Tuesday’s West Plains R-7 School Board meeting began with a presentation by high school students intending to become teachers, who are members of the Future Teachers of America (FTA). High School Principal Ryan Smith introduced Allison Brooks and Kia Wilson, who talked about college visits with teaching degrees and a state convention for FTA members, FTA Day, and how they each signed a letter of intent to teach.
During a Comprehensive Schools Improvement Program (CSIP) update, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Amy Ross said there were 118 kindergartners and 94 preschoolers at a screening held last week who were prepared to begin school in the fall. The screening event included required immunizations provided by the Howell County Health Department and dental screenings by Southern Missouri Community Health Center, along participation from other resources like WIC (Women, Infants and Children supplemental nutrition program) and Parents As Teachers.
Superintendent Dr. Wes Davis presented a report on the district's checking account and several bids before the board voted to move accounts from Community First Banking Company to West Plains Bank & Trust.
Davis commented all of the banks presenting bids had various incentives, but he recommended West Plains Bank based on interest rates. The bid was accepted unanimously, to go into effect at the beginning of the district's fiscal year, July 1.
Board members also voted to approve Davis' 2024-2025 tiered stipend schedule, which will reimburse faculty and staff for involvement in extracurricular activities like coaching, based on consecutive years of experience specific to the activity.
The move will help with the district's retention and recruitment, Davis commented.
Human Resources Director Matthew Orchard proposed an amendment to the 2024-2025 school calendar, telling board members there was a miscalculation and asked the last day of school to be moved from May 15 to May 14, and it was approved.
The next item on the agenda was the approval of district health insurance contribution amounts for next year. Davis informed the board he got a last-minute phone call that evening from the district's current provider and wanted to table the vote until he and Orchard could get some figures in writing from the current provider.
The vote was tabled, and Davis said the board had a May 1 deadline and the issue could be resolved before then.
President Jim Thompson, in his last act as a school board member, addressed the board to recount his decades of experience: "Never in my wildest dreams, 36 years ago, did I ever think I'd be here now. What started as concerns for adequate facilities conducive to learning quickly grew to ensure our district had quality administrators, teachers and staff to provide the best opportunities for our kids."
"There have been many changes through the years, way too many to cover in just a few minutes," he continued.
"Public education is now providing opportunities for all students, not just a select few, but for all students. Extracurricular activities are invaluable; kids learn teamwork, they learn some life skills in some examples. We've added extracurricular activities to engage kids in school."
He went on to comment about other changes and progress, including newer programs and curriculum like Project Lead The Way, the adoption of technology to facilitate learning and to enhance student and staff security, the addition and updating of facilities and the Jobs for America's Graduates (J.A.G.) and Zizzer Pride Academy, plus the Zizzer Clinic, which provides health and mental health services to students and staff.
"There have been challenges as well," he said. "We've weathered funding cuts, withholdings, floods and storm damage, vandalism and COVID. A Zizzer is resilient, and we as a district adapted and came out stronger. I'm proud of our administration and staff doing whatever is necessary to provide for kids' educational and physical needs no matter what the challenge. It has definitely been a team effort of the board, administration, staff, parents and students. I'm proud of what has been accomplished. I'm proud to have been a very small part of those successes. Our kids are winners. Their time with us has given them the tools and confidence to be their best at whatever they do. They are Zizzers."
"I challenge you all to never lose focus," he said to the remaining board members. "Base your decisions on what is best for our students. Help them to achieve their full potential in a safe and caring environment. Each kid is unique, and worthy of our best efforts. To the board — our board is unique. Unique, not special," he joked.
"As evidenced by a recent board evaluation, we're all here for the right reasons. Collaborate and focus on the kids," he advised. "Agree to disagree, and move forward. Remain transparent and be good stewards of our resources. Take care of our students, staff and administrators. Make sure Wes has plenty of coffee, okay?” he lightheartedly cautioned.
"In the end it's not about the awards or accolades, power, status or the time served on the board, it's about ensuring the success of the kids that pass through our doors. It has definitely been a pleasure to serve with, and for, you. And thank you all for all you do for our kids. And with that, I declare the old board dissolved," he finished.
Davis then presented Thompson with a wooden cutting board made locally and engraved with the Zizzer logo. He then mentioned a teacher wanted to be there that evening to say goodbye but couldn't, and proposed that Thompson attend an end-of-year meeting so he could formally say farewell to all the staff.
"With the exception of Kelli Dame, you've probably hired every person," Davis said, then paused. "Well, a lot of them. So we'd like you to come to that meeting."
"I'd love to," Thompson said as he accepted the invitation.
The board then moved to reorganize, after newcomer Shealia Harper and renewed board member Brian Mitchell were sworn in. Cindy Tyree was appointed president; Reid Grigsby, vice president; Erica Jones will continue as secretary and Davis will continue as treasurer; Mitchell will be the Missouri State School Board Association delegate and Christena Coleman, alternate delegate. Jodi Purgason is also a school board member.
