Multiple Staff Changes At Gallatin R-5

The board, which also certified the April 5 election results and saw the oath of office administered to Anita Riley and Jesse Bird, accepted the resignations of Patrick Treece, Courtenay Treece, Stephan Williamson, Hayley Boyd, Dalton Rosenbach, Janece Gibson and Lauren Wingate. In addition, Angel Michael resigned her position as middle school girls softball coach.
With resignations usually come new employments and Wednesday was no exception as the board voted to offer teacher contracts to Kelsey Freeman (elementary), Susan McFee and Katilyn Steinman (no grade level specified) and Kristina Lee, seventh and eighth grade math and science. In addition, the board voted to offer the superintendent secretary/board secretary position to Carrie Holcomb.
Extracurricular assignments were made and include varsity girls softball, Penny Gardner; assistant varsity girls softball, Terri Feiden; assistant middle school girls softball, Aubrey Feiden; assistant varsity football, Harris Cameron, Brett Adkison and Wyatt Bird; middle school football, Stephen Wood; assistant varsity girls basketball, Trisha Sprague; varsity boys basketball, Chad Sullenger; assistant varsity boys basketball, Harris Cameron; middle school girls basketball, Penny Gardner; varsity boys wrestling, Brian Bottcher; varsity girls wrestling, April Fenimore; assistant varsity wrestling, Randy Eaton and Clinton Fenimore; middle school wrestling, April Fenimore; middle school boys track, Penny Gardner; middle school girls track, Brittney Ghidoni; assistant baseball, Cole Lockhart; boys golf, Chad Sullenger; high school football cheerleaders, Jenni Adkison; middle school cheerleaders, Crystal Crose; high school basketball cheerleaders, Crystal Crose/Missy Chadwick; band, Jack Malo; Scholar Bowl, Courtney Ray; Choir, Garrett Peterson; FFA, Brant Burns; assistant FFA, Amy Holder; FCCLA, Becky Adkison; FBLA, Barb Holcomb; Student Council, Brittney Ghidoni; Drama/Play, Michele Anthuis; Yearbook, Barb Holcomb; National Honor Society, Courtney Ray; Art Club, Ally Ockenfels; and Trap Shooting, Amy Holder.
Other action taken following the closed session was to approve the district as a sixth-12th grade school for Missouri High School Activities Association purposes. Activities Director Barron Gann had discussed last month the possible need to add sixth graders to middle school sports, at least for the winter sports seasons. Preliminary participation numbers were shared and Gann said the decision can be made on a sport-by-sport basis. It was earlier noted that the sixth grade would not be added to the football season and most of the numbers issue involves the winter sports seasons.
Gann also reported that the North Daviess District has inquired about joining the Gallatin-Tri-County cooperative for football next year. Gann said the addition of North Daviess would bring the MSHSAA enrollment of the three districts to 188, with 207 being the cut-off for Class I. No action was taken, but the issue continues to be discussed.
In addition to Bird and Mrs. Riley being given the oath of office following their re-elections to the board, members elected officers for the year. Jeff Donovan was re-elected president and Trent Dowell was re-elected vice president. Vicki Corwin was elected board secretary, with Lesli Lin approved as board treasurer. Donovan will serve as the board’s MSBA delegate.
Superintendent Dr. Bryan Copple reported on the recent water issue that resulted in classes not being held and told the board he had contacted Rapid Removal, the district’s trash service, after receiving a bill that greatly increased the contracted amount per month. The company acknowledged the error and sent another bill, he said. Dr. Copple updated the board on several upcoming events, noting that the promenade for this year’s prom has been moved back to the Methodist Church. Graduation is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. May 6 at the football field.
Principal reports were given and each building principal also provided the board with an “instructional climate” report. Elementary Principal Nicole Thogmartin reported on the recent trip to Jefferson City by fourth grade students as well as the Family Fun Night, which drew just under 400 attendees and included 12 literary events. She also reported on the summer school program, which so far has 264 students enrolled. She discussed the incentive trips for that program and presented the handbook, which was approved by the board. Mrs. Thogmartin noted that this year’s summer school program is being developed by the teachers, who are excited to create their own curriculum and who are able to provide information about what students need to learn during the program to fill in gaps they have seen during the school year. As for the instructional climate, she said elementary teachers have been working in teams on priority standards.
In his report, High School Principal Brent Burke reported on the many activities that are taking place this spring and the accolades being received by students and student groups. In discussing the instructional climate at the high school, he noted the building is “student-centered” rather than “teacher-centered” and touched on the impact of the “character strong” emphasis, which uses a “word of the month.” He said one strength of the high school is the energy and effort being expended by students in all extracurricular activities, not just sports, which will serve them well.
Gallatin Middle School Principal Dr. Justin Collins said “normalcy” is the focal point of his building this year and said the work on curriculum development has been an overwhelming success. Dr. Collins suggested that a summer workshop be held next year to work on curriculum so teachers don’t have to miss class time. He noted that his next goal would be building rigorous assessments.
All of the building principals discussed the upcoming “testing season,” saying students are being prepared for it and are being encouraged to not be worried about the testing, but to be prepared and do their best. Multiple incentives are being offered to students in regard to testing.
In other action items, the board voted to accept a fuel bid from MFA for $3.39 per gallon. Dr. Copple said the district uses about 900 gallons per month or close to 11,000 gallons per year. He said that while the price of gas could drop, the district can’t count on that and needs to lock in the price at this time. Board members also approved MSBA policy updates.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 18.