Salina teachers honored at February board meeting.

Salina Public Schools recognized Kim Warren as the district's 2026 Master Teacher and honored Horizon Award recipients Grace Baughman and Gavin Blehm at the Feb. 10 Board of Education meeting.

Salina Public Schools honored three teachers at its Feb. 10 Board of Education meeting. Members of NEA-Salina selected Kim Warren as the district's 2026 Master Teacher. Two Horizon Award recipients were named for their first full year of teaching: an elementary teacher and a secondary teacher. The recognitions noted classroom work and community connections. Awards presented: - Kim Warren — Journalism adviser and business teacher at South High School; selected as Salina Public Schools' 2026 Master Teacher by NEA-Salina. - Kim Warren's background and roles: 33 years of teaching with 27 years at South High; teaches 21st Century Journalism, Graphic Design 2D, Graphic Design Digital and Accounting; advises the school newspaper and yearbook; serves as business and communications department chair, SHS building leadership team member and freshman class sponsor; member of the Kansas Scholastic Press Association, a former KSPA executive board member, a Journalism Education Association member and an NEA-Salina member. - Grace Baughman — Pre-K teacher at Heusner Elementary and the Elementary Horizon Award recipient; described as warm, empathetic and skilled at building consistent connections with students and families; uses developmentally appropriate lessons, themed activities, classroom stations and a focus on social-emotional and visible learning; South High School alumna, attended Hutchinson Community College and Wichita State University, and is a past LIFT recipient who continues professional development. - Gavin Blehm — Band director at South Middle School and assistant band director at South High School; the Secondary Horizon Award recipient noted for open communication, relationship-building and classroom strategies that make abstract musical concepts physical, including marching to tempo, clapping and counting and peer assessment; earned bachelor's degrees from Fort Hays State University and a master's degree in trumpet performance from the University of North Texas; SPS alumnus who now serves alongside a former teacher. Summary: These recognitions highlighted both long-serving and early-career educators for their work with students and ties to the Salina community. The board meeting served as a formal acknowledgment of their roles in classrooms and school programs. Undetermined at this time.