Cooper County School District R-4

The Cooper County R-IV Wellness Policy is a comprehensive plan committed to the optimal development of every student by fostering positive, safe, and health-promoting learning environments. It focuses on ensuring access to healthy foods, providing quality nutrition education, and offering opportunities for physical activity throughout the school day. Key areas include nutrition standards, physical education, recess, staff wellness, and community engagement to support lifelong healthy behaviors.

The Executive Session addressed several key personnel and strategic items. The Board accepted the resignation of Kim Thompson effective at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. Subsequently, the Board set the superintendent's CSIP Goals for improvement, focusing on Attendance and Academic Improvement, supported by continued DCI/MTSS coaching. Furthermore, the Board voted to extend a two-year contract to Dr. Kathryn Anderson as Superintendent at a starting salary of $97,500.00, with a potential salary increase of up to 3% in the second year of the extension.

This document outlines the "Trauma-Informed Schools Initiative," established by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), defining a trauma-informed approach and school. It emphasizes that this approach is an ongoing organizational change process, representing a profound paradigm shift. Cooper County R-IV Schools has actively engaged in this initiative for three years, focusing on partnerships, employing behavioral specialists, utilizing research-based programs for data collection and student interventions, and providing continuous staff training. The district also offers school-based counseling services through contracted professionals.

The meeting consisted solely of an executive session which was called to order and subsequently adjourned. No substantive discussions or actions other than adjournment were recorded.

The meeting included the adoption of the agenda, with an amendment made to the new business section. Key reports covered CSIP progress in academics, including teacher reports on growth mindset, reading/writing goals, and math fact concentration. Maintenance/Facility/Transportation reported on weather updates. The SEL & Attendance report covered MAP and EOC scores. The Principal/AD report noted student successes in the Science Fair and upcoming events such as Homecoming, along with new student fundraisers. The financial report detailed fund balances and noted the receipt of a $5000 Kawasaki Grant for STEM and Robotics events. Old business included the approval of the Wellness Plan Assessment and the Curriculum Handbook. New business involved approving updates to MSBA 25 and the Technology Annual Report, setting the next meeting date for February 26, 2026, and a discussion regarding AMI days following snow days.