Amy Bunch-Schmitt

The meeting addressed a significant financial crisis, focusing on how the current situation developed and necessary corrective actions. Key discussion points included a review of the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 budget summaries, noting declining operating fund balances influenced by the use of ESSER funds and capital projects like roofing. Changes in revenues and expenditures between FY24 and FY25 were detailed, highlighting decreases in various revenue streams (local, state, ESSER funds) countered partially by miscellaneous revenue increases. Expenditure increases stemmed from rising salaries, benefits, and purchase services costs. The significant impact of sustained salary increases since FY19 was discussed, alongside concerns regarding declining student enrollment and the associated state funding calculations. The assembly reviewed the 2025-2026 budget amendment recommendation, focusing on revenue projections based on historical data and state adequacy targets. A key adjustment involved moving classroom trust fund revenue to the capital fund for consistency. Expenditure projections detailed necessary reductions in salary/benefits, supplies (due to elimination of a grant), and purchase services, while noting the planned implementation of the Teacher Baseline Salary Grant, contingent on state allocation. Furthermore, the process for erroneous reporting using a cash flow projection tool was acknowledged, influencing past recommendations.

The meeting began with the recognition and introduction of a large group of middle school Student Leadership members who presented on their activities aimed at improving campus climate and culture. Key initiatives included socials, door decorating contests, campus clean-up, and operating the 'Bear Store,' which uses student-earned points for items. The board also recognized the transportation department for achieving a perfect safety rating for 31 consecutive years. Administrative reports covered the MSBA Board Report, which discussed federal funding concerns and the importance of timely claiming of federal program dollars. A significant topic of discussion was the pending Open Enrollment policy (House Bill 7-Eleven), noting its potential negative impact on local school districts by diverting critical funding and creating instability. The board also took time to recognize board members, specifically acknowledging a departing member for her service.

The board meeting covered the approval of consent agenda items, including a question regarding the job title of an employee. Administrative reports highlighted the recognition of the school board for their voluntary service, ongoing CIP goals review, and administrative updates. The Elementary report detailed recent successes such as Teacher Proud recognition, a successful book fair family night, a third-quarter Rise and Shine celebration for positive behavior, recognition for student artwork at the state capital, and successes by the elementary chess club, alongside planning for an author visit, spelling bee, and upcoming MAP testing and field trips. The Middle School report noted slightly decreased attendance due to sickness, a successful tornado drill, and a presentation by the Highway Patrol on drug awareness to fifth graders. Teachers visited Hancock Place to learn about standards-based grading, and the middle school softball and baseball seasons were set to commence. Celebrations included the end of the third quarter and a character traits assembly, as well as a well-attended student showcase. Planning is underway for a mock school store to develop life skills for high-needs students. Professional development activities included teacher attendance at a conference for early years education, focusing on student connections, and a group attending training on exceptional children matters, concurrent with ongoing student evaluations. One administrator participated in a state-level Special Education Advisory Panel, discussing parent concerns and issues like the staffing shortage in special education, noting 238 unfilled positions across the state. The High School report mentioned successful softball and baseball starts during spring break, the success of the student showcase and CTE Advisory Council meeting, and academic achievements in Math and Science relays and Quiz Bowl. Upcoming high school events included ACT testing, Junior Job Shadow, and a new Senior Signing Day event to celebrate postsecondary plans. State Board of Education representatives and the incoming Commissioner of Education are scheduled for a campus visit. Additionally, a senior was selected for the Missouri Scholars 100.

Discussions during the meeting included additions to the agenda, specifically noting a resignation from an elementary interventionist and confirming no executive session was required. The consent agendas were approved. Administrative reports highlighted celebrations at the elementary level, such as movie nights, the completion of mandated dyslexia screening for kindergarten, and the "Reading Buddies" program involving fourth and preschool students. The middle school report noted the selection of an energetic Math teacher as employee of the month, the naming of four students of the month, and an upcoming incentive event called the "Bear Hunt." A significant item for the middle school was the impending update to the attendance policy, effective in January, which will limit unexcused absences per semester to five, with consequences including exclusion from extracurricular activities unless tutoring hours are made up. The high school report introduced the new student representative to the board, Nolan Perkins, and mentioned updates on school sports, FBLA community service, and Bear Media Productions live streaming. Student leadership provided an extensive update on their activities, including participation in parades, community service such as ringing bells for the Salvation Army and delivering Thanksgiving food baskets, fundraising via hat days and trash pickup for custodians, assisting with a Veterans Assembly, and managing the "Bear Store" incentive program based on attendance and behavior points. They also detailed their participation in the Christmas Extravaganza.

The board meeting focused on administrative reports highlighting a smooth start to the school year, including successful open houses and district-wide drills. Key events discussed included a well-attended Grandparents Day, which served 949 breakfasts, and upcoming events like picture day and the book fair. Administrative updates noted the installation and positive feedback on air conditioning at the middle school, the formation of a student leadership team, and the initiation of teacher observations. Discussions also covered enrollment trends, noting an increase in special education students and challenges related to supporting high-needs students. Furthermore, the board reviewed and adopted the updated Safe Return to School Plan, which reverts mostly to pre-COVID procedures while retaining universal hygiene practices and implementing a five-day exclusion for positive COVID-19 cases among students. The implementation of the new Career Ladder program, replacing the previous TIPS program, was also addressed, detailing its 60/40 grant structure.