School District Celebrates Excellence at Team KSD Awards

Kearney School District honored exceptional educators, support professionals, retirees, and community partners at the 2026 Team KSD Awards & Retiree Reception held Thursday, April 30, at Tobacco Barn Farm. The event spotlighted districtwide award recipients, with Dr. Brad Miller, chemistry teacher at Kearney High School, named 2026 Teacher of the Year, and Stephanie Dolinar, Puppy Pound Lead at the Kearney Early Education Center, recognized as Support Staff of the Year.

Dr. Miller has dedicated 17 years to public education, spending the past seven at KHS. He is admired for guiding students through complex subjects with confidence, humor, and persistence, setting high expectations while offering encouragement and support.

Mrs. Dolinar, who has devoted all 18 years of her career to KSD, fosters a safe and joyful environment at the Puppy Pound, nurturing the district’s youngest Bulldogs, their families, and staff members.

The Kearney School District Education Foundation was also acknowledged for its ongoing support of the awards and its commitment to investing in students, teachers, and staff, making the honors even more meaningful. Recognition extended to school-level Teachers of the Year, Support Staff of the Year, 2026 retirees, Volunteer of the Year Aaron Jury, and Business of the Year Long Veterinary Clinic.

Congratulations to Dr. Brad Miller, Stephanie Dolinar, and all 2026 Team KSD honorees for their dedication and impact on the Kearney School District community.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Give Your Child a Strong Start: Enroll in Summer School

Summer is almost here, and Kearney School District wants every Bulldog to have the opportunity to keep learning, growing and connecting with classmates during its 2026 Summer School! Families who need transportation must complete enrollment by Thursday, April 30.

"Summer school is more than extra time in the classroom. It is a chance for students to build confidence, strengthen important skills, explore new learning opportunities and stay connected to the routines and relationships that help them succeed," KSD Superintendent Emily Miller said. "For many children, a few weeks of summer learning can make a real difference when they return to school in August."

KSD's 2026 Summer School will be held June 1–25, with classes meeting only on Mondays through Thursdays. There will be no summer classes on Fridays. Elementary Summer School will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Secondary Summer School will run from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Whether your child would benefit from extra support, wants to stay engaged, or simply enjoys being part of a fun and positive school environment, Summer School is a great way to make the most of June. Please take a few minutes today to review the information and complete enrollment at: www.ksdr1.net/summerfun

KPGZ News - Ray Weikal contribuited to this story.

School District Announce Awards Nominees

Kearney School District is proud to recognize our 2026 Team KSD Awards school-level honorees! These are educators and support professionals who exemplify the very best of our district’s vision, mission and values. The honorees were selected from nominations submitted by KSD employees.

“Every day, these team members support students, collaborate with colleagues and families, and help foster school cultures where kids feel known, challenged, and cared for,” Superintendent Emily Miller said. “We are grateful for the expertise, leadership, and heart they bring to KSD.”

2026 School Teacher of the Year Honorees:

• Kearney Early Education Center: Michelle Grote, Early Education Teacher

• Dogwood Elementary: Kristina Behrendt, 1st Grade

• Hawthorne Elementary: Katy Foster, 3rd Grade

• Kearney Elementary: Heather Oldham, 1st Grade

• Southview Elementary: Sheena Anello, Speech Teacher

• Kearney Middle School: Lindsey Zoz, Special Education Teacher

• Kearney Junior High: Samantha Rothfuss, English Language Arts

• Kearney High School: Dr. Brad Miller, Chemistry

2026 School Support Staff of the Year Honorees:

• Kearney Early Education Center: Stephanie Dolinar, Puppy Pound Lead

• Dogwood Elementary: Jaden Hensley, Paraprofessional

• Hawthorne Elementary: Emily Boyer, Building Substitute

• Kearney Elementary: Greg Nelson, Custodian

• Southview Elementary: Amanda Textor, Social Worker

• Kearney Middle School: Sam Hansen, Custodian

• Kearney Junior High: Ariel Jones, Paraprofessional

• Kearney High School: Kellie Parker, Paraprofessional

• Central Office: Marsha Bartow, Executive Administrative Assistant - Academic Services

All of these school-level award recipients will be recognized at the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Education Banquet on April 21. They will also be celebrated during the Team KSD Awards & Retiree Reception on Thursday, April 30. That’s when the 2026 KSD Teacher of the Year, Support Staff of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Partner in Education of the Year award recipients will be revealed.

KPGZ News - Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Kearney School District Opens Kindergarten Enrollment

Kearney School District will begin kindergarten enrollment for the 2026-2027 academic year on Monday, February 2. Families with children who will be five years old on or before July 31, 2026, are invited to enroll their child in kindergarten during this period.

Detailed instructions on how to enroll will be shared via email, posted online, and made available on the district’s website starting February 2. During the enrollment process, parents or guardians must provide a government-issued ID, the child’s birth certificate, proof of required immunizations, and proof of residence. To determine which elementary school their child will attend, families can use the district’s online boundary map. For further questions, inquiries can be directed to reghelp@ksdr1.net.

Once enrollment is complete, a Parent Educator from the district’s Parents As Teachers program will reach out to schedule a kindergarten screening. These screenings help Kearney School District plan for class needs and provide valuable information and activities to families, including details about summer programs. Parent Educators are also available to answer any other questions parents or guardians may have about the transition to kindergarten.

All families are encouraged to complete the Online Meal Application Form. By doing so, families may qualify for free or reduced-price meals, and the district could become eligible for additional academic resources and funding.

Kindergarten Orientation events are scheduled for Thursday, May 7, from 6 to 7 p.m. at each of Kearney School District’s elementary schools. These events offer families a chance to learn more about the district, tour the school, and meet teachers and the building principal.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Harlem Wizards to Headline Education Foundation Fundraiser

The Kearney School District Education Foundation (KSDEF) is launching a new community event this spring with the arrival of the Harlem Wizards basketball team at Kearney High School on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

The Harlem Wizards, celebrated nationwide for their dynamic mix of basketball prowess, comedy routines, and crowd engagement, are set to deliver a family-friendly spectacle filled with high-flying tricks and plenty of laughter. The night will bring together students, school staff, and local residents in a show of Bulldog pride.

This event marks KSDEF’s first collaboration with the Harlem Wizards and represents a fresh direction in the Foundation’s fundraising initiatives. All proceeds from the game will go toward supporting innovative classroom grants, student enrichment programs, and scholarships designed to benefit Kearney students.

Organizers hope that the Wizards game will become an annual tradition, strengthening community bonds while providing direct support to teachers and students throughout the district.

The community is invited to join the festivities at Kearney High School on Saturday, April 11, as the Wizards bring their unique brand of entertainment to town and help raise funds for educational opportunities in Kearney.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.