Valley Becker

The board meeting focused on the recognition of outstanding students across elementary, middle, and high school levels. Additionally, the meeting included the approval and adoption of the agenda, a review of board norms concerning professional development, and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Board of Education meeting included the approval of a consent agenda and financial statements. Administrative, committee, and building principal reports were provided, including updates on senior graduation numbers and upcoming spring events. A discipline matrix for staff is currently under development. The Superintendent reported on the successful passage of a bond issue and provided updates on anticipated building projects. Financial discussions centered on budget projections for the 25-26 and 26-27 school years, emphasizing the impact of state funding decreases and deficit spending. The Board approved amendments to the 25-26 school calendar, the 26-27 career ladder plan, the insurance bid from Anthem, and the Fresh Ideas food service contract, including new meal prices.

The board meeting addressed several administrative and financial items. The board approved the consent agenda, financial statements, and March bills. Administrative reports were provided by building principals and the assistant superintendent, with an update on a cardiac emergency response grant application. Legislative updates and recognitions were shared by the superintendent. The board approved budget amendments for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and reviewed the 2026-2027 budget. Additionally, the board approved a bid for a walk-in cooler, appointed an owner representative for the bond issue, revised the school volunteer policy, and authorized roof maintenance for the middle school.

The meeting commenced with roll call confirming five members present and two absent, followed by the approval and adoption of the agenda. Board norms regarding presence and active listening were reviewed, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Significant time was dedicated to board recognition, specifically honoring Coach Steve Shudy for his induction into the Missouri Fast Pitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame for his dedication to athletics. During citizen participation, a resident formally requested an investigation into unauthorized off-campus transportation of her child, citing violations of district safety protocols, consent requirements, and student record policies. The board then approved the consent agenda items. Financial matters included the approval of the financial statement and action on January bills. Administrative reports covered updates from MSBA regarding seminars and board meetings, and a request was made to appoint an additional member to the evaluation committee to review the superintendent's evaluation process, which is scheduled for discussion that evening. An initiative to boost school pride was announced, involving the distribution of approximately 1,200 'Once Wildcat, Always a Wildcat' shirts to every student, sponsored by local banks and private donors. Building principal reports highlighted the completion of second-quarter testing, data digs scheduled for February, and the conclusion of WEDA testing for ELL students. Elementary reports also noted a successful first annual 'Messy Play Night' event for younger students and parents, alongside several anecdotes illustrating positive student engagement with classroom pets.

The meeting commenced with roll call and approval of the agenda. Board norms for December, focusing on commitment and consensus, were reviewed, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Citizen participation included a detailed concern regarding the school's policy on removing a student from premises without parental notification, citing two specific incidents in 2004 and 2025, and a request for the official policy document. The board unanimously approved the consent agenda. A motion passed to approve the financial statement and action on the December bills. Administrative reports covered the calendar committee's progress on the academic calendar, which is expected to be finalized in January, and updates from elementary, middle, and high schools detailing various holiday activities, student engagement initiatives like a student advisory council, and staff appreciation events such as distributing holiday hams and turkeys. The Special Education report confirmed all positions were filled. The Superintendent provided a budget update, indicating expenses at 70% and revenues at 29% year-to-date, while noting ongoing monitoring of legislative actions regarding foundation formulas and staff salaries. Finally, the board approved several policy and regulation updates and moved to approve the visual rendering for the new high school entrance, which would not impact the bond work.