School Board meeting recap

by Cole Arndorfer, Grain Valley News
 
The Grain Valley Schools Board of Education met on Thursday, May 15 for its May monthly meeting. This month’s meeting consisted of seven recognitions, two reports, four items of new business, and discussion over two board policies.
 
To start the meeting, the board began by recognizing middle school National Civics Bee state qualifiers, followed by HOSA future health professionals state qualifiers, then FBLA state qualifiers and DECA state qualifiers. The board then recognized 11 all-state choir members, 12 Missouri Seal of Biliteracy qualifiers, and district staff leadership seminar participants.
 
Director of Transportation Shawn Brady presented his biennial report of the highlights of the department. Brady reported an increase in 127 daily riders since 2023. Additionally, the department has experienced a 26% decrease in turnover in past year. Brady also noted the implementation of new technology, including live GPS tracking and live video.
 
Superintendent Dr. Brad Welle then went over the highlights of his monthly report, noting the district is near its 90% district attendance goal with a current rate of 89.1%. Welle noted the end of year is a difficult time for attendance, so it is possible the district may fall just short of its goal of 90% attendance, but Welle praised staff and leadership for their efforts to address student attendance.
 
The board then moved into new business, starting with approving two full-time paraprofessionals and one full-time technology system administrator for next school year.
 
The board then approved the Valley Teacher Academy/Grow Your Own Teachers Program.
 
Next, the board approved the purchase of property near North Middle School along Pink Hill Road for $250,000 in order to provide improved access to the existing property.
 
The next Board of Education meeting will take place on June 26 at 6:00 pm at the Leadership Center.