Dana Kelm

The Meramec Valley R-III School District's Professional Development Plan for 2025-2026 aims to stimulate and encourage continuous professional learning and growth for all educators, ultimately leading to improved student achievement. The plan aligns with the district's Comprehensive School Improvement Plan, prioritizing academic excellence, family and community engagement, positive culture, and attendance. Key components include structured professional development for certified staff, a two-year Beginning Teacher Assistance Program for new teachers, support for classified staff, an Aspiring Leadership Academy, and ongoing development for administrators. The plan integrates various frameworks such as the High Reliability School framework, Marzano's Framework, Character Education, Social Emotional Support, and Tiered Models of Instruction to guide professional practice.

This Schoolwide Program Plan outlines comprehensive strategies to address prioritized school needs and enhance educational outcomes at Zitzman Elementary School. It focuses on providing supplemental instruction, reducing class sizes, and implementing frameworks like Professional Learning Communities, Positive Behavior Support, and Response to Intervention. Additionally, the plan emphasizes continuous professional development for staff, effective teacher recruitment and retention, smooth transition programs for preschool children, and coordinated funding efforts with federal, state, and local programs.

The Meramec Valley R-III School District's District Wide Master Planning outlines a long-range strategy to address immediate and long-term facility needs. Key priorities include fostering innovative and sustainable learning environments, enhancing operational and staffing efficiencies, modernizing aging infrastructure, and expanding educational and collaborative opportunities for students and staff. This plan is informed by comprehensive demographic analysis, facility assessments, and stakeholder feedback, detailing future capital projects and bond initiatives.

This Title I.A LEA Plan outlines the Meramec Valley R-III district's compliance with the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The plan details strategies for monitoring student progress against Missouri Learning Standards through well-rounded instruction, identification of at-risk students, and provision of additional educational assistance. It addresses early childhood education services, coordination, and transition strategies for students moving between educational levels (middle to high school, high school to post-secondary). Key focus areas also include ensuring teacher quality by addressing disparities in inexperienced, ineffective, or out-of-field teachers; supporting neglected and homeless children; implementing positive discipline practices; and expanding experiential and work-based learning opportunities. The overall objective is to strengthen academic programs, improve school conditions, and prepare all students for college or career readiness.

The Meramec Valley R-III School District's Long Range Plan, adopted in 2024, is designed to provide innovative, quality, and sustainable learning and work environments by addressing the aging infrastructure of school buildings. Supported by Proposition M, a No Tax Increase bond issue, the plan's strategic initiatives include the construction of a new 7th and 8th grade center, the relocation of 5th and 6th graders to the Riverbend campus, critical facility improvements across all school buildings, updating the bus fleet, and acquiring new technology, computers, and safety and security equipment.