Jennifer McKittrick

The primary actions taken during this special meeting included moving the session into a closed session and subsequently returning to open session. The main item approved in open session was a motion to approve a 180-day expulsion for a St. Louis Public School Student identified as 2026-1. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

The Organizational Meeting included the election and appointment of the 2026 Board of Education President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, with Superintendent Jennifer McKittrick serving as temporary chairperson for the election. The Board approved the agenda and subsequently established the committee structure and representatives for 2026, including the Finance, Facilities, and Grievance Committees. Furthermore, the Board approved the extension of services with Thrun Law Firm and Clark Hill for 2026. Other key actions included retaining the current schedule for Regular Monthly Board of Education Meetings and maintaining the existing meeting compensation rate. Authorizations for check signing and custody of district monies were approved for various funds, and the designation of Electronic Transfer Officers was confirmed. Finally, the Board voted to continue with Roslund, Prestage & Company, P.C. for audits for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years and re-confirmed CIPA, Internet Safety, and Technology Acceptable Use Policies.

The meeting commenced with reports from the High School Student Council, which focused on the final coordination of the Winter Formal and recognized a staff member with the December "Tide Turner" Award. The TSN Student Council provided an update regarding brainstorming for the Spring semester, including plans for selling Cookie Grams, organizing activities for Read Across America Day, and continuing after-school concessions. Following the approval of the agenda and previous minutes from December 15, 2025, the Board approved the monthly activity report and authorized the payment of board bills totaling $800,812.76. The Superintendent presented the first reading of the NEOLA Policy 40-1 Update for future consideration. Additionally, the Board approved several personnel actions, including the acceptance of two resignations (a First Grade Teacher and a Varsity Baseball Coach) and the hiring of a new Varsity Baseball Coach. The Superintendent's report noted the start of the second semester and upcoming events.

The meeting included reports from the High School, TSN, and Nikkari Elementary Student Councils detailing recent activities such as Spirit Week events, holiday fundraising, and ongoing programs like the Sunshine Cart and greeter program. Key actions taken by the Board included approving the agenda, approving monthly activity reports, approving and paying board bills totaling $669,676.22, and reviewing financial reports. The Board also approved the bid submitted by Mid-State Asbestos Removal, Incorporated for Asbestos Abatement at Camp Monroe for $39,000.00. Personnel actions included approving a resignation and approving travel requests for LINKS program travel to Germany and out-of-state travel for the HS Steel-Drum Band. The Superintendent provided updates on professional development workshops focusing on attendance challenges, recent family events (Donuts with Dads, Mornings with Moms), and school schedules before the holiday break. Finally, the Board opted out of the Mental Health and Security Resolution after a closed session.

The meeting commenced with reports from the High School, TSN, and Nikkari Elementary Student Councils, detailing recent fundraising activities like Boo Gram sales, concession stands, and teacher recognition programs such as 'The Tide Turner Award.' The agenda was modified to include the hiring of a JV Boys Basketball Coach and to remove a discussion regarding Sunday Softball Practices. The Board approved monthly activity reports, paid board bills totaling $999,522.97, and approved bids for the High School Greenhouse ($44,400.00) and the Renovation of Camp Monroe ($669,981.00, excluding alternate work). Personnel actions included accepting resignations for a Cross Country Coach and an At-Risk Paraprofessional, terminating a bus driver, and approving the hiring of several staff members, including a Special Education Paraprofessional, a Transportation Supervisor, a Transportation Mechanic, and the JV Boys Basketball Coach. The Superintendent provided updates on student activities, including Veterans Day plaque distribution and upcoming holiday events. The Board also approved the Reconfirmation of the St. Louis Public Schools Emergency Operation Plans before moving into a closed session for attorney/client privileged matters.