Several area school boards held meetings Monday evening, taking action on personnel items, discussing COVID leave and reviewing the 2021-22 school calendars.
Laredo R-7
According to Principal Misty Foster, several informational items were presented to Laredo R-7 board members, including information on the 2021-22 school calendar, which will be reviewed and voted on by the board at the February meeting.
It was agreed that third through sixth grade students will play on the boys elementary basketball team, with girls in fourth through sixth grade being allowed to play on the girls team. It was also announced that the school spelling bee is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 25, with the county spelling bee scheduled for 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29 at Trenton.
Board members reviewed the filing dates for the April 6 school board election, which runs through 4 p.m. Jan. 19. The three-year terms of Matt Foster and Brad Wilford will expire. An update was given on the COVID-19 situation and it was announced that the spring music program will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 27.
Following an executive session, the board accepted the resignation of Parents as Teachers instructor Kelli Urton, effective immediately. The board also approved paying COVID leave for the remainder of the school year.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 8.
Tri-County
The Tri-County R-7 Board met at Jamesport, approving a COVID-19 staff leave policy as presented.
According to information provided by Superintendent David Probasco, the board also voted to seek bids for an eight-month certificate of deposit in the amount of $150,000. The funds are being reinvested following the receipt of local tax dollars in December and January.
In other business, the board approved the Hazard Mitigation Plan Resolution and the purchase of Chromebooks from Trox. The board reviewed the preliminary 2021-22 school calendar and discussed the budget, with no action taken on either item. Administrative reports were also given by the superintendent and principal.
An executive session was held to discuss the superintendent’s evaluation and student records, with no announcement made.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Feb. 9 in the old school gym.
Princeton R-5
Superintendent Jerry Girdner said the Princeton R-5 Board was updated on the current COVID-19 situation at the school, which has two active cases and 29 students/staff who have recovered. The school district maintains a dashboard on its website that is updated to reflect active and recovered cases.
In a related matter, the board approved a resolution to extend COVID-19 leave through June 2021. The resolution supports the extension of paid leave for all employees instructed not to report for work and who did not exhaust the district paid leave during the first semester. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which provided up to 80 hours of Emergency Paid Sick Leave for qualifying reasons related to COVID expired, meaning that effective Jan. 1, employers are no longer required to provide paid time off to employees for any of the COVID-related reasons. District officials said they hope their action on the resolution will provide peace of mind to those who are affected.
In other business, the board reviewed filing dates for the April 6 school board election, which run through Jan. 19, and approved the 2021-22 school calendar, which shows classes beginning on Tuesday, Aug. 22 and ending on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. All snow days are built into the calendar, which shows 1,115.7 hours, exceeding the state minimum of 1,044.
Following a closed session, the board accepted the resignations of special education teacher Ashley Mason, Ag/FFA instructor Bryan Williams, high school instructor Susan Culver and girls basketball coach Bill Goodin. The board also approved a contract extension for Girdner through the 2023-2024 school year. His salary will be determined after the board considers upcoming staff salary schedules.
The next meeting of the board is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 8.
Newtown-Harris
The Newtown-Harris board also accepted a resignation and took action on a contract extension for Superintendent Lucas McKinnis at its meeting.
According to information provided by McKinnis, the board accepted the resignation of Samuel Torbett as high school social studies teacher and extended McKinnis’ contract.
Items that were discussed during the meeting included the athletic cooperative agreement with Grundy R-5 School, setting up a work day for board members and updating the district’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan to align with the new guidelines of the Missouri School Improvement Plan 6.
In his report, McKinnis reported on a successful Homecoming event and said the superintendents in the HDC Conference will meet in Trenton on Friday to discuss conference topics. Central office administration will be participating in a virtual MUSIC members meeting on Jan. 28. He recognized Levi Wollenzien for his help in keeping the parking lots clear. McKinnis said the school calendar process for 2021-22 is under way as is the budget process.
Principal Amy Carlson reported on the Christmas program and Homecoming activities, recognizing Payton Miller and Sarah Garcia for being named this year’s Homecoming King and Queen. It was noted that the basketball teams are in the Milan Tournament this week and the Meadville Tourna-ment the week of Jan. 25.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 8.
This website brought to you in part by the following sponsor:
