GIPS Board Brief April 10, 2026

The Grand Island Public Schools "Board Brief" is an online monthly publication sharing the Board of Education meeting highlights, updates, campus recognitions, and more.

Here's a recap of the April 2026 Regular Board Meeting.

• Agenda
• Video Stream
• All Board members were present.

Islander Powerlifting has had a successful year with both the boys and girls teams.

Recently, the Boys Islander Powerlifting earned a State Championship for the second straight year (back-to-back) from the 2026 Nebraska State competition. Hunter Christenson & Richard Vandara earned State Champion Gold Medals while Makenah Mazanec, Treyvon Alexander and Oscar Agustin were State Runners-Up. Overall, 18 Islander Powerlifters competed at the national level.

The Boys Team earned National Runner-Up (2nd Place) at Nationals, and Hunter Christenson earned 1st Place as an individual National Champion—both achievements are a first in program history.

ISLANDER POWERLIFTERS AT NATIONALS:

• Hunter Christenson - State Champion & National Champion
• Makenah Mazanec - 3rd place Nationals & 2nd Place State
• Jaidon Soumpholphadky - 5th place
• Jordan Summers - 8th place
• Faith Puente - 8th place
• Oscar Agustin - 10th place & 2nd Place State
• Treyvon Alexander - 12th place & 2nd Place State
• Jeovanna Velazques Red Elk - 12th place
• Richard Vandara - 12th place Nationals & State Champion
• Evelyn Fierro - 13th place
• Yareydi Chavira Matal - 15th place
• Mario Borrego - 16th place
• Isabella Killion - 17th place
• Miguel Martinez
• James Martin

• Dax Kirkland
• Roman Devault
• Joseph Gonzalez

Way to lift and represent, Islanders!

Grand Island Public Schools (GIPS) is venturing into their next era of Mathematics. At this evening’s Board of Education meeting, the Board approved the funds for the district to pursue Eureka Math Squared (Eureka²) as the new math curriculum for all elementary students. The rollout is set to begin in the 2026-27 school year, continuing the GIPS commitment to equipping Kindergarten - 5th Grade students to be effective problem solvers and lifelong learners.

The approval follows a comprehensive year-long "Math Curriculum Pilot" conducted during the 2025-26 school year. During this period, the district tested two nationally recognized programs: Amplify Desmos Math (at Starr and Stolley Park Elementary) and Eureka Math Squared (at Lincoln and Newell Elementary).

“When we look at the Nebraska math standards and specific learning outcomes, what we found with our prior resource is that what we were asking students to do just wasn’t at the proficient level we needed.” Dr. Danielle Buhrman, GIPS Math Curriculum Coordinator, explained. “It didn't allow for enough conceptual understanding and making connections between the mathematics. So, we wanted to see what else was out there, not just to increase the level of cognitive load or the level of the standard outcome, we also wanted to look at what's going to provide an experience for our kids where they're getting to do some problem solving; making connections between strategies.”

Read the full announcement HERE

Hear the Board meeting presentation HERE.

Mrs. Karma Lewandowski, GIEA Officer and GIPS Special Education Transition Specialist, shared an invitation with the Board of Education to attend the annual Grand Island Education Association (GIEA) Retirement and Years of Service Celebration.

The annual event gathers GIEA members, school Principals, and administrators to salute the educators who have hit noteworthy milestones in service to education, and to congratulate educators who plan to enter retirement at the end of the school year.

This year's celebration event will be on Wednesday, May 6th from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Balz Banquet & Reception Hall.

Hear the full presentation HERE.

Mr. Dan Petsch, GIPS Director of Grounds & Safety, shared an explanation behind the upcoming Barr HVAC project.

The Barr Middle School HVAC upgrade, a high-priority project nearly 15 years in the making, is set to begin this summer with a projected completion date in 2027. Mid Plains Construction Co. secured the approximately $4.1 million bid, funded through the Depreciation Fund, following their successful track record with the district’s Knickrehm Elementary project.

Once finished, the upgrades will provide quieter, higher-quality air circulation and introduce air conditioning to the main gym, significantly enhancing the learning environment for both students and staff. District officials are committed to a phased construction schedule to ensure that these essential infrastructure improvements do not disrupt educational activities during the upcoming school year.

Hear the full presentation HERE.

Mr. Cory Gearhart, GIPS Chief Information Officer, shared an update on the district copier provisions.

The time has come to replace our current copier and printing equipment as it nears the end of its useful life. GIPS with the assistance of Optimizon has completed a request for proposal and received 4 bids for equipment and managed copy and print services. This equipment will be installed over the summer to be ready for next school year, and provide reliable printing resources for all of the GIPS district buildings for certified and classified staff.

Hear the full presentation HERE.

Dr. Summer Stephens, GIPS Associate Superintendent, shared the annual update on the working contract between GIPS and Ombudsman.

Since 2013, Grand Island Public Schools has partnered with Ombudsman to provide alternate learning opportunities for students adjudicated in the justice system. The district has secured a contract renewal that maintains current pricing with no cost increases for the next three years, ensuring fiscal stability for this essential service. While the program currently serves 56 GIPS students, the agreement provides the flexibility to roster up to 70 students at any given time to meet fluctuating needs.

Hear the full presentation HERE.

Mr. Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, shared an update regarding the newly opened Bruning Bank in Grand Island.

From time to time, the District has excess funds available to invest. Working with local banks, the District identified Bruning Bank as a local institution willing to help invest and safeguard some of its cash reserve.

Bruning Bank has recently opened their first Grand Island branch. With many individuals on the Bruning Bank leadership previously serving at other banks in the community, the financial institution promises to be a strong community partner.

Hear the full presentation HERE.

Mr. Fisher shared the latest installment of district policy reviews and proposed updates. Descriptions of the proposals may be found immediately below.

Hear Mr. Fisher's full presentation on policies HERE.

Regular review of an existing policy.

The only proposed changes would be to remove "The" from in front of Grand Island Public Schools, and to remove a few items that speak to specific alternatives for snacks that may or may not be utilized. Since it would be best practice to keep policies general, the recommendation would be to remove some of the listing specifics that may or may not be used depending on the situation.

This was shared as a first read item and will be up for an approval vote at the May Board meeting.

Regular review of an existing policy.

No proposed changes at this time.

This was shared as a first read item and will be up for an approval vote at the May Board meeting.

Newly proposed policy in connection to a new legislation requirement.

The model policy was provided by the district's legal counsel. Overall, the policy provides a framework for parents of GIPS students to request access to the records of which materials their student is checking out from their school media center.

This was shared as a first read item and will be up for an approval vote at the May Board meeting.

Regular review of an existing policy.

Recommended changes would include:

• Removing the word “standardized” from the title since the policy is speaking to various types of assessments.
  
  

• Policy changes would better reflect the best practices and protocols we are currently using across the district.

This was shared as a first read item and will be up for an approval vote at the May Board meeting.

Regular review of an existing policy.

Only proposed changes include removing "The" from in front of Grand Island Public Schools and adding a clarifying statement about a student's enrollment being "in accordance with state guidelines".

This was shared as a first read item and will be up for an approval vote at the May Board meeting.

Newly proposed policy in connection to a new legislation requirement.

This model policy was provided by the district's legal counsel. Overall, the policy covers the safety and medical protocols we have already been following in the district for a number of years.

This was shared as a first read item and will be up for an approval vote at the May Board meeting.

Regular review of an existing policy.

Proposed changes would include:

• Proposed changes include softening the language around specifics for attendance excusal so that it may be more flexible to respond to each situation.
  
  

• Clarifying the language for alternative support for assignments and school work without listing all of the specifics so that it may be flexible to respond to each situation.

This was shared as a first read item and will be up for an approval vote at the May Board meeting.

Regular review of an existing policy.

No proposed changes at this time.

This was shared as a first read item and will be up for an approval vote at the May Board meeting.

1. The Foundation will award in excess of $760,000 in scholarships for the Class of 2026. This represents 199 scholarships.
   
   
2. The Scholarship Reception will be held on April 21st at 10:30 AM at the GISH West Gym. The Martin Scholarship Reception will be April 24th at 1:30 PM at the Bill Marshall Conference Room. If you would like to attend, please connect with the GIPS Foundation to be put on the security list.
   
   
3. The Foundation will host a press conference announcing the totals of the annual Staff Giving Campaign on Tuesday, May 11th at 4:30 p.m. at CPI Building in the commons area.
   
   
4. The Foundation has opened the nomination form for the 2026 Teacher of the Year Awards (Teacher/ Staff Member/ Administrator of the Year) Forms are only available online at gipsfoundation.org, with a deadline of April 27. The corporate sponsor of this program is First National Bank of Omaha.
   
   
5. The Foundation opened applications for the Dr. Eugene Miller Legacy Scholarship and 2 GIPS Foundation Professional Learning Grants on April 15th. This program is designed as a scholarship for GIPS Staff Members who are pursuing a graduate degree. Applications are online and close on May 31. The fund will support up to a $1,500 award annually.
   
   
6. The Foundation Board will not meet in April.

Katherin Xicara, GISH Senior, was elected by his peers to represent them on the Board of Education as a Student Representative. At each Board Meeting, she shares a student report.

Highlights from Katherin's report include:

GISH Updates:

• GISH Powerlifting earned National and State hardware this season.

• Islander Robotics finished top 3 in state and earned a sportsmanship award.

• GISH Soccer Teams have been experiencing success and winning recent matches.

• Girls Soccer Team hosted their PK-5th Grade Spring Break Camp.

• Baseball Team is having a strong season.

• Islander Track & Field hosted a home meet today.

• Educators Rising had a strong showing at their state competition.

• Varsity Show Choir hosted their annual Cabaret Night featuring all show choirs performing long with 10 Senior Solos.

• GISH Prom is this weekend hosted by the Student Council.

• SkillsUSA State Competition is this weekend.

• GISH National Honor Society inducted 83 new members (Juniors) this year.

• GISH Student Council have been working on projects in the community with includes doing a “Chalk the Walk” at West Lawn Elementary with encouraging messages for students and staff.

• GISH SSAC partnering with the Global Roots Festival and hosting a multicultural fashion show.

• 65 GISH Seniors were recognized as Honor Student Graduates.

• 15 GISH Students signed to continue their careers in college.

• GISH hosted their annual hiring fair to a great success .

• Juniors attended their annual Internship Days.

• Mrs. Soundy has started accepting applications from Juniors for internship opportunities around the community.

• Adriana Gearhart won the 2026 Blooming Daisy Award awarded by the Association for Child Abuse Prevention organization.
  
  

GIPS Updates:

• Gates 50,000 Gator Tickets and celebrated with a performance from "Learning the Ropes”.

• Wasmer Elementary hosted their 3rd Annual Glow Night for Families where students displayed their glow-in-the-dark sea-themed artwork from their SECA classes.

Staff Shout-Out:

• Mr. Alex Kemnitz - Engineering Teacher, Robotics Coach, & SkillsUSA Advisor at GISH
  
  

Hear the full report HERE.

Mr. Fisher shared a Superintendent Report with the Board.

See above article announcement on the Eureka Squared Math curriculum for information.

The funding amount approved by the Board is $1.55 million over seven years. Initially, the Leading for Learning department budgeted up to $1.7 million, which brings this contract savings to the district.

Funds will help to cover all the materials, resources, and professional learning support required to implement the new curriculum in GIPS Elementary schools. Highlights of what the funds would cover include:

• 31,500 sets of student materials for 7 years.
• 324 stes of teacher materials and digital access.
• 243 manipulative kits.
• Targeted interventions for students needing additional support.
• Leadership support and professional learning resources.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0

See above information item for rationale.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0

See above information item for rationale.

MOTION PASSED: 9 -0

See above information item for rationale.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0

See above information item for rationalte.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0

Regular review of an existing policy.

The only proposed addition would be to specify that all designs must meet district brand standards, and mascot designs must be reviewed by the district Communications Department before approval.

This was shared as a first read item at the March Board meeting.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0

Regular review of an existing policy.

The primary change would be to remove the lengthy, specific guidelines for daily use. Instead, the guidelines would be parked in the Staff Handbook. This allows the policy to be more evergreen and not need to be changed anytime there's a tweak to the guidelines.

This was shared as a first read item at the March Board meeting.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0

Propose to cut the policy entirely as it doesn’t really serve a big need.

This was shared as a first read item at the March Board meeting.

MOTION PASSED: 9 - 0