Superintendent Newsletter » September 2025

September 2025

Dear D7 Families and Community,

We are off to a wonderful start this school year! From the very first day, our students came ready and eager to learn, and our teachers came prepared with engaging lessons and a deep commitment to helping every child grow. Behind the scenes, our talented and dedicated staff worked tirelessly to ensure that classrooms, cafeterias, and offices were ready to welcome everyone back. Their efforts made the transition into the new school year smooth and successful.

As we often say, it truly takes a village. The start of a school year is not just about students and teachers - it’s about the entire district working together. From maintenance and food service to technology, and administration, every single person played a role in making this opening a strong one.

This year also marks the launch of our Phone-Free Yondr Pouch initiative for students. Students are more engaged in classroom activities, making eye contact with each other in the hallways and having conversations away from screen chats. The positive climate in the buildings is noticeable.  We want to thank our families for believing in us and trusting that this implementation will have a significant impact on teaching, learning, social interaction, and in reducing stress and anxiety. We know this change represents a shift for everyone, and your partnership has been invaluable as we take this important step forward. 

Fall also brings the excitement of our Cougar athletic competitions. Our student-athletes have been working hard, and we encourage you to come out and support them. It’s a great time to gather as a community, cheer on our teams, and celebrate the Cougar spirit together!

Construction Project Updates – A Sneak Peek!

Take a look at the progress happening across our sites… and thank you to our community for the continued support that makes these improvements possible. We could not have done this without you! With your help, we’re bringing in state-of-the-art equipment and updated infrastructure that will complement our grounds in the name of safety, learning, and fun for our students.

Bedford Site Project

Exciting changes are underway at Bedford! The turf is being installed, and the wood chip play area has been leveled in preparation for final touches. Next up: sand and turf finishing, new wood chips, and the installation of an awning for the outdoor classroom. We’re also looking forward to a brand-new obstacle course coming later this fall. Bedford’s play spaces are getting closer to being ready for students to enjoy!

📸 Be sure to check out the pictures below for Bedford progress highlights!

Pardee Playground

At Pardee, turf installation is also moving forward. Final details—like sand finishing and fresh wood chips—will soon be added to complete the project. Just like Bedford, Pardee’s upgrades are designed to create a safe, engaging, and fun space for all students.

📸 Be sure to check even more pictures below for progress highlights at Pardee!

Air Conditioning at Pardee and Polk Elementary Buildings 

We are very excited to announce that the Polk and Pardee HVAC - Air Conditioning project is nearing completion. The systems were installed over the summer to both buildings, and as a result, we started the year with air conditioning in all of our Elementary Classrooms (last year we installed HVAC - Air Conditioning to Bedford Elementary). The 2025 summer work included  connecting the new classroom univents (installed last year in both buildings as well) to the new rooftop units for better comfort and efficiency throughout the buildings. 

BUILDING AND SITE SINKING FUND – RENEWAL – NOVEMBER BALLOT

On November 4th, 2025, D7 will be asking our community to consider renewing the District’s Building and Site Sinking fund. This is not a new tax or an increase - just a renewal of the current funding that helps us maintain and improve our schools.

The sinking fund is used for important projects like building repairs, safety upgrades, and technology improvements that keep our schools safe and up-to-date for students.

The following projects will be included in this renewal:

  • Roof Project for O. W. Best 
  • Cement Repairs District Wide (sidewalks and drop off lanes) 
  • Roof Project for Board Office
  • Pardee Parking Lot Project
  • AHS HVAC and Univent Project 
  • O. W. Best HVAC and Univent Project 
  • District-Wide Restroom Refresh 
  • Madison Elementary Project – building updates and refresh 
  • AHS Parking Lot Resurface
  • AHS 2nd Floor Roof

Additional BUILDING AND SITE SINKING FUND – RENEWAL voter information will be forthcoming in the next few weeks.

Although this September issue of Leading Message from D7 Superintendent was rather lengthy, I wanted to ensure that I shared all of the exciting things going on in the district. We are grateful for your support and want to make sure our families are aware of the renewal on the upcoming November 4th ballot. Thank you, as always, for being part of the D7 Difference. Together, we’ve set the stage for a positive and productive year ahead.

With gratitude,

Mark Kleinhans

Superintendent