Grundy R-5 Principal To Retire At End Of School Year

Personnel and reports highlighted meetings of the Grundy R-5 and Tri-County R-7 boards of education on Thursday night at Galt and Jamesport.
Grundy R-5
Superintendent Rob Deaver reported that long-time junior high/high school principal Randy Huffman plans to retire at the end of the school year. He has been the junior high/high school principal at Grundy R-5 for the past 12 years.
In another personnel matter, the board voted to offer a contract to Elementary Principal Anne Billington for the 2017-18 school year. The salary will be determined at a later time.
A hearing to determine the start date for the 2017-18 school year will be held on Thursday, March 9 at the elementary school in Humphreys, with the regular board meeting to follow.
Approval was given to the purchase and installation of a new furnace in the high school science room at a cost of approximately $2,300. Boston John’s Heating and Cooling of Kirksville will do the work.
The board agreed for the district to pay for flu shots next year for employees who are not on the district’s health insurance plan at a cost of $17 per dose. Also approved was the advertising of bids for mowing at the elementary and high school campuses. Also approved were evaluations for K-12 guidance, K-12 technology, instruction effectiveness, transportation and At-Risk programs.
The board reviewed several new polices and updates, with action to be taken at the March meeting. An update was also given on maintenance issues at the high school and the elementary.
Among reports given, year-to-date attendance at the elementary school is at 91 percent while the junior high/high school attendance numbers are at 95.75 percent. The school participants in the Grundy County Spelling Bee were recognized, including Abby Webb, who will be the alternate to the regional spelling bee. Also recognized were the homecoming king and queen and the girls basketball team for winning consolation at the Meadville Tournament.
The next meeting for the board is scheduled for Thursday, March 9.
Tri-County R-7
Superintendent David Probasco reported that the 2017-18 school year calendar was approved by the board. The first day of classes will be on Aug. 17 while the last day of school is scheduled for May 15.
The board approved a certificate of deposit investment of $150,000 for eight months with Home Exchange Bank at an interest rate of 0.8 percent. Also approved were MSBA policy updates.
The board discussed the budget as well as the EBS signal and Internet provider options, but took no action. An executive session was also held, with no announcement made.
The next board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 9 in the superintendent’s office at the school.