Monett R-1 Board Meeting Re-cap
Monthly Meeting held March 16, 2023
Opening of Meeting / Board Program
The March Board Meeting was called to order by Brian Hunter, President who led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mrs. Sarah Garner, Monett Elementary Principal and Mrs. Daphne Hensley, ELD Director, introduced the program presenters: Ms. Nikki Dogero, Ms. Haley Hodson, and Jairo Rueda, ELL teachers who led the participating board members in a demonstration of PWIM (Picture Word Inductive Model). The picture model was a 'now and then' of Monett's Broadway and board members were able to see first hand this learning tool in action.
The Board approved within the consent agenda:
a. Minutes from the February board meeting
b. Monthly bills
c. Classified Staff Changes (See attached below)
d. Surplus bids
Admin Reports were reviewed.
Previous Business
Update on Facilities:
Steve Garner, Director of Operations reported on the new MMS construction project target completion date of April 17th with outside panels being installed and base rock for the asphalt to be laid the week of March 20th.Update on Curriculum:
Dr. Melissa Huff, Assistant Superintendent, updated the board on the Immediate Response Grant of $41,000 allowing for an additional counselor, the Evaluate Index Score Tracking, K and 1st Grade Benchmarks, PD, and 6th - 8th Grades ELA, recent phonics training, along with a newsletter update from the instructional coaches.
Program Evaluations were approved, including: (all attached below)
- Success Reading Monitoring (CSIP Goal 7)
- Career / Vocational Programs (CSIP Goal 6) presented by Mr. Eric Roller (via zoom)
- Adult Community Education (CSIP Goal 6) also presented by Mr. Roller
Turf Discussion
A turf update was given by Dr. Drake who reported that the Mid-America Construction will be our partner on the Baseball/Softball Turf Project and that future meetings are set to garner donations to kick-off the project by the beginning of fall (2023).
Property Insurance Discussion
Missouri United School Insurance Council (MUSIC) reps gave the board a great overview of their services and membership advantages including a price comparison of the district's current property insurance program. The board unanimously agreed to give Dr. Drake the authority to proceed with the application process of changing over to the MUSIC group that will result in considerable cost savings to the district.
APR Discussion
Dr. Drake was pleased to report to the board that Monett R-1 will be at the top of the Big 8 as well as the top 100 in Missouri. In the next coming months, a flier pamphlet will be issued by the district
to be shared with our community.
Veregy - Current MMS Building Renovation
The board unanimously approved a Letter of Intent with Veregy. Superintendent Drake reported that the the Veregy group will have more details prepared at the June board meeting regarding the renovation of the current middle school building.
New Business:
MSBA Policy Update (2023A) - 30 day review with approval at the April board meeting.
Important Upcoming Dates:
a. Month of March - School Board Recognition
b. March 21 - Board Candidate Forum -Monett Park Casino 6:00 p.m.
c. March 28- Advocacy Day - MO State Capitol - 12:00 - 3:00 Student Showcase; 1:00 MSBA Exec.
d. March 28 - Celebration of Schools - Webb City High School - 6:30 - 8:00 Awards (5:30 - Social)
e. April 18 - Annual CTA Board Appreciation Dinner - 5:00 - MIS Library
f. April 18 - Reorganizational/Monthly Board Meeting - 6:00 p.m.
g. May 10 - Baccalaureate - Performing Arts Center - 7:00 p.m.
h. May 11 - Senior Caravan - 6:00 p.m. - begins at MHS
i. May 12 - Graduation - Burl Fowler Stadium - 7:00 p.m.
j. May 18 - Regular Monthly Meeting - 6:00 p.m.
k. June 1 - Budget Workshop - 6:00 p.m.
l. June 29 - Monthly Board Meeting - 6:00 p.m.
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Personnel Business:
The Board approved the employee recommendations and offered contracts for the 2023/2024 school year to:
- Molly Martin, MHS Counselor
- Taylor Wallsmith, MHS Theatre and Asst. Speech and Debate Coach
- Sharesa Rodgers, MHS Business Teacher
- Brenna Watson, MMS 8th Grade Communication Arts Teacher
- Jennifer Nichols, MMS Counselor (added position)
- Jessica McNichols, MHS Assistant Principal
We welcome all of these newcomers to our district family!
The Board accepted resignation letters from:
- Todd Borgmann, MMS/MHS Assistant Band Director
- Gretta Guerin, SPED Process Coordinator
- Courtney Bauer, MHS Head Volleyball Coach
- Sarah Low, MES 1st Grade Teacher
- Miranda Hendrick, MES Assistant Principal
- Angel Christy, MECC Kindergarten Teacher
- Steve Snider, MHS Asst. Soccer Coach
- Roxie Tucker, MIS 4th Grade Teacher
The Board accepted the retirement letter from:
Sharon Blackburn, MECC Special Education Teacher
The Board unanimously approved rehiring the following for the 2023/2024 school year:
- Probationary Teachers
- Probationary to Tenured Teachers
- Tenured Teachers