Schuyler R-1 School Board Approves Budget, Technology Plan, and Personnel Changes
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QUEEN CITY, Mo. (May 16, 2024) – The Schuyler R-1 School District Board of Education held a regular meeting on Thursday, covering a range of issues from financial reports to staff appointments.
The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. by President Andy Akers. The agenda was approved unanimously.
The board entered an executive session at 6:00 p.m. to discuss personnel issues, returning to regular session at 6:45 p.m.
In the consent agenda, minutes from the April 10 and 17 meetings were approved, along with the district’s bills. The financial report for April 2024 showed total revenue of $582,721 and expenses of $647,193. The board approved the report unanimously.
During the public comment period, Amanda and Brent Kimbrell raised questions about security cameras and the National Anthem at events. The board received a thank-you note from the Dennis Partin family, and Coach Ockenfels expressed gratitude for his renovated office.
In old business, the board approved a resolution for a bond levy transfer, correcting a grammatical error in the resolution. This motion passed 7-0.
New business included the approval of a technology plan, which was passed unanimously. The board also discussed LETRS training grant recipients but tabled the decision until allocations are received.
The 2024-25 salary schedules were approved, including increases for scholar bowl coaches. The board also approved various staff appointments for the next school year, including a new bus driver and a certified permanent substitute. Renovation projects were approved, including a floor epoxy bid and elementary kitchen serving station renovations.
Policy updates were approved, and a bench donation in memory of Rachel Morris was accepted. The board approved the resignations of V track coach Chris Prewitt and elementary teacher Ashleigh Creek.
Elementary Principal Katie Wayman reported a steady enrollment of 343 students with 95.80% attendance. Upcoming events include the transition to Infinite Campus and the start of a construction project. Celebrations and programs highlighted the success of the Science Fair, Kindergarten Kick- Off night, and MAP testing.
High School Principal Ed Koser reported an attendance rate of 95.07% for April. He mentioned the success of the virtual Spring Art Show and the senior capstone projects. The Scholar Bowl Rams concluded their season, and the FFA students received numerous recognitions.
Superintendent Kyle Windy discussed legislative impacts on the district, particularly SB 727, which could affect funding and teacher salaries.
The board entered a second executive session at 7:28 p.m., returning at 8:33 p.m. They approved various coaching appointments and new hires for the next school year.
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
This article was generated using generative AI technology to provide a summary of the school board minutes, and was reviewed by an editor. The complete minutes are below:
SCHUYLER R-1 SCHOOL DISTRICT
MINUTES OF BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR SESSION QUEEN CITY, MO THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024
MEMBERS
Present Absent
Andy Akers, President
Jill Moncrief, Vice President
Marta Aeschliman, Member
Kevin Buckallew, Member
Verl Gordy, Member
Wanda Homer, Member
Marti McGoldrick, Member
ADMINISTRATION
Kyle Windy, Superintendent of Schools
Katie Wayman, Elementary Principal
Ed Koser, High School Principal
Raven Weaver, Special Services Coordinator
Vickie Pierce, Board Secretary
Laurie Nagel, Board Secretary
Tiffany Newland, Director of Finance
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CALL TO ORDER – 6:00 p.m.
President Andy Akers called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA – 6:00 p.m.
Marta Aeschliman moved, seconded by Wanda Homer to approve the agenda.
Motion carried 7-0.
REQUEST FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION – 6:00 p.m.
Marti McGoldrick moved, seconded by Wanda Homer to go into executive session as provided in Rs.Mo.610.021 (3, 13) (Personnel Issues). Motion carried 7-0 by roll call vote: Kevin Buckallew – yes; Andy Akers – yes; Marta Aeschliman – yes; Jill Moncrief – yes; Wanda Homer – yes; Marti McGoldrick – yes; and Verl Gordy – yes.
RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION – 6:45 p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA – 6:48 p.m.
- Approval of minutes of previous meetings (April 10 and 17, 2024)
- Approval of bills
Wanda Homer moved, seconded by Jill Moncrief to approve the April 10, and April 17, 2024 minutes. Motion carried 7-0.
Kevin Buckallew moved, seconded by Jill Moncrief to approve the bills. Motion carried 5-0-2 (Marta Aeschliman & Andy Akers abstained).
FINANCIAL REPORT – 6:51 p.m.
Total revenue is $582,721 and total expenses are $647,193 for the month of April 2024.
Marti McGoldrick moved, seconded by Andy Akers to approve the financial report. Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT TIME – 6:52 p.m.
Amanda and Brent Kimbrell inquired about security cameras and the National Anthem at events.
A thank you note was recevied from the Dennis Partin family.
Coach Ockenfels thanked the board for his newly renovated office.
OLD BUSINESS – 6:55 p.m.
- Approval to run bond levy transfer
Wanda Homer moved, seconded by Jill Moncrief to approve the resolution calling for a special election to be held on August 6, 2024 to authorize a bond levy transfer. A grammatical error will be corrected in the resolution. Motion carried 7-0.
NEW BUSINESS – 7:02 p.m.
- Approval of technology plan .
Kevin Buckallew moved, seconded by Andy Akers to approve the presented technology plan. Motion carried 7-0.
- Approval of LETRS training grant recipients – tabled until allocations have been received.
- Approval of 2024-25 salary schedules
Kevin Buckallew moved, seconded by Andy Akers to approve the presented certified and support staff salary schedules for the 2024-25 school year and to increase the scholar bowl coach precentages from 5% to 8% for HS coach and from 4% to 5% for JH coach. Motion carried 7-0.
- Approval of bus driver
Andy Akers moved, seconded by Jill Moncrief to approve Deanna Creason as a bus driver for the 2024-25 school year. Motion carried 7-0.
- Approval of certified permanent sub and extra duties
Verl Gordy moved, seconded by Marti McGoldrick to approve Chase Roberts as a permanent substitute, Girls V Basketball Coach, and Assistant Softball Coach for the 2024-25 school year. Motion carried 7-0.
- Approval of renovation projects
Marta Aeschliman moved, seconded by Wanda Homer to approve the floor epoxy bid of Moore’s Floors, Inc. for $65,907. Motion carried 7-0.
Marta Aeschliman moved, seconded by Kevin Buckallew to approve the elementary kitchen serving station renovations from Arctic Food Equipment for $24,779.33. Motion carried 7-0.
- Approval of policies 5550 and 6180
Wanda Homer moved, seconded by Jill Moncrief to approve policies 5550 and 6180. Motion carried 7-0.
- Approval of donated bench
Marti McGoldrick moved, seconded by Verl Gordy to approve the donation of a bench in memory of Rachel Morris. Motion carried 7-0.
- Approval of resignations
Kevin Buckallew moved, seconded by Andy Akers to approve the resignations of V track coach Chris Prewitt and elementary teacher Ashleigh Creek. Motion carried 7-0.
- June board meeting will be June 19, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL – Katie Wayman – 7:21 p.m.
April Enrollment PK-6: 343 April Attendance K-6: 95.80%
Upcoming Events:
- May 17 Tyler SIS transition to Infinite Campus
- May 20 Construction Project begins
- May 21, 28 & June 4, 11 ESY
Programs & Celebrations
- The 6th graders put together an informative Science Fair on April 19. Congratulations to the winners: 1st Clara Dabney, 2nd Carson Jackson & Triston Poe, 3rd Justin Roberts!
- Tutoring wrapped up on April 23rd.
- We had a pretty good turn out for the Kindergarten Kick-Off night on April 30. The new incoming Kindergarten students enjoyed seeing the classrooms, riding the bus, and playing on the playground! Incoming Kindergarten students from HeadStart came to visit on May 2.
- The Buy One Get One Book Fair was a huge hit! With donations from Deputy Shaw, SRO Rohn, and Pastor Justin Briney, many students were able to receive a new book!
- MAP testing wrapped up. We had some very excited winners from our RAMS drawings.
- PTO, students and their families, MSTA, NEA, and MRTA did a wonderful job of showering our teachers and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week, Nurse’s Day, Administrative Professionals’ Day, and Principal’s Day. Thank you!
- Track & Field Day went very well! It was a bit chilly in the morning, but everyone had a great time throughout the day! Thank you to Coach Ockenfels and Coach Fields for all the behind-the-scenes work.
- 6th Grade Ancient Civilization Museum was quite informative. Many classes and outside visitors came to learn about ancient cultures and artifacts on May 13 and 14.
- 3rd Grade Famous Missourian Wax Museum took place on May 14. They did a wonderful job turning their research into costumes, displays, and speeches.
- All PK-6th field trips went well. Thank you to PTO for covering transportation costs and admission fees beyond $10/student!
- We wrapped up our school year today with a PBS celebration and early out. Thank you to everyone for a year of lots of learning and hard work. We can’t wait to see you in August!
- We were recognized by Missouri SW-PBS with an Award of Excellence! Kaden and Mrs. Douglas are attending the PBS Summer Institute on June 4-5 to represent Schuyler R-1 Elementary.
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL’S REPORT – Ed Koser – 7:23 p.m.
Attendance:
April: 238 students enrolled; 95.07% attendance
Year To Date: 251 students enrolled; 94.63% attendance
90/90 Rule: 85.65%
Up-Coming Events:
May 20-June 13 Monday-Thursday we having Summer School (Credit Recovery)
News:
The virtual Spring Art Show is now featured on the Schuyler R1 website; take a look at the amazing student artwork from each art class this year.
Schuyler R-1 Prom was held on April 27th. Students first participated in the Grand March at the high school. Then they proceeded to Whippoorwill Acres in Lancaster where they had a meal furnished by the parents and then enjoyed the dance. This year’s Prom King was Easton Kimber and the Prom Queen was Makenzie Clark. There were over 106 students in attendance! Thank you to everyone who makes this event successful every year!
19 seniors successfully presented their Senior Capstone Projects to the public on May 8, 2024 in the high school commons. Those students are: Edward Berry, Landon Bowens, Kenlee Gates, Rylee Meade, Lillian Tucker, Abigail Erwin, Kalee Jackson, Rodrigo Razo, Natalie Briney, Marosa Camacho, Angelica Collese, Mayson Humphrey, Roscoe Martin, NoahDavid Pross, Leah Randall, Delaynie Ruths, Aden Snider, and Landen White. Students worked diligently in English IV, second semester completing the entire SCP which includes four pillars: 1. Research Paper 2. Portfolio 3. Project/Product/Process and finally 4. Presentation. The Senior Capstone Project Unit is developed by Dr. Brush and designed to help students be better prepared for the work world, and/or for college. Students leave with a working document binder and experience in a career of their choice.
The Scholar Bowl Rams wrapped up the season by dropping the best of three quarterfinal match to Polo. Carter Hoffmeyer, Parker Dabney, and Jaxson Kaden made the trip to Polo but the Rams were without Colin Oliver, an all conference player. Deacon Schoonover filled in for Oliver and the Rams won the first match 280-190. The Rams dropped the second and third matches, 290-270 and 210-200. Congrats to the Rams on a great season.
The Rams finished tied for first in the conference regular season at 7-1. In the conference tournament, the Rams went 4-0 to win the conference title for the second year in a row. The Rams also won their district for the second year running. The Rams final record stands at 38-19.
The JV Rams finished the year at 29-22. They played well over the course of the season. Against other JV squads, the Rams more than held their own. While playing in some varsity tournaments, they even came up with several wins against varsity opponents. Congrats to Drayven Koser, Kaia Amaro, Taylor Erwin, Brendon Aeschliman, Rigo Razo, Easton Kimber, Evi Aeschliman, Sienna Lovekamp, Ace Fugate, and Asher Applegate.
FFA:
State Convention 2024
- Ava Akers, Edward Berry, Jaxson Kaden, and Brenna Whitlow served on Courtesy Corps for one of the general sessions
- Jaxson Kaden and Edward Berry served as delegates in the business meeting to elect new state officer and set dues for the year
- The meats team competed and did well. Colin Oliver and Jaxson Kaden received Group 1 ratings.
- Sidney Aeshliman, Ava Aker, Edward Berry and Mariah Buckallew received their State Degree.
Spring Break Em
- Spring trap season came to a close on April 27th as 9 members traveled to Linn Creek to participate in the Paul Larsens State Trapshoot.
- Bryson Wilson placed 2nd in the Junior Division
- It was a very windy day but the teams did well.
Area Banquet
- Multiple students were recognized at Area Banquet for their success within the Area 3 Association.
- Proficiencies
- Mariah Buckallew – 2nd Ag Education
- Ava Akers – 2nd Small Animal Production – Entrepreneurship
- Ava Akers – 3rd Equine Production
- Sidney Aeschliman – 3rd Sheep Production
- Fall Speaking
- Kelsey Buckallew – 2nd in Missouri Soil and Water
- Mariah Buckallew – 3rd in Missouri Cooperatives
- Brenna Whitlow – 3rd in Missouri Pork Association
- Schuyler Trapshooting
- Area 3 Winners
- Area Office
- Mariah Buckallew retired as Area 3 Secretary.
- Brenna Whitlow was inducted as the Area 3 President
SPECIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR – Raven Weaver – 7:25 p.m. – absent
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Kyle Windy – 7:25 p.m.
- SB 727 places massive unfunded mandates on school districts with little assurances that new or even existing resources will be available to assist districts to pay for the costs. While SB 727 promises significant increases in the foundation formula, the current version of the bill ties the growth in the state’s voucher program to formula increases.
- Governor Parson has played a significant role in the state’s move to fully fund transportation for the past two years. He has also recommended fully funding transportation for fiscal year 2024-25 in the current budget before the General Assembly. Unfortunately, SB 727 risks the significant progress the state has made in transportation funding by leaving districts vulnerable to cuts of up to 67% of transportation funds in order to fund the increases in the formula and voucher programs.
- Additionally, included in SB 727 were numerous provisions from HB 1447, the most significant being the statutory increase in minimum teacher salary to $40,000 for starting teachers and $46,000 for teachers with master’s degrees plus ten years of experience starting in the 2025-26 school year. The bill contains automatic increases of $1,000 to these minimums each year for two years, then places an inflationary adjustment (not to exceed 3%) on the amounts going forward. While SB 727 does contain language that indicates the legislature may appropriate funds to assist with these costs, there is no assurance this will continue in the future, and districts will be left to foot the bill.
- If the state is not able to meet the funding requirements of the minimum teacher salary increases, school districts are left in a precarious position. Districts will be forced to take any number of actions in order to accommodate the state mandates. Increasing tax levies, cutting programs or services, laying off support staff, and increasing class size all become very real outcomes when the state doesn’t maintain their support for the minimum teacher salary costs.
- Additionally, during tough budget times, we are likely to see districts utilizing reductions in force. Under state law, the newest teachers that are hired (also the ones this bill purports to support) will be the first ones to be laid off.
REQUEST FOR SECOND EXECUTIVE SESSION – 7:28 p.m.
Kevin Buckallew moved, seconded by Marti McGoldrick to go into executive session as provided in Rs.Mo.610.021 (3, 13) (Personnel Issues). Motion carried 7-0 by roll call vote: Kevin Buckallew – yes; Andy Akers – yes; Marta Aeschliman – yes; Jill Moncrief – yes; Wanda Homer – yes; Marti McGoldrick – yes; and Verl Gordy – yes.
RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION – 8:33 p.m.
Verly Gordy moved, seconded by Jill Moncrief to approve MaKinley Aeschliman as Girls V/JV Assistant Basketball Coach and 8th Grade Girls Basketball Coach for the 2024-2025 school year. Motion carried 6-0-1 (Marta Aeschliman abstained).
Kevin Buckallew moved, seconded by Jill Moncrief to approve Lance Dempsay as 8th Grade Boys Basketball Coach for the 2024-25 school year. Motion carried 4-3.
Andy Akers moved, seconded by Wanda Homer to approve Philip O’Neal as 7th Grade Girls Basketball Coach for the 2024-25 school year. Motion carried 7-0.
Wanda Homer moved, seconded by Kevin Buckallew to approve Aaron Ockenfels as Varsity Track Coach for the 2024-25 school year. Motion carried 7-0.
Marta Aeschliman moved, seconded by Jill Moncrief to approve Shelby Garrett as an elementary teacher for the 2024-25 school year. Motion carried 7-0.
ADJOURNMENT – 8:35 p.m.
President Andy Akers adjourned the meeting.
