Schuyler R-1 Board Approves Salary Schedules, Hires and Vehicle Purchase

The Schuyler R-1 Board of Education approved 2026-27 salary schedules, multiple personnel changes and the purchase of a new school vehicle during its regular meeting March 17 in Queen City.

Board President Andy Akers called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. Members present were Akers, Jill Moncrief, Wanda Homer, Verl Gordy, Marta Aeschliman and Patrick Robinson. Marti McGoldrick was absent. Also present were Superintendent Shawn Corbett, Assistant Superintendent Kyle Windy, High School Principal Ed Koser, Elementary Principal Katie Wayman, Special Services Coordinator Raven Weaver, Board Secretary Laurie Nagel, Finance Director Tiffany Newland and Athletic Director Laci Tallman.

The board approved an amended agenda to include new teacher hires. Minutes from the Feb. 18 meeting and bills were approved, with one bill approved on a 5-0-1 vote as Akers abstained. All other items passed unanimously.

Newland reported February revenue of $3,260,993 and expenses of $729,450. The financial report was approved 6-0.

In personnel matters, the board accepted the resignation of Makayla Jones, agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, and Deanna Creason, bus driver. Members approved Stephanie Myers as a substitute teacher, the retirement of longtime elementary secretary Renae Farnsworth and the hiring of Latreasa White for the Parents as Teachers program.

The board also approved the hiring of two new elementary teachers, Brooklyn Miranda and Haylee Burns, both by unanimous vote.

Members unanimously approved salary schedules for certified staff, support staff and administrators for the 2026-27 school year following a salary comparison report presented by Corbett.

The board approved the purchase of a new school SUV for approximately $65,000 on a 5-1 vote.

Additional approvals included the district’s technology agreement, career ladder plan and program evaluations for the elementary, consolidated federal, special education and high school programs. All passed 6-0.

Wayman reported elementary enrollment at 360 students in February with attendance at 92.95%. She highlighted recent activities including Kindness Week, the 100th day of school celebration and Dr. Seuss-themed events. Upcoming events include STEM Night on March 26, kindergarten screenings on April 9 and MAP testing beginning April 23.

Koser reported high school enrollment at 246 students with February attendance at 93.97%. Year-to-date enrollment stands at 264 with attendance at 94.24%. He noted the start of fourth quarter, parent-teacher conferences March 19 and active spring sports seasons, including baseball (17 athletes), track (22) and golf (10). New clubs introduced this year include sign language and drama.

Weaver reported the district currently serves 124 students in special education, including 22 in early childhood, 60 in kindergarten through sixth grade and 42 in grades 7-12. Planning is underway for extended school year services. She also noted upcoming Special Olympics events, including state basketball March 21 and area track April 18.

Tallman reported the district will host Scholar Bowl Districts on April 18. She also said the district is evaluating communication apps for athletics and plans to launch an online system for athletic paperwork.

Corbett said administrators are continuing to work on the district budget and outlined planned projects for the 2026-27 school year, including epoxy flooring in the high school cafeteria, new science room tables, updated library furniture and districtwide whiteboard replacement.

The board entered executive session before returning to open session to approve staffing for the 2026- 27 school year. One tenured teacher, Kara Wolf, was approved on a 5-0-1 vote with Akers abstaining. Jana Calhoun and Les Aeschliman were also approved with one abstention each. The board then approved a list of additional tenured teachers unanimously.

Non-tenured teachers approved for the upcoming year included Hailey Bleything, Jacob Bleything, Brittany Crossgrove, Charlotte Edmonston, Keith Edmonston, Taylor Flynn, Shelby Garrett, Jordan Kaden, Jill Kassens, Brandon Lutz, Mindy Roberts, Kari Scobee and Nicole Sykes.

The board also approved Diane McClain, Natasha Nolte, Aaron Ockenfels, Chase Roberts, Kerry Schoonover and Sidney Smith to gain tenure for the 2026-27 school year.

Extended schoolyear contracts were approved for the new agriculture teacher, Stacy O’Haver, Diane McClain, Tina Leslie and Chloe Mayhew.

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for April 15 at 7 p.m., when board members will take the oath of office and officers will be appointed.