Director McGivin praises community support for youth sports at annual open house

The Bettendorf Community School District Board meeting on August 14, 2025, opened with a warm welcome from Director McGivin, who expressed hopes for a successful school year and reflected on the positive community engagement observed during youth football activities. He highlighted the importance of gratitude among young athletes, sharing a practice lesson from coach Bob Swift, who encourages players to thank their supporters after each session.

Director Smithson also welcomed attendees and urged community participation in upcoming open houses and events, particularly a community expo scheduled for August 22. He emphasized the value of these gatherings for students and parents to explore available resources.

Additionally, Smithson proposed the inclusion of a board self-evaluation on the agenda, noting that it has been two years since the last assessment, despite the policy stipulating an annual review.

The meeting also featured acknowledgments of community support for local sports programs. One board member shared experiences from a recent wrestling golf outing, noting the generous contributions from the wrestling club, which provided a $7,000 donation to support student scholarships. This sentiment of community involvement and mentorship was echoed throughout the discussions, reinforcing the district's commitment to fostering values and teamwork among students.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of community engagement in supporting educational and athletic programs, setting a positive tone for the upcoming school year.