Mitchell School Board to Review Summer Scholars Program and Improvement Plan

The Mitchell Board of Education is set to review a proposed Summer Scholars Program and a continuous school improvement plan during its upcoming meeting on January 12, 2026. Scheduled for 17:30 at L.B. Williams Elementary School, this session promises to address significant educational initiatives for the district.

The Summer Scholars Program aims to provide academic and enrichment support to students in kindergarten through fourth grade. The initiative is designed to accommodate 100 district students per session, emphasizing outdoor engagement and community field trips. A notable aspect of the program is its 1 to 10 staff-to-student ratio, ensuring personalized attention. According to Joe Childs, superintendent of the Mitchell School District, the program will be financially self-sufficient, funded through a $200,000 annual donation and a fee-based model, thus not impacting the district’s general fund. Childs expressed optimism in a statement to the Mitchell Republic, highlighting the program’s potential to enhance student experiences and foster community relationships.

Alongside the Summer Scholars Program, the board will consider a continuous school improvement plan developed by Amanda Sonne, curriculum director. This strategic roadmap aims to enhance student achievement while stabilizing the district’s learning environment. The plan focuses on establishing rigorous, data-driven goals for academic proficiency in English Language Arts and Mathematics across all grade levels. Additionally, it seeks to implement systemic behavioral supports to address a rise in disciplinary incidents, aiming to create a more productive classroom atmosphere.

The meeting will also address personnel changes within the district. New certified hires include Carolyn Sivik as a part-time elementary tutor at Gertie Belle Rogers Elementary at a rate of $20 per hour, effective January 5; Ciera Bennett, a K-5 elementary tutor at L.B. Williams Elementary at $22 per hour; and Krista Mitchell, a paraeducator at L.B. Williams Elementary at $16 per hour. Several resignations are also on the agenda, including Kindra Decker, head girls soccer coach, effective following the 2025-26 school year, and Katelin Theunissen, a paraeducator at Mitchell Middle School.

Moreover, the board will review new hires at Mitchell Technical College, such as Madison Vander Heiden for RAD 170 and Sara Cashman as a nursing clinical adjunct. All new positions are effective for the spring 2026 semester.

Other matters on the agenda include the potential purchase of a pickup truck for the show choir and an executive session for the annual evaluation of the superintendent. The board is also expected to discuss a new three-year contract for Childs as superintendent.

The public is invited to attend the meeting, which will be livestreamed on the Mitchell Republic website. The opportunity for community engagement remains a vital component of the board’s activities, ensuring transparency and inclusivity in decision-making processes that affect local education.