Kearney Public Schools

Superintendent Mundorf reflects on the strides made in enhancing the district’s curriculum and professional development programs. “Before Covid, we had started working on a guaranteed and viable curriculum,” he explains. “We’ve developed professional development days that include selective sessions. These sessions allow our educators to educate their peers on best practices in their fields.” Highlighting the social and emotional support structures, Mundorf details the partnerships that have strengthened the district’s mental health resources.“Both the Student Assistance program and the Parent Resource program are collaborations with a local nonprofit, McKenna’s Ray of Hope,” he says. This initiative was born from a tragic event and has evolved into a robust program aimed at preventing suicide and supporting teens through expert-led sessions and community efforts. Kearney Public Schools has innovated with its leave policies regarding staff welfare and retention. “We became one of the first districts in Nebraska to transition from a standard sick and personal day model to a PTO model,” Mundorf notes. This shift offers staff greater flexibility, allowing them to use their leave in ways that best suit their personal needs, enhancing job satisfaction and work-life balance. LITERACY AND STEAM INITIATIVES IN EARLY EDUCATION As education continues to evolve, Kearney Public Schools is adjusting its approach to early education, focusing on literacy and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) programs. Superintendent Mundorf elaborates on the diverse offerings to enhance literacy and STEAM education. “We offer a variety of high-ability learning programs for our younger students,” he shares. This includes partnerships for events like the Science Olympiad and spelling bees, which involve district and county- level participation. These competitive platforms boost student engagement and promote excellence in academic pursuits among youngsters. 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 06