December 2, 2020 at 6:30 PM - Special Board Meeting - Superintendent Interviews

Discussion:  Dr. Troy Unzicker shared an in depth 10-minute presentation of what he seen as the strengths and areas of growth for Gering Public Schools.  Starting with strengths, his Powerpoint read as follows:  

1. Community - Supportive community; Community pride
2. Academics - Reputation for sound academics and fairness; Career pathway programs; Progressive; Focus on what is right for students
3. Administration/Staff - Great team; Professional Development
4. Facilities - Updated; Newer high school and elementary; Central Office in downtown, easily accessible; Safe
5. School Board - Solid leadership; Supports teachers
6. Parents/Students - Opportunities both academically and with activities
7. The Foundation: Supportive

Next, the focus shifted towards opportunities for growth within the district: 

1. Student Learning/Achievement - Early Childhood; FFA; Dual Credits; Alternative School; HAL Program
2. Budget/Facilities - Financial stability; Junior High; SPED numbers; Poverty numbers; Uniforms/equipment; Maintenance
3. Staff, Communication, Community - Enrollment declines; Foundation growth, Athletic department; Mental health
4. Leadership - Documentation of process; Data usage
5. Academics - More technology; Current technology offerings; More enrichment/offerings; More for kids to do 

Additionally, he shared other challenges to consider: 

• COVID - Financial aspects of property tax and state aid
• Curriculum - Virtual options, professional development, changing standards/assessments, data driven options
• Minimum Wage 
• Transgender 
• Federal Changes - new secretary of education and requirements  

Following the presentation, the school board asked a series of twenty questions encompassing all facades of the district.

In closing, B.J. Peters asked if there was anything further that Dr. Unzicker would like to share with the board.  He shared a binder entailing what he described as his six-week transition checklist.  "When I accepted the position at Alliance, I envisioned this as where I would retire.  I am very happy there - with the community, my team, and the work we have accomplished with the budget.  I didn't imagine this opportunity would ever become available during my career," he commented as he expressed a deep interest in the position, because of his hometown K-12 roots here in Gering.