Sharon Bader

Key discussion topics included recognition ceremonies for Dr. Todd, selected as the early childhood administrator of the year for the Missouri Association for the Education of Young Children, and recognition for Miss Laura Wagner, Director of Communications, who received a distinguished service award. Financial reports revealed that the high needs fund for 2024-2025 is projected to be shorted by $1.4 million from the state, citing state revenue issues. Expenses are otherwise estimated to be $1.6 million under budget, although medical claims are growing. Facility plans addressed roofing replacement recommendations for three buildings funded by insurance, stemming from a March 2024 hail storm, and flooring replacement bids related to ongoing HVAC upgrades, which includes asbestos abatement in certain areas of North Middle School. Finally, approval was sought for the purchase of office, breakroom, and related furniture totaling $141,713.35 for the new transportation center.

The meeting agenda included adoption of the agenda and approval of the consent agenda. Financial reports were presented, covering December financials which showed a significant increase in fund balance due to property tax collections, and a forward-looking discussion about the next year's budget, highlighting a small projected deficit due to increased expected expenditures like computers, despite potential savings in areas like curriculum. Long-term concerns included basic formula revenues and rising health insurance costs due to high-cost claims. New business involved notification regarding candidates for the Board of Education election scheduled for April 7th, 2026, and the presentation of the 2025-2026 budget revision, totaling roughly half a million dollars, primarily driven by decreases in federal revenues (Medicaid reimbursements and Title revenue) and increases in salary payouts and private placement tuition, partially offset by a workers' comp refund and increased basic formula revenue from higher enrollment. Board comments highlighted student achievements, including a student whose design was a finalist in an election sticker contest, a band director marching in the Rose Parade, the high ranking of K-8 schools in US News World Report, wrestling team tournament success, and a $30,000 grant from General Motors for an engineering advanced manufacturing program. The board also announced a transition away from printed quarterly newsletters to email updates due to rising costs.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda. Key recognition items included a presentation from the American Heart Association detailing fundraising efforts, where the district raised over $152,000 in the last school year, and an official resolution presented by two Missouri State Representatives honoring the district's consistent ranking among America's best high schools according to US News and World Report. The financial reporting highlighted that the district is currently on pace with the budget with a 20% fund balance, though the senior tax credit update revealed a $600,000 higher cost than budgeted due to retroactivity for new enrollees. Updates on the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan focused on academic achievement, showing a district APR of 96% (the highest achieved), with strong performance in ELA, Math, and Science across all student groups, and a slight dip in Social Studies performance, though still at target. Continuous improvement efforts noted that attendance remains at 75% since 2020, and two extra points were earned for CTE programming expansion.

The meeting included a presentation of a Special Olympics donation of $7,200. There was also a presentation and approval of the 2425 district audit, which received an unmodified opinion. The public was invited to comment, with reminders about the meeting's purpose and decorum. A candidate for the board of education spoke about the upcoming elections and various district expenditures. The financial report was presented and approved, noting that the district's lowest balance of the year is currently at 15%. Plans for summer projects, particularly HVAC system replacements in several buildings, were discussed and bids were solicited, with recommendations made for Integrated Facility Services and Sheet Metal Contractors, Inc.

The meeting addressed several key issues, including public comments on microphone usage, vote count transparency, and adherence to open meeting laws. Financial reports were reviewed, noting a decrease in local revenues and adjustments to the basic formula monies. A bond update was presented, discussing the results of a community survey regarding facility needs. Priorities were identified as HVAC upgrades and replacements, roof repairs, parking lot maintenance, and storm shelter additions at elementary schools. The possibility of a future bond issue was mentioned, with considerations for a pool and additional storm shelters.