(KNZA)--The Hiawatha chapter of the National Teammates Mentoring Program has received special recognition.

Teammates Kansas Regional Coordinator John Pfau announced at Monday's Hiawatha School Board meeting that the Hiawatha chapter had been selected as the " 2024 Kansas Chapter of the Year."

Pfau presented a certificate to Hiawatha chapter coordinator Kim Krauter in recognition of the success of the local chapter, which has been in existance since 2020.

The school-based mentoring program was founded in 1991 by former University of Nebraska head football coach Tom Osborne and his wife, Nancy, to inspire students to reach their full potential.

The program is currently in five states, with 12 chapters in Kansas.

Two Hiawatha Elementary School teachers were also recognized at the meeting. Board President Roni Tietgens presented certificates of recognition to 4th grade teacher Ariel Blanton and IRC teacher Sara Edie for their work in the classroom and positive attitude.

In other business, the board on a 6-1 vote approved a bid from School Specialty for sound proofing panels to be installed in the elementary school gym/lunchroom at a cost of $30,647. It was lowest among 3 bids received. Board member Ian Schuetz cast the lone dissenting vote. He felt the district should explore less costly alternatives.

Also at the meeting, the board approved two early dismissal dates. School will dismiss at 12:30 on December 6 and January 29.

Following an executive session, the board accepted the resignations of IT specialist Eric Edie, high school custodian Myles Long and Theresa Williams as middle school track coach. The board also approved hiring Ariel Young as elementary school para, Michael Gabbard as middle school para, and Liam Jones as high school assistant track and field coach.