• An update on the use of Naviance, a comprehensive college and career readiness program;
• Recognition of Dobyns-Bennett students that have earned the distinction of "Commended Students" in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program;
• Recognition of D-B Seniors named as National Merit Semi-finalists;
• Recognition of a donation from American Electric Power supporting KCS robotics and LEGO League teams through STREAMWORKS;
• A special recognition for Dr. Dwain Arnold; and
• Approval to award a bid for the field replacement in J. Fred Johnson Stadium. 

• Naviance is a comprehensive college and career readiness online solution that assists districts and schools in aligning student strengths and interests to post-secondary goals.
• The desired goal of the use of Naviance is to improve student outcomes and connecting learning to real life.  
• Students in grades 6-12 utilize the Naviance curriculum through a blended learning experiences on their 1:1 devices.

• The program helps identify the top high school students in the U.S..
• About 34,000 students in the U.S. were named Commended Students, placing them in the top 3% of more than 1.6 million students nationwide.
• Students entered the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
• The D-B Commended Students are:
  • Ian Boldea, son of Melania Bochis and Lucian Boldea.
  • Jason Carter, son of David and Danette Carter.
  • Annika Cleven, daughter of Curtis and Detra Cleven.
  • Hallie Elsevier, daughter of Brian Elsevier.
  • David Lee, son of Brandon and Chrese Lee.
  • Susan Mahaffey, daughter of Paul and Dixie Mahaffey.
  • Abigail Nash, daughter of Jim and Joanna Nash.
  • James Root, son of James and Lisa Root.
  • Katerina Scott, daughter of Terry and Jesnena Scott.
  • Amilia Spell, daughter of Steven and Suzanne Spell.

• These students will compete with the top high school students in the nation for approximately 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $32 million.
• Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference. 
• Approximately 16,000 U.S. students qualified as semi-finalists.
• About 90 percent of the semi-finalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and more than half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.
• The D-B National Merit Semi-Finalists are:
  • Matthew Barnicki, son of Scott and Brenda Barnicki.
  • Brogan Beckner, son of James and Sherry Beckner.
  • Julian Chastain, son of Jerry and Karen Chastain.
  • Nikhil (Nic) Chatra, son of Ashok and Shubha Chatra.
  • Allison Glynn, daughter of Theodore and Bethanie Glynn.
  • Rachel Rivera, daughter of Estuardo and Tamara Rivera.
  • Grant Wilkins, son of Michael and Elizabeth Wilkins.

• The donated funds will provide a portion of the resources necessary for KCS students to participate in these engaging STREAM programs.

• Dr. Arnold served as the interim superintendent between the tenure of Dr. Lyle Ailshie and the hiring of KCS Superintendent Dr. Jeff Moorhouse.

BUSINESS ITEMS 

• In use for over a decade, the artificial surface of the stadium is slated for replacement, as it has met the end of its expected lifespan.
• Four bids were received for the turf replacement, with the winning low bid submitted by FieldTurf USA.
  • FieldTurfUSA's base bid of $756,045 was the lowest submitted bid.  
  • Three alternates were also presented for approval, along with a 6% allowance for architect fees and a standard 6% contingency (as is standard for all city construction contracts).
• After review and discussion, the Board approved the bid by FieldTurfUSA by a vote of 5-0.
  • Per the bid, the project is scheduled for completion by February 11, 2019.