Two members of the USD 475 Board of Education who will be stepping down were honored at the Board's meeting Monday evening at the Devin Center. Superintendent Dr. Reginald Eggleston recognized LaDonna Junghans for six years of service and Tom Brungardt for nine years of service on the Board.
Junghans thanked the citizens of Geary County for putting their confidence in her. "It's been an amazing six years, the challenges and the rewards, they're immeasurable in my heart. There are tons of amazing people in our district with such wisdom and compassion for our students. My prayer is that you all come together with that passion and that wisdom with our leadership, and communicate and do everything possible for our children because they are tomorrow."
Junghans did not seek reelection to the Board of Education.
Brungardt noted that the school district had offered him many opportunities. He first arrived as a student teacher at Junction City High School Junior High School in 1974 , and over the years also served as a teacher at Junction City High School and on the Board of Education. He also participated in the Junction City High School Education Association where he also served as a teaching contract negotiator."This place has offered me so many opportunities, I can't begin to express it over how many years, 74 until now." Brungardt thanked all the leadership and his fellow teachers, and his union brothers and sisters in the JCEA.
Brungardt was elected to multiple terms on the school board, but his bid for reelection to another term fell short this past November.