Schuyler R-1 Board Hires Assistant Principal, Extends Administrator Contracts
QUEEN CITY — The Schuyler R-1 Board of Education approved the hiring of a new assistant principal and extended two administrative contracts during its regular meeting Wednesday, Feb. 18.
Board members approved the hiring of Ryan Kaden as assistant principal on a two-year contract covering the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years. The motion passed 6-0-1, with Marti McGoldrick abstaining.
Following executive session, the board voted unanimously to extend the contracts of Elementary Principal Katie Wayman and Special Services Coordinator Raven Weaver by one additional year. Both contracts now run through the 2027-2028 school year.
In other personnel matters, the board accepted the resignation of third grade teacher Philip O’Neal, as well as his resignation as junior high head softball coach. The board also approved the resignation of Jana Calhoum as head varsity softball coach.
Additional substitutes were approved, including Sarah Westercamp and Jessie Stark as teacher substitutes and John Burkholder as a substitute bus driver.
The board approved the district’s 2026-2027 health insurance plan through OSBA, with a board-paid amount of $642 per month to cover the 4000/5000 Choice HSA option. Employees may choose other available plans and pay the difference out of pocket.
Financially, Director of Finance Tiffany Newland reported total January revenues of $2,618,448 and expenses of $687,676. The financial report was approved unanimously.
Board members also approved the district’s Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) and the 2026-2027 school calendar.
The February Missouri State Highway Patrol bus inspection report showed all 14 district buses were approved, with no rejections, advisories, or out-of-service vehicles.
Elementary Report
Elementary enrollment for pre-kindergarten through sixth grade stood at 362 students, with K-6 attendance at 91.99 percent for January.
Principal Katie Wayman reported elementary tutoring began Jan. 20. The K-1 music program featured a penguin and polar bear theme, complete with singing, percussion instruments, American Sign Language and dance moves. First graders celebrated reading growth with “Fluency French Toast” during their Arrow Party.
Parent-teacher conference attendance was reported at 52 percent. Students also participated in Valentine’s Day parties, Kindness Week dress-up days and challenges planned by sixth grade R.A.M.S. student leaders.
Elementary art students completed a collaborative Dale Chihuly-inspired project now displayed in the art classroom.
Upcoming events include the 100th Day of School on Feb. 25, a professional development day March 2, Spring Picture Day March 5, the grades 2-3 music program March 17 and MAP testing April 23 through May 1.
High School Report
High school enrollment for January was 245 students, with attendance at 89.95 percent. Year-to-date enrollment stands at 261, with 94.3 percent attendance.
Principal Ed Koser reported the RootEd program received a $1,000 grant from the Missouri Scholarship & Loan Foundation. Students also participated in an aviation panel discussion.
Several FBLA students qualified for state competition: Madelyn Sapp, Asher Applegate and Kensington Wolf earned top finishes in multiple categories.
Eighth grade American History students, under the direction of Mr. Carpenter, achieved a combined 92 percent average on a U.S. Constitution assessment, surpassing both state standards and the teacher’s 70 percent benchmark.
Spring sports practices begin March 2, and a senior tea is scheduled for April 20.
Athletics
Athletic Director Laci Tallman reported district basketball games are scheduled Feb. 23-28. Spring schedules are finalized, and preparations are underway for bus routes, awards and upcoming events.
The scholar bowl team hosted a tournament, with the A team earning fourth place.
The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m. The next regular board meeting is set for Tuesday, March 17 at 6 p.m.
