USD 457 Board of Education Meeting Recap December 8, 2025

The Garden City Public Schools Board of Education met on Monday, December 8, 2025.  The meeting was held at the Educational Support Center Board Room, 1205 Fleming Street. 

The Board received a building presentation from Bernadine Sitts Intermediate Center. Students from the school led the opening of the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Brad Hill, the school principal, along with STUCO students, provided information on the great things happening at the school.

Josh Guymon, Superintendent of Schools, recognized the outgoing Board of Education members.  The board members received a plaque for their service. The board members leaving are Andy Fahrmeier, Jackie Gigot, and John Wiese.

Drew Thon, Deputy Superintendent of Schools, recognized the 2025 Garden City Area Chamber of Commerce Crystal Apple teachers and finalists.  This year’s Crystal Apple teachers are Matt De La Cruz from Alta Brown Elementary School and Megan Ford from Jennie Barker Elementary School. The finalists are Danica Kitch from Georgia Matthews Elementary School, Kelly Myatt from Garden City Achieve, and Laura Walsh from Charles O. Stones Intermediate Center.

The Board approved the following items during the meeting. They include minutes of the November 10, 2025, Regular Board of Education Meeting and November 19, 2025, Special Board of Education Meeting. Accounts Payable with all major accounts containing adequate balances to meet current obligations. Personnel certified and classified actions.

Under Board reports, Bryan Kott, Georgia Matthews Elementary School Principal, provided information on the Kansans Can Star Recognition for 2025 in Kindergarten Readiness. The Kansans Can Star Recognition program recognizes communities that offer quality, inclusive opportunities to young children and their families so that each student enters kindergarten at age 5 socially, emotionally, and academically prepared for success.

There was a Garden City High School Dual Credit and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Offerings report from Whitney Linenberger, Lead Associate Principal of Garden City High School. There are 233 students enrolled for Spring 2026. Students who are eligible for GCCC courses are Gifted 10^th graders, 11^th and 12^th graders. Approximately 26% of GCHS 11^th and 12^th graders are enrolled in dual credit courses.

Under new business, the Board had a first read of proposed sidewalk repairs around the district. A first read of a Professional Development Council Handbook. A first read on a revised Board of Education Policy DJFA, Purchasing Authority.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will take place on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Meeting Room at the Educational Support Center, 1205 Fleming St., Garden City, Kansas.

The Board of Education meeting can be viewed on the USD 457 YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/usd457.