GIPS Board Brief March 17, 2026
Updates from the GIPS Board of Education
Welcome to the Board, Dr. Mann!
Earlier this evening at the GIPS Board of Education regular meeting for March 2026, Dr. Kenton Mann was sworn-in as a new representative for Ward A as he was appointed to fill a vacant seat.
Dr. Mann has been a fixture in public education carrying over 40 years of experience as a Teacher, Principal, Superintendent, and Collegiate Educator. Familiar to GIPS, Dr. Mann most notably served a successful tenure as Principal of Grand Island Senior High for 19 years.
We're grateful to have Dr. Mann join our Board and continue his impact in public schools.
Read more about Dr. Mann's journey to the Board HERE.
2026-27 Staff Handbook
Dr. Carrie Kolar, GIPS Chief of Human Capital Management, shared the annual update on the GIPS Staff Handbooks.
Each year, the district presents the handbook to the Board for review and approval. A few notable changes to next year's edition include:
- Adding the guidelines from the Staff Devices and Daily Use policy to the handbook.
- Clarifying the policy that if a staff member has been intentionally injured by another individual they do not need to use their sick leave.
- Adding additional expectations around Safety & Security for classrooms and expectations for what a model classroom looks like from a safety perspective.
This was shared as both an information and action item so that the handbook may be approved for immediate use.
Hear the full presentation HERE.
GIPS 2024-25 Annual Report
Mr. Mitchell Roush, GIPS Communications Director, shared an overview of this year's GIPS Annual Report.
Each year GIPS published an annual report to meet state requirements. The annual report is designed to, at minimum, provide a snapshot of required state reporting to the greater community of Grand Island. Being as the report is shared with all mailboxes in the community, GIPS views the annual report as an opportunity to expand the storytelling and reporting of the district. This year's report is expanded to include a focus on the district Strategic Plan.
Highlights of the report include:
- Measuring student learning growth goals.
- State assessment reporting.
- Graduation rate explanation.
- Alumni podcast episodes.
- Financial breakdown of where district funds come from and where they go.
- And more.
Hear the full presentation HERE.
Read the GIPS Annual Report HERE.
Gates Professional Services
Mr. Dan Petsch, GIPS Director of Grounds & Maintenance, shared an update on a few upcoming building projects.
This installment, if approved, would be for the district to a contract with the architect, CMBA, of the Gates remodel project.
- Gates remodel would include:
- Adding a commons / cafeteria space and kitchen
- A more secure office area
- Updating carpet, paint, and classrooms
This was shared as both an information item and an action item so that the project may start moving forward.
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.
- The GIPS Foundation has approved the 2026 Scholarship Award Plan and declared values for both General and Academic Aristocrat Scholarships to be offered.
- The Foundation has approved the opportunity to offer and award the top six distinguished scholarships: the Bob Hamblet Northwestern Scholarship, two Jack & Lucile Martin Memorial Scholarships, and three Charles R. and Bessie E. Frith Scholarships. These six scholarships will be awarded in March during a separate signing ceremony.
- The Foundation is grateful for the 90 volunteer scholarship reviewers who gave selflessly of their time and talents to ensure that the awarding process is fair and equitable to all students who fulfilled and submitted their applications.
- The Foundation will kick off the 2026 Staff Giving Campaign, which will kick off on March 30 and end on April 24.
- During the March GIPSF Board meeting, Board members will be asked to attend scholarship signings and both the Martin Scholarship and General Scholarship receptions.
- During the month of March, the Foundation will open opportunities for nominations for Teacher of the Year, as well as 2027 nominations for inductees to the Legendary Educator and Hall of Honor. Nominations are available on https://gipsfoundation.org/.
Mr. Fisher shared a Superintendent Report with the Board.
- GIPS Registration is open. March 31st is the deadline for families to register for the 2026-27 school year and get into their neighborhood school. Folks may go to www.GIPS.org/registration to register.
- Our District Leadership Team has been working on putting our plan together for our annual Lead GIPS and Staff Welcome Back events.
- We’re continuing to seek opportunities to connect with the community to gain feedback on our proposed three-phase facilities plan.
- This Thursday evening will be our Night of Show Choirs at GISH which will feature our show choirs from our three middle schools as well as GISH.
- Winter Sports are complete and now we’ve transitioned to Spring Sports and Activities.
- LB1050 - A reading bill that would require 3rd Graders to remain in 3rd grade if they do not pass a state test. This bill is certainly a concern for schools.
- LB1219 - A bill that would place a 2% hard cap on property taxes for schools. We’re paying close attention to this one as it would dramatically impact the way schools are funded.
- Congratulations to Mr. Brian Kort on being recognized with the University of Nebraska Kearney “UNKLES” Award for his commitment to leadership in Education.
Hear Mr. Fisher's full report HERE.