Sidney School Board recognizes Career Pathways teacher

The Sidney School District board of education recognized Career-Pathways teacher Tess Plummer for an award she received at a conference held recently in Kearney, Neb.

In September, business and community leaders from the region met in Sidney for the "E3" workshop. "Energizing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (E3)" is an effort to develop a network of resources in Sidney to drive opportunity through sustained investments in entrepreneurships and community improvement. During the two-day visit, visitors were offered a tour of Sidney High School, including developing occupational and entrepreneurship classrooms. 

On the tour, visitors were shown the new print shop, the Raider Made coffee shop, and were treated to Raider Made coffee the following morning. 

It was the tour and promoting Sidney High School's efforts to people outside of the area that led to her award. She was presented the NETForce Nebraska Educator of the Year award in Kearney Nov. 3, 2022.

Sidney schools superintendent Jay Ehler introduced Plummer as the leader of the Career Pathways program for the district, K-12. 

"She is our expert here on campus," he said. "We've progressed to where we're the model for other communities."

Plummer said the program's success is the definition of team effort. 

The board also heard a report on the AQuESTT Statewide Accountability. The six tenets of AQuESTT include "Educational Opportunities and Access;" "Transitions;" "Positive Partnerships, Relationships and Success;" "Educator Effectiveness;" "Student Achievement and Growth;" and "Postsecondary Career and Civic Readiness."

"AQuESTT is a next generation accountability system developed by Nebraskans for Nebraska to help ensure a quality education for all students. It goes beyond what is required by statute, providing much more than a test-based method for measuring student achievement. It is unlike any other state system of accountability," according to the www.aquestt.com website.

Sheri Ehler, High School Curriculum and Assessment Director, said the state is anticipating lower classifications this year, in part a result of the reduced time students were in classrooms because of COVID restrictions. As of the meeting Monday, results of the assessments were embargoed.

"The good news is it's probably going to change. The bad news is it's probably going to change," said Supt. Ehler.

The board also approved sale of the district's project house. Supt. Ehler said the District has had the house for three years and is not complete. The District has decided to sell the house as-is. Two bids were submitted for the house; one at $59,500 and one at $60,000.

"Both are contingent on a loan," Ehler said.

The board also reviewed financials for the month of October.