KSD Launches 2025 Summer School Enrollment

Enrollment launched on Tuesday, April 1, for Kearney School District's 2025 "Summer Fun" summer school program, which will provide engaging educational experiences while helping your child stay on track.

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 the junior high.

Kearney School District will provide bus transportation during the 2025 Summer School program for students entering grades K-5 who live outside of the "No-Busing Zone" on the Google Map. 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.

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 ksdr1.net/summerfun to learn more about the 2025 Summer School Program and to enroll your child today.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

KSD Selects New Activities Director

Kearney School District announced on Monday, March 31, that Joel Lueken will become the next Activities Director effective July 1, 2025. Mr. Lueken's hiring was officially approved by the KSD Board of Education on Wednesday, March 19.

Lueken will take over from long-time Activities Director Dave Schwarzenbach, who is retiring after many years of dedicated service to the district. Superintendent Emily Miller praised Lueken's extensive experience and leadership capabilities.

"Joel Lueken is an outstanding addition to our leadership team," Dr. Miller said. "He has a proven track record of success in athletic administration, community engagement, and student development. Joel's passion for excellence and his commitment to building strong relationships will ensure the continued growth and success of our student-athletes and activities programs."

Lueken joins the Kearney School District after serving as Deputy Athletic Director at William Jewell College, where he oversaw internal and external operations for 23 NCAA Division II athletic teams. His role involved direct management of the athletic budget, human resources, compliance reporting, and coordination with admissions and student services.

Prior to his current role, Lueken served as Athletic Director at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology for a decade. There, he significantly enhanced the student-athlete experience, expanded athletic programs, and successfully led fundraising efforts totaling over $17 million for scholarships and capital projects. He also spearheaded community engagement initiatives, significantly increased attendance and community support, and facilitated multiple facility renovations and upgrades.

"I am thrilled and honored to join the Kearney School District as Activities Director," Lueken said. "KSD has an outstanding reputation for academic and extracurricular excellence, and I look forward to building upon the strong foundation established by Dave Schwarzenbach. My family and I are excited to become part of the Bulldog community and to help advance the success of KSD students both on and off the field."

Lueken holds a Master of Science in Health and Physical Education with an emphasis in Athletic Administration from Northwest Missouri State University and a Bachelor of Science in History and Political Science from Ottawa University.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

School District Awards Honor Top Teachers and Support Staff

Kearney School District is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Team KSD Awards, recognizing 17 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 the district 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 Kearney School District, 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 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 the district’s 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.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

School Board Hosting Info Session for Candidates

Kearney School District’s Board of Education will be hosting an informational session from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14 at the central office for individuals who are interested in running as candidates for the Board in the April 2025 municipal election.

All members of the public are welcome to attend. Please inform BOE Secretary Becky Burkemper by emailing burkemperb@ksdr1.net or calling (816) 628-4116 before the close of business on Monday, Nov. 11 if you plan to attend.

This session is designed to provide useful guidance for those who may want to serve on the school board. Topics will include information about board elections and the roles and responsibilities of the school board members.

Candidate filing for the Board of Education begins on Dec. 10 and ends on Dec. 31, 2024, for the municipal election that will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Visit the Missouri Secretary of State’s website to learn more.

Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Masters Honored with Hometown Hero Award

The public education team at Kearney School District has long recognized that Lead Social Worker Meeghan Masters is extraordinary; now that distinction is being recognized by a prominent organization that focuses on supporting families across the nation.

Meeghan Masters with Nic Vasquez

Modern Woodmen of America has selected Mrs. Masters for its Hometown Hero Award. The honor was announced by Modern Woodmen Financial Representative Nicolas Vasquez during a surprise event with dozens of her family members, co-workers and friends yesterday afternoon at the KSD central office.

“Since I started working as a social worker for KSD, I’ve made it my mission to help ensure that every child can have the same kind of experiences and opportunities at school as my children have,” Masters said. “I’m so grateful to Modern Woodmen for this award because it affirms and supports that mission that we are all trying to achieve as a team. This is amazing.”

Modern Woodmen of America is a fraternal financial services society headquartered in Rock Island, Illinois. The society’s Hometown Hero program provides an opportunity to honor an individual or volunteer group for their outstanding service to the community or an act of bravery. The award aligns with the organization’s commitment to support social, educational and volunteer activities that identify and meet local needs.

“I cannot think of a person in our Bulldog community who is more deserving of this award,” said Mr. Vasquez, who also serves as a member of the KSD Board of Education. “Meeghan embodies the true spirit of selfless service that is an example for us all.”

As part of the award, Modern Woodmen will make a $100 charitable donation to the organization or deserving individual of Masters’ choice.

Masters became KSD’s first social worker in October 2015. Since then, the program has expanded to include two other full-time social workers and her elevation as leader of that team.

Ray Weikal contributed to this story.