September 17, 2026 Board Meeting

Board of Education Meeting, September 17, 2026

In Open Session:

September Membership: Overall enrollment stands at 1,394 students, down by 7 students compared to this time last year. This reflects broader statewide trends, as many schools are facing the same challenges.
Early Childhood Program: Our Early Childhood Program (combining ECSE and ADA) is currently serving 86 young learners, a number that traditionally grows throughout the school year.
State Updates: Highlights were shared from the State Board of Education meeting, including information on the upcoming school A-F Report Cards and state school funding recommendations. Per the mandate from the governor, DESE will be rolling out their A-F report card for schools. The initial information will use 2024-2025 data. This will be sent to schools in late October, with a public release in November. There are multiple criteria that it will look at to determine the grade. However, the growth piece has not yet been determined. Communication will be sent to families and the community to inform the stakeholders of the grading system, as well as an explanation of each criteria.

Performing Arts Center (PAC): The band room is awaiting some additional acoustical panels and then will be ready for students and staff to move into that space. The commons area is currently being utilized by students. The auditorium is scheduled to be complete by mid October. The stage was installed this week, painting of the auditorium is in progress, and work on audio/visual/lighting is in progress as well.
Media Center Presentations: Mrs. Barrett and Mrs. Krebs presented updates on the Middle School and Intermediate Media Center programs. Mrs. Krebs also brought Dina, the new MVIS Therapy dog to introduce to the board. MVIS has several programs and activities happening in the library, including the Wee Deliver Program, Breaker Spaces, Contests, and Reading Challenges. Mrs. Barrett gave information on the Truman Challenge, Book Club, Lunch in the Library, other Special Events, and Perk Packs.

Reviewed and approved the 2026–2027 Compliance Plan presented by Mr. Morton.
Received a presentation from OPAA Food Services from Greg Powell, Director.
Approved the district's annual partnership contract with the Barry-Lawrence County Library.
Reviewed updated Missouri School Boards' Association (MSBA) policies and procedures.

FFA Out-of-State Travel: Approved an out-of-state travel request for FFA students to attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana (October 21–24).
Contract Approval: The board approved a contract with a mobility specialist.
Underwriter Services: Reviewed findings from a committee that evaluated and interviewed four financial firms for district underwriter services. The committee made a recommendation to the board to move forward with an agreement with Piper Sandler. The board approved the agreement.
District Budget Updates: Reviewed amendments to the 2026–2027 District Budget and approved the complete budget document. The budget was initially adopted in July and is periodically adjusted throughout the year to reflect updated enrollment and revenue data.

In Closed Session:

Recommendations:

Robin Gibson was recommended for the part-time HS custodial position to help cover the expansion of the band room and Performing Arts Center.
Andrew Jones (joining from Pierce City with over 18 years of custodial and maintenance experience) was recommended and approved for the Elementary custodial position.

Resignations:

Marnita Neill and Andi Watson resigned from their roles as Special Education Paraprofessionals at the Intermediate School.

The next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2026 at 7:00 in the Mt. Vernon R-V Boardroom.