was recently selected as one of Missouri’s Outstanding Beginning Teachers by the Missouri Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MACTE). She is in her second year of teaching at KHS.

Every two years, MACTE honors exemplary first- and second-year teachers across the state for their work with Missouri’s PK-12 students. Heili was selected to receive this award by Dr. Barri Tinkler at Missouri State University.

“Rachel is an exceptional educator who exemplifies excellence and dedication to teaching,” Dr. Tinkler said. “She utilizes innovative teaching practices and creates a collaborative, student-centered learning environment.”

Beyond academics, Heili’s compassion and commitment to her students shine through her engagement in their lives and her ability to inspire and support them. She has already established a strong record of excellence.

“I’m thrilled that Rachel is being recognized for her outstanding work here at KHS,” Principal Andy Gustafson said. “She’s become a vital member of our team and has had a huge positive impact on our students. This honor is well deserved.”

Heili is committed to continually improving both her teaching and her students’ understanding of the subject. As a dedicated educator, she will remain a passionate ambassador for her profession and for mathematics.

The Outstanding Beginning Teacher awardees were celebrated during the MACTE Spring Conference on Feb. 17 in Columbia. A representative from the association visited KHS on Friday, Feb. 7 to present Heili with a certificate.

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Kearney, Mo., March 10, 2025: Kearney School District is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Team KSD Awards, recognizing 18 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 KSD 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 KSD, 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 of our school 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 KSD’s district 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.

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Kearney, Mo., February 26, 2025: 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 KSD 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.

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

Dr. Valerie Utecht is slated to step in as KSD’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.

Schwinn will be replacing current Director of Business Services Ginger Elsea, who has been with KSD since 2012 and is retiring. Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services Jennifer Kopp has been with KSD 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 KSD’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 KSD’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.”

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.”

Doug Schwinn Biography

Schwinn comes to KSD 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.

During his term at USD 230, the district’s student population and staff tripled. Schwinn was a major contributor to four successful bond issue campaigns that resulted in a new high school, two new middle schools, four new elementary schools, and various other renovations and additional buildings. He also implemented new technology, procedures and guidelines to improve efficiency across the school system.

Before joining USD 230, Schwinn spent several years as the Business Manager for USD 341 in Oskaloosa, Kan. He started his career in 1995 as the City Clerk for the City of Oskaloosa. Schwinn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Kansas State University.

Dr. Valerie Utecht Biography

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.

Among many other accomplishments, Utecht developed an evidenced-based approach to aligning daily practices with the district’s improvement goals. She created a website for stakeholders to view district curriculum, courses and Real World Learning opportunities. Utecht also facilitated the process of Cameron R-1 joining the innovative Success Ready Student Network, which supports competency-based, personalized learning for school and career achievement.

After a brief stint as an instructional coach, Utecht was the principal for 13 years at Manor Hill Elementary in Liberty Public Schools. Before that, she taught special education and third-grade, fourth-grade and fifth-grade classes starting in 2001 at Ridgeview Elementary and Warren Hills Elementary in LPS. 

Utecht holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of Nebraska, a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Baker University.

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Both of them graduated from Kearney High School with the Class of 2021. Austin is studying at Missouri State University and is currently placed in Beth Pickle’s second-grade class at Kearney Elementary. Aidyn is a Willliam Jewell College student and is supporting Southview Elementary first-grade teacher Jennifer Lavelle.

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