Kate Babbs

This document details the Center School District's Recruitment & Retention Efforts, specifically addressing Strategic Plan Goal 5. The primary objective is to achieve a staff retention rate of 86-89% by 2025-2026. Key strategies include engaging in community-based activities, implementing a comprehensive framework for staff development, and creating an environment that celebrates staff successes. The plan outlines current initiatives such as job postings, participation in job fairs, and streamlined onboarding, alongside future initiatives like establishing a recruitment and retention team, exploring incentives, and developing mentoring and leadership succession programs.

The meeting included discussions on the Universal Screening Project MOU with the University of Missouri, with clarification provided by the School Psychologist. A presentation was given regarding Early Childhood education, including historical background on Head Start and the district's consideration of a full-day program by 2021, as required by the government. The MSBA Conference Agenda item was tabled for the next Board meeting.

The meeting included announcements, recognitions, and discussion on consent items such as the Legal RFP, KCBHH, and LAUNCH contracts. The Board discussed the CSD Employee Handbook, focusing on including gender identity and sexual orientation, with plans to address policy AC in the next policy meeting. There were presentations on teen suicide prevention, a bond update with floor plans and renderings for various school projects, a quarterly financial update, a Back to School Bash update, and a discussion on the 2020-2021 calendar changes due to a new Missouri law. The Board also approved a RFP for a superintendent search and discussed updates to several policies and administrative procedures.

The Board discussed and approved several bond projects, including painting at Center Elementary, bleacher repairs, and basketball goal replacements. There was discussion regarding the Myah Enterprise painting agreement, with a request for more information on the breakdown between materials and labor costs. The board also discussed personnel matters, including the hiring of Jennifer Hamilton and C. Jones. A proposal was made to move the board room to Indian Creek Elementary instead of Center Middle School. An update was provided on Before/After School care, including a bid from LINC and potential budget support for Y-Care at Red Bridge Elementary. The meeting moved into a closed session to discuss personnel matters.

The meeting included a staff comment in favor of the Bond. The Board discussed various bond projects, seeking clarity on how the District intends to use the funding to communicate updates to the community. The Bond Campaign Chairperson expressed the committee's need to understand the high-level promises to voters if the Bond passes, suggesting priorities focused on infrastructure, community assets, and safety and security at all buildings. A commitment to invest significantly in the ICE community if the Bond passes was also suggested.