8 Takeaways From Garden City USD 457 School Board Meeting
December 8 2025
Board recognizes three outgoing members
Interim titles removed for top administrators
District receives 'Bronze Star' for kindergarten readiness
Test scores rise at Bernadine Sitts Intermediate Center
High school students earning thousands of college credits
Middle school debate program successfully relaunched
Crystal Apple award winners announced
District approves $41,000 for sidewalk repairs
Board recognizes three outgoing members
GARDEN CITY, Kan. - The Garden City USD 457 Board of Education recognized three outgoing members — Andy Fahrmeier, Jackie Gigot and John Whetzal — during their final meeting of the term. Superintendent Mike Dominguez presented the members with plaques thanking them for their service to the district and the community. The board members, whose terms began in 2022, were praised for their leadership and willingness to serve in unpaid positions.
Interim titles removed for top administrators
GARDEN CITY, Kan. - Superintendent Mike Dominguez announced that "interim" titles have been officially removed for Deputy Superintendent Drew Thon and Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Steve Nordby, solidifying their roles within the district's leadership team. The change is effective immediately.
District receives 'Bronze Star' for kindergarten readiness
GARDEN CITY, Kan. - Georgia Matthews Elementary Principal Bryan Kott reported that the district received a Bronze Star recognition from the Kansas Can Star Recognition Program for its kindergarten readiness efforts. The district is one of only 26 in the state to receive the designation. Kott noted that while participation in readiness assessments is high, the district faces challenges regarding language barriers, including a shortage of interpreters for Haitian Creole speakers during parent meetings.
Test scores rise at Bernadine Sitts Intermediate Center
GARDEN CITY, Kan. - Bernadine Sitts Intermediate Center Principal Brad Hill and the student council reported significant improvements in state assessment scores. Fifth grade science scores saw a 12.5 percent increase in students scoring in the top tiers, while math and English language arts scores improved by approximately 10 percent. Hill noted these academic gains occurred despite major roof construction taking place at the school during the testing period.
High school students earning thousands of college credits
GARDEN CITY, Kan. - Garden City High School administrators reported that students are currently enrolled in 1,343 college credit hours for the fall semester through a partnership with Garden City Community College. Whitney Lindenburger, the high school's lead associate principal, presented data showing that approximately 26 percent of juniors and seniors are taking dual-credit courses. The district offers 16 concurrent classes on the high school campus and provides 20 Career and Technical Education pathways to help students prepare for the workforce.
Middle school debate program successfully relaunched
GARDEN CITY, Kan. - Garden City High School debate coach Russ Tidwell reported on the successful relaunch of the middle school debate and forensics program this fall. The program attracted 23 students from Kenneth Henderson and Horace Good middle schools, with 15 students competing in tournaments. Tidwell noted that the program has already secured commitments from other area schools to compete next year.
Crystal Apple award winners announced
GARDEN CITY, Kan. - The district announced the winners of the Crystal Apple Award, which recognizes outstanding educators. Megan Ford from Jennie Barker Elementary School and Matt De La Cruz from Alta Brown Elementary School were named the winners from a field of six finalists.
District approves $41,000 for sidewalk repairs
GARDEN CITY, Kan. - The board approved a proposal to repair sidewalks and curbs across ten school campuses to address trip hazards and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. Plant Facilities Director Brandon Anderson recommended the option including specific curb repairs, for a total cost of $41,288. The work, to be performed by Precision Concrete Cutting, is scheduled for the spring.
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