Ben Brundage

The meeting included multiple executive sessions. Key actions during the open session involved the approval of the meeting agenda, the consent agenda which included approving minutes from the December 8, 2025 meeting, overnight requests for JAG and the HS Boys Basketball Program, and the School Resource Officer Agreement. The Board also approved monthly expenditures/payables and the monthly ledger. Business items included the approval of the Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP). New business involved soliciting bids for summer 2026 work, specifically classroom renovations, entrance door renovation, and HVAC installation, and the approval of a bid for a refrigerator/freezer combination unit. Reports were reviewed, and a work session covered the Long Range Master Facility Plan, budget considerations for 2026-2027, student behavior responses, personnel considerations, and planning updates. Subsequent executive sessions addressed the extension of the Superintendent's contract through the 2028-2029 school year and setting the Superintendent's annual salary at $178,840.

The session commenced with an Executive Session pursuant to specific sections of the Missouri Revised Statutes. Key actions taken during this session included the approval of several resignations and retirements across various roles, including positions in Agriculture, ELA, Industrial Arts, and Assistant Principalship for a future school year. One personnel transfer was approved, moving an individual to the Pate Functional Skills position for the 26/27 school year. Furthermore, a motion was passed to hire a new teacher who will also serve as the Girls Head Basketball Coach. The body then moved out of the Executive Session.

The proceedings included an Executive Session motioned to discuss matters pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes sections 610.021 (3 and 14). Key actions taken during the session involved the approval of several resignations and retirements, including staff from KG, 4th grade, the Alternative School, and coaching positions. New hires were approved across various roles such as Daycare Support Staff, Grounds Technician, and Assistant Principal. Transfers were finalized for staff in 3rd Grade, Social Studies, and JAG roles. The Board also approved retiree rehires for roles like Psychological Examiner and Coordinator positions. Summer School Leadership appointments were confirmed for district director and various principal roles. The Board moved to approve instructional staff recommendations for High School, Junior High, Robinson, Alternative School, and Pate. Following the executive session, the Open Session commenced with the acceptance of the agenda and approval of consent items, which included approving two overnight trips and longevity incentive specifications. The session concluded with the approval of monthly expenditures, the monthly ledger, setting the dates and rates for the 2026 Summer School session, and scheduling a Special Board meeting for March 17, 2026.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session where the Board entered closed session based on Missouri Revised Statutes sections 610.021 (3, 13, and 14). Discussions and actions within this session included addressing personnel matters such as accepting no resignations, approving six new hires for the 26/27 school year across various roles including Vo-Ag, Social Studies, Math, Library Media Specialist, Weights Instructor/Head Football Coach, and SPED Teacher, processing department transfers within Special Education, approving the hiring of Scott Spooner as High School Principal with a one-year contract, approving the hiring of Brad Boettler on a 2-year contract, and approving the extension of Mr. David Mais' contract for an additional year. Following the executive session, the Board moved into Open Session, approving the agenda. Old Business involved the approval of the 26-27 Academic Calendar. New Business focused on the recommendation to increase the Board's defined health insurance contribution to $600 per month per employee and the motion to move the March Board meeting date to March 9, 2026.

The meeting included an Executive Session to discuss specific personnel and financial matters before entering the Regular Board Meeting. Key actions during the regular session involved accepting a list of resignations and retirements, approving new hires for various coaching and support roles, and hiring a new Director of Special Education on a two-year contract. Leadership roles for principals and directors were renewed. In the open session, the agenda was approved, monthly expenditures and ledger reports were approved, and the Board discussed a proposal for the 'Learn Life Savers - Gift of Life' program to educate students on organ and tissue donation. A special board meeting was scheduled, and discussions took place regarding the 26/27 academic calendar. Various departmental reports were presented and reviewed.