Dennis L. Carpenter

The board meeting focused on celebrating student success, notably recognizing LEGO League teams from Truman Elementary and Hickman Mills Middle School. Key actions included the approval of school naming recommendations following reconfiguration plans, which resulted in renaming Alvin Brooks Middle School, Ervin Elementary, and Santa Fe Elementary. The Board also approved several operational and planning items, such as financial, operations, and academic reports, a new Local Compliance Plan required by DESE, a partnership with Zeta Driving School for career training, the selection of Hollis and Miller Architects for future facility planning, and updated MSBA policies.

The working session covered several key areas. Financially, the district has received approximately $56.3 million (61% of the budget), but anticipates a local tax revenue shortfall of about $2.96 million due to commercial property value changes and senior tax credits. In operations and student services, the Stop the Bleed safety program was launched, and a new partnership with the Kansas City Royals Amateur Development System will expand student athletic opportunities. The percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals increased significantly to 89.3%. Architecturally, an RFQ was posted for services related to an upcoming school renovation bond. Academically, nine schools exceeded attendance goals, and student reading proficiency rose from 19% to 28% mid-year, with Compass Elementary showing the largest gains in reading and math. Policy updates included new MSBA requirements for website accessibility and safety, and the District Naming Committee is preparing recommendations for a future meeting. A new career pathway partnership with Zeta Driving School was established to offer Commercial Driver's License training.

The working session meeting focused on reviewing district financial information and discussing long-term planning related to the district's budget. The Monthly Financial Report for December 2025 was presented, detailing year-to-date income and expenditures, with expenditures reported at 44 percent of the budget. Preliminary findings from the independent auditor, Westbrook, P.C., were also discussed. Under new business, leadership outlined options being considered to address the budget deficit via the "Road to a Sustainable Destiny" plan. The Board plans to host a Community Hearing prior to the next regular meeting to gather public input. Audience comments included questions concerning arts opportunities and academic readiness for transferring students.

The Board of Education convened to review the district's financial standing and address a $14 million budget deficit. Key actions included the approval of the December financial report and the adoption of Option 1 for cost savings, encompassing position eliminations, reclassifications, and contract adjustments, projected to save approximately $9.76 million. Furthermore, the Board approved Option 2 of the school reconfiguration plan, expected to yield about $3.12 million in savings, which involves reorganizing schools into one middle school (grades 7-8), one sixth-grade center, six elementary schools, one high school, and two pre-kindergarten schools. During public comment, community members raised concerns about staffing reductions in reading, math, and library services. The Superintendent noted that two planned ballot measures for the April election aim to support the district's financial future.

This document presents an overview of the HMC-1 Proposed School Reconfiguration for 2025, developed in response to financial challenges. The plan aims to achieve financial sustainability by optimizing costs and reorganizing school structures. Key aspects include converting Santa Fe to a sixth-grade center and relocating Truman Elementary to the Alvin Brooks campus, which will operate as an elementary school, necessitating attendance boundary adjustments. The core objectives are to safeguard academic progress, maintain district facilities, and retain skilled staff to ensure continued support for students and a strong community.