The Garden City Public Schools Board of Education held a special meeting at 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. The board unanimously accepted Dr. Terry McCarty as the new Superintendent of Garden City Public Schools.
Please see this note from Superintendent Dr. Dominguez:
Due to bus mechanical issues, school will be cancelled for Tuesday, January 21
Members of the Garden City High School International Thespian Society Troupe #2846 recently attended the Kansas State Thespian Conference. Students that received a Superior rating include: Izzy Frey – Stage Management; Marsa Hanneman - Solo Musical; and Nic Vigil – Solo Acting. These students have qualified to compete at the International Thespian Festival. https://www.gckschools.com/article/1970811
School Community,
Please remember to bundle up with coats, hats, and mittens to stay safe and warm in these very cold temperatures. While we are planning to be in school as the weather is expected to improve throughout the day, we understand that safety is a top priority. Parents may choose to keep their children home if the cold temperatures are a concern, but it is IMPORTANT to call your school so the absence can be excused.
If plans change, we will send an update immediately.
Stay warm and take care!
Due to the weather and temperature, the after-school programs at Jennie Wilson, Gertrude Walker, Alta Brown, Florence Wilson, and Victor Ornelas will be canceled today.
Please pick up your child at the 3:50 p.m. dismissal time.
⭐️ MEET THE SUPERINTENDENT CANDIDATES ⭐️
Candidate #2: Dr. Terry McCarty
Dr. McCarty brings 35 years of educational leadership experience across schools of all sizes. A western Kansas native, he holds a B.S. and M.S. from Fort Hays State University and an Ed.D. from Kansas State University.
Currently serving as Principal of both South Gray High School and Montezuma Elementary School, Dr. McCarty has also held leadership roles as Superintendent of Perry Public Schools (OK) and Assistant Superintendent of Operations at Stillwater Public Schools (OK), overseeing non-curriculum areas. He served as Principal of Manhattan High School (KS) for 16 years, where he led the school to national recognition, including being named one of America’s Top High Schools by Newsweek Magazine for six consecutive years.
Dr. McCarty and his wife, Lisa, reside in Montezuma. Passionate about larger, diverse districts, he is eager to collaborate with the Garden City community to foster educational growth and innovation.
➡️ You can meet Dr. McCarty at the candidate forums tomorrow, January 20, at the Educational Support Center at 6:30pm and 7:30pm.
⭐️ MEET THE SUPERINTENDENT CANDIDATES ⭐️
Candidate #1: Dr. Brian Yearwood
Born in Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Yearwood’s journey reflects a lifelong dedication to education and leadership. At 17, he moved to the U.S. and was recruited to play tennis at New Mexico Military Institute, where he earned his associate degree. He went on to Texas Tech University, earning a bachelor’s in geology, a master’s in educational administration, and a doctorate in educational leadership.
From starting as a middle school teacher and tennis coach to serving as superintendent for Missouri’s fourth-largest school district, Dr. Yearwood has consistently driven academic excellence, innovative programs, and community collaboration. In his leadership roles, he has improved student outcomes, enhanced curriculum and instruction, and built strong partnerships between schools and their communities.
He’s a proud husband to Tina, a registered nurse, and father of two. Dr. Yearwood is excited to have the opportunity to partner with the Garden City community to support students, educators, and families.
➡️ You can meet Dr. Yearwood at the candidate forums tomorrow, January 20, at the Educational Support Center at 6:30pm and 7:30pm.
Garden City High School is hosting the KSHSAA 5A / 6A State Debate tournament Friday and Saturday. Debate students will be competing over the course of the two days at the school, with champions to be crowned in both 2- and 4-speaker divisions in both classifications.
The USD #457 Board of Education will hold a special meeting Monday, January 20 at 7:00am at Baron's Steakhouse, 1911 E. Kansas Avenue. The notice of the meeting can be found at https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/2712
There will be forums with the superintendent candidate finalists for the community to attend on Monday in the Educational Support Center. The first candidate forum will be at 6:30 p.m., and the second candidate forum will be at 7:30 p.m.
If you missed the Special Board of Education meetings, here are the highlights.
The agenda can be found here https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/2712
Check out what’s on the menu this week! *Menu subject to change. To view the full menu visit: https://www.gckschools.com/o/gcps/page/school-menu
There will be no school for Garden City High School on Friday, January 17, 2025. The school will host the Classes 5A and 6A state debate tournament. All other schools in the district will be in session on Friday. School resumes on Monday, January 20, 2025.
📢 We're Hiring Paraprofessionals! 🏫 ✨ Our students deserve the best support to thrive, and YOU could be the difference-maker! 💙 Join our team and start your rewarding journey helping young minds grow. 💡 Apply now to start before or right after winter break—make a fresh start for the new year while making an impact! 👉 Don’t wait—our students are counting on YOU! Apply at https://gardencity.schoolspring.com.
USD 457 will be running regular bus routes beginning tomorrow, January 16, 2025
Kenneth Henderson Middle School Boys Basketball team will hold a fundraiser in partnership with Freddy's tonight, January 15. Fifteen percent of all sales from 5:00-9:00 p.m. will go back to the team. Thank you for your support!
Garden City High School girls basketball players were at Jennie Wilson Elementary School this morning greeting and visiting with students. Don't miss this week's game against Hays at The Garden on Friday - tip off is at 6:00pm.
The Garden City High School Hall of Fame Committee is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees. Nominees must be graduates of Garden City High School. Other qualifications to be considered include professional accomplishments, community service and the capacity to be a positive role model for the 2025 graduating class. https://www.gckschools.com/article/1955512
