Bearcat Board Story
May 9, 2019
Hermann Middle School Librarian Cheryl Schwartze brought students and technology for this month's Student Showcase. The middle school is using virtual reality goggles in the classroom to view Google Expeditions to the Taj Mahal, Pearl Harbor, and the beach at Normandy. The equipment was paid for with funds from Blue & White Night and the People's Savings Bank debit card rewards program. We are so thankful to our community that provides special funding that enhances the learning of our students!
The board also recognized Hermann High student Kyle Bruckerhoff for his success in Skills USA. Congratulations Kyle!
Wishing Gary Leimkuehler a happy retirement with cake and ice cream
Mrs. Schwartze and her students teach the board about Virtual Reality
Directors Stiers & Schannuth go on a Google Expedition
During the meeting.....
In the regular meeting, the board received building and department reports as well as received a budget update from Dr. Smith. Due to the declining enrollment of the district, Dr. Smith shared with the board projections for decreased revenue. Dr. Smith and the board will have a budget work session to review the budget in greater depth on May 20th.
Dr. Smith asked the board to formally approve the ancillary insurance benefits provided by Schroepfer insurance, as well as the increase in life insurance provided to staff to $25,000. The board also approved the 2019 list of graduates, including the early graduation of one (current junior) student in December 2019, pending completion of requirements. The board reviewed and approved new salary schedules for certified staff. The administrator's salary schedule will now be a multiple of the teaching staff schedule. The Professional Development plan and budget were presented and approved for the 2019-20 school year.
A review of the bids was completed for repaving and improving the parking lots at the Middle School and High School. After much discussion of the pros and cons of asphalt versus concrete, the board approved Dr. Smith's recommendation to go with the asphalt bid from NB West.
The board approved policy updates recommended by MSBA as well as discussed revising the policy concerning virtual classes due to a new law in Missouri.
Dr. Smith and the board recognized this being the last board meeting for Principal Gary Leimkuehler as he retires in the upcoming month. We celebrated with cake between the sessions to thank Mr. Leimkuehler for his years of service.
In closed session, the board accepted the resignation of Lauren Grover Wiegmann as High School English Teacher and the retirement of Horst Bloch as custodian. The board added Beth Epple as a substitute nurse and hired Rhet Scheidegger, Holden Ash, Nick Brune, Dayton Ruediger and Keegan Head to be summer maintenance help.
Gasconade County R-I School District
Email: ssmith@hermann.k12.mo.us
Website: www.hermann.k12.mo.us
Location: 170 Blue Pride Drive, Hermann, MO, USA
Phone: 573-486-2116
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GasconadeCoRISchools/
Twitter: @HermannBearcats