Raymore-Peculiar R-II School District

The meeting began with recognitions, including honoring Mr. Ed Herusa, the 2025 Support Staff Employee of the Year, and showing a spotlight video detailing his long service as a crossing guard. The board then received a principal update from Ray Peek Academy, focusing on their transition to competency-based learning (CBL). Students presented on community aspects, academic growth (noting an increase in GPA and significant growth in math and reading NWA scores), the benefits of CBL including clear intentions and specific feedback, and real-world projects, such as planning events and community service work. A data review, 'Sharp Focus Three,' presented an analysis of MAP and EOCC test scores across ELA, Math, Social Studies (Government test), and Science, comparing Raymore Peculiar's performance index (MPI) against other large peer districts in the Kansas City metro area, highlighting several areas as 'glows.' Discussions also touched upon math program review implementation, including Visual Math strategies, and analyzing comparative data to inform future district practices.

The meeting commenced with sharing a video showcasing student pride points from the first semester. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by the Director of Safety and Security regarding a comprehensive, three-year strategic framework (2025-2028) for safety and security, aligned with Missouri Senate Bill 68. Key areas of this plan include upgrading physical security and technology, enhancing emergency preparedness and response (including reunification plans), strengthening behavioral threat assessment processes, improving training and drills, building a culture of safety, establishing robust communication protocols, and instituting annual evaluations. The committee also established a multidisciplinary district safety committee to oversee policy development, risk assessment, and incident review. Specific discussions addressed age-appropriate drills and safety considerations for large events at athletic facilities like the football stadium.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the agenda. Key activities included recognitions for students and teachers who planned the "You Matter Sources of Strength" concert and event, and recognition for families who placed flags throughout the community for Patriot Day. An informational item involved a detailed review of the Early Childhood Program, presenting enrollment statistics, data comparing program participants to general peers in kindergarten readiness screenings, and feedback from parent surveys regarding program success and curriculum components. Additionally, the Board addressed required policy changes stemming from the 2022 legislative session, specifically approving ten mandatory policy revisions intended to comply with current state law, some of which related to substitute teaching and certification requirements.

The meeting included a presentation defining and emphasizing the importance of Market Value Assets (MVA) for student advantages, skill development, and alignment with employer needs. The activities update covered the introduction of Esports, which is now approved, setting up the competition room, and planning for practices and competitions to start in March. A new initiative, Girls Flag Football, is being launched in partnership with the Kansas City Chiefs, who are sponsoring the coach's salary, uniforms, and equipment, with competitions starting in the spring. Plans for introducing Boys Volleyball in the Spring of 2025, which is now a state-sanctioned sport, were also discussed, noting that costs would need to be budgeted separately. Additionally, there was an update on Project Based Instruction at the elementary level, focusing on the second unit concerning life science patterns, exemplified by Kindergarten students creating and caring for pets (real or desk pets) to practice reading, writing, and research skills. Furthermore, discussions highlighted plans to grow intramural programs at the middle school level in sports like swim, golf, dance, and soccer.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda followed by a Tax Levy Hearing to set the tax rate for the upcoming school year. The discussion covered the process of setting the tax rate using the Missouri state auditor's program, noting that 38% of operating revenues come from the tax levy. Key points included the increase in the total assessed valuation, the calculation of the debt service levy rate remaining at 1.032 to support the no tax increase bond issue, and the general fund tax rate decreasing to 3.9981 due to the Hancock Amendment and a recent change in case law regarding tax ceiling calculations. The board ultimately set the total 2021 tax levy at 5.0302.