Board of Education meeting recap

     The Board of Education met January 19th and began the meeting by recognizing All-State band and orchestra students, and the state champion high school cheer team.
     Denise Holmberg, RN, Director of Health Services, gave an update on the health program. Holmberg reported that each building in the district is supplied with Narcan (brand name for Naloxone), which is used to treat narcotic overdose in an emergency. Holmberg also highlighted a partnership with Giving the Basics, a local nonprofit which supplies personal care items that are not covered by government assistance programs. Approximately 150 students benefit from participation in the program.
     A review of the administrative dashboard noted student attendance at 84.9%, dipping below the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) 90% standard.
     A trap shooting club for high school students, to meet at Lake Lotawana Sportsmen’s Club, plans to begin meeting as early as March.
     Safety bollards being installed at front entrance of all schools. The high school’s bollard will be stone, matching the current stone elements at the entrance.
     The timeline for the 2023-24 budget planning process were reviewed. First estimates of revenues for 2023-24 are expected in March. Priorities for the next budget year include maintaining class sizes within district standards, addressing the “increasing costs of meeting the academic and behavioral needs of all students”, and providing competitive pay for staff.
     The Board also discussed the video broadcasting of school board meetings. Superintendent Brad Welle indicated the opportunity to broadcast meetings for online viewing by patrons may be possible as early as June 2023 when the Board begins meeting in the district’s new central office building.
     The next meeting of the Board of Education will be held February 16th.