Civil Municipal - June 2024

Mundorf details the first pillar, emphasizing “college and career readiness.” He explains, “We want to prepare students for various career interests. This includes skilled and technical labor, four-year college opportunities, and paths like the military or direct entry into the workforce.” He highlights the district’s proactive steps in providing practical experiences such as internships and apprenticeships to bridge the gap between education and the professional world. The second pillar focuses on a “guaranteed and viable curriculum.”According to Mundorf, the district strives for equity in learning opportunities. “We ensure that all students have access to the same core curriculum, and our pacing guides are consistent,” he says, underscoring the importance of maintaining educational consistency and supporting all students through targeted professional development. The third pillar is addressing the challenges of staff retention and recruitment. Mundorf acknowledges the shifting landscape in the labor market, which has not spared the education sector. “We are facing shortages not only in teaching positions but also for classified staff and specialists,” he notes.The district’s strategy involves robust recruitment and efforts to nurture and retain talent within the system. The fourth and final pillar revolves around social- emotional learning, a priority that has become even more critical in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’ve seen a rise in mental health concerns,” Mundorf remarks. He elaborates on the district’s proactive measures, including a curriculum aimed at helping students regulate their emotions and handle challenges and a student assistance program offering immediate access to therapeutic support.“It’s about creating a bridge until a student can see a local therapist,” he explains, illustrating the district’s commitment to timely and practical support. STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENTS IN KEARNEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS In the wake of the global pandemic, Kearney Public Schools has established significant milestones emphasizing its dedication to continuous improvement and community engagement. 171 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 06 KEARNEY PUBL IC SCHOOLS