Tuesday, January 14, 2025

School Board Approves Key Initiatives to Enhance Student Support and Equal Opportunities

As we continue to strive for excellence in our school district, it is important to provide updates about approvals that will positively impact our students, staff, and community. Here’s a look at the recent decisions made by our school board: 

The board approved the request to the School Budget Review Committee for a Modified Supplemental Amount and Supplemental State Aid totaling $306,965. These funds are critical for implementing our 2025-2026 at-risk and dropout prevention program plans that supports 447 students in our district. This initiative aims to provide essential support and resources to help at-risk students stay on track and succeed academically.  This funds our alternative Education program, home liaison positions and the K-12 Peers Support and Bullying Prevention Coordinator position.  

We are pleased to announce that Chris Chamberlain has been appointed as the K-12 Peer Support and Bullying Prevention Coordinator for the 2025-2026 school year. Chris brings a wealth of experience to this role, currently serving as the Success Room Coordinator at the Middle School. Additionally, he is a retired Social Studies teacher from Missouri, where he made a positive impact on his students and colleagues.  This position will be funded by the Modified Supplemental State Aid At-Risk application that the board approved at the January 13th meeting. This new role will be instrumental in: 

  • Educating students using anti-bullying, intimidation, and harassment curriculums. 
  • Implementing intervention strategies. 
  • Investigating filed complaints.  

This position will play a crucial part in fostering a safe and supportive environment for all our students. 

Chris Chamberlain
The board and administration are dedicated to promoting equal opportunity within our workforce, aiming to hire the most qualified candidates to serve our students. This commitment is embodied in the District’s Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Plan for 2025-2027. The plan outlines our strategies to ensure equal opportunities for all students and staff, including efforts to: 

  • Enhance training on equal opportunity and affirmative action in the hiring process. 
  • Update job descriptions for accuracy. 
  • Host and advertising local employment fairs regionally and with community colleges. 
  • Attend regional and state employment fairs. 
  • Expand the use of social media to promote job opportunities. 
  • Educate families on the importance of collecting race/ethnic data for accurate student demographics. 

This comprehensive approach furthers our commitment to providing equal opportunities and reflects our dedication to the process. 

 

Shenandoah High School has had a long tradition of taking a group of juniors and senior students to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City. This educational trip provides our students with valuable learning experiences outside the classroom, enriching their understanding of history, culture, and government.  The board approved the trip for March 16-20, 2026, which is during Spring Break. 

Operating in a transparent manner and being accountable are core values of the board and district. The board accepted the receipt of the FY23 District Audit Report, which provides a comprehensive review of our financial practices and ensures that we are managing our resources effectively.  The audit is posted on our district’s website. 

These approvals are reflective of our ongoing dedication and commitment to making continuous improvement. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of the work and am excited about the future of our district. 


Monday, December 16, 2024

Exciting News for the Shenandoah Community School District

At tonight’s meeting, the Board accepted a restructuring plan that included several recommendations that I am excited to share with you now. I am pleased to announce that the board approved appointing Mr. Burdorf as the Director of Communications effective the 25-26 school year.  

In this role, he will: 

  • Develop and implement a proactive communications plan. 
  • Oversee all district communications and branding. 
  • Enhance engagement through traditional and digital media. 
  • Collaborate with the superintendent and staff on key communication initiatives. 
  • Promote and publicize school events and achievements. 
  • Support grant writing and manage the communications budget. 
  • Represent the district at community events and employment fairs. 
  • Representing the district in community visioning initiatives  

 

This role is pivotal in enhancing our district's outreach and engagement with all stakeholders. We are confident that Mr. Burdorf's leadership and expertise will benefit our district, fostering stronger connections. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Burdorf on his new role.  

 

While Mr. Burdorf will not step into this role until July 1, it is important that the decision and announcement is made now so we can recruit and hire a new principal for the middle school.  That search will begin now the position has been board approved. 

 

Additionally, the board restructured the Director of Student Services into two separate roles including an Early Childhood Coordinator and a Special Education Director. This change aims to provide more intensive support for both programs which will positively impact our students and families. 

 

I am equally pleased to share the board has approved hiring a Positive Supports and Bullying Prevention Coordinator. This new role will be instrumental in: 

  • Educating students using anti-bullying, intimidation, and harassment curriculums. 
  • Implementing intervention strategies. 
  • Investigating filed complaints. 

This position will play a crucial part in fostering a safe and supportive environment for all our students. 

Each of the positions will add value and contribute to the district's success. I fully anticipate positive outcomes and results for the students, staff, and community that are all a part of the district.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

School Board Approves Key Initiatives to Enhance Student Support and Equal Opportunities

As we continue to strive for excellence in our school district, it is important to provide updates a bout approvals that will positively ...