The **Mitchell Board of Education** will convene on **January 12, 2026**, to evaluate two significant initiatives: the proposed **Summer Scholars Program** and a comprehensive **school improvement plan**. The meeting is set for **5:30 p.m.** at **L.B. Williams Elementary School**.
The **Summer Scholars Program** aims to provide academic support and enrichment for students in grades kindergarten through four. Designed to cater to **100 district students** per session, the program emphasizes outdoor engagement and community field trips, while maintaining a **1 to 10 staff-to-student ratio**. According to agenda notes by **Joe Childs**, superintendent of the **Mitchell School District**, the program is structured to be entirely self-sufficient. It will utilize an annual donation of **$200,000** alongside a fee-based model to cover all expenses, thus avoiding any impact on the district’s general fund.
Pending board approval, the initiative could launch as early as this summer. Childs expressed optimism about the program, stating, “This really is a benefit to your students to be participating in it. This is going to be a lot of fun for your children.” He highlighted the opportunity for students to develop relationships with their peers across the district.
School Improvement Plan Overview
In addition to the **Summer Scholars Program**, the board will consider a **continuous school improvement plan** created under the guidance of **Amanda Sonne**, the district’s curriculum director. This plan is intended to serve as a strategic roadmap for enhancing student achievement and ensuring stability within the learning environment.
The improvement plan is focused on addressing academic proficiency through the establishment of rigorous, data-driven goals for **English Language Arts** and **Mathematics** across all grade levels. It also seeks to implement systemic behavioral supports to mitigate a rise in disciplinary incidents, fostering a more productive classroom atmosphere. Childs is recommending the board approve this plan.
Personnel Changes and Additional Business
The meeting agenda includes several personnel changes as well. New hires include **Carolyn Sivik**, a part-time elementary tutor at **Gertie Belle Rogers Elementary**, at a rate of **$20 per hour**, and **Ciera Bennett**, a K-5 elementary tutor at **L.B. Williams Elementary**, earning **$22 per hour**. Additionally, **Krista Mitchell** will serve as a paraeducator at **L.B. Williams Elementary** at a rate of **$16 per hour**.
The board will also address resignations, including that of **Kindra Decker**, head girls soccer coach, effective at the end of the **2025-26 school year**, and **Katelin Theunissen**, paraeducator at **Mitchell Middle School**, effective **January 6**. Early retirements will be discussed for **Rebecca Larson**, a **6th grade math and English teacher**, and **Deb Thill**, an elementary PE teacher and head volleyball and track coach.
Other business on the agenda includes the potential purchase of a pickup truck for the show choir and the annual evaluation of the superintendent. The board is also expected to consider offering a new three-year contract to Childs as superintendent.
The meeting will be open to the public, and the **Mitchell Republic** plans to livestream the proceedings on its website, ensuring community engagement in these important discussions.
