The board meeting was called to order by President Ken Gaspar followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Board Members present: Ken Gaspar Annie Smith, Jared Wormington, Ashley Bailey, Walter Branch, Matt Batson, and Mike Whannell.

At the March Board Meeting, we took a moment to sincerely thank our Board of Education for their service to Monett. 

Serving on the board requires time, thoughtful decision-making, and a deep commitment to students, staff, and the community. Our board members give of themselves in ways that often go unseen, always keeping what is best for students at the forefront of every decision.

Our board members care deeply about the success of our students and the future of our community. They show up, ask thoughtful questions, and make decisions with care, guided by what is best for kids.

We are grateful for their leadership, their heart for this district, and their belief in Monett’s continued success. Thank you for continuing to serve, support, and lead with students in mind.

Monett High School senior, Sarah McDonald, has been selected as a regional recipient of the Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA) FutureBuilders Student Scholarship. 

This recognition is awarded through a competitive selection process and honors students who demonstrate strong leadership, dedication, and a commitment to their future. As a regional winner, Sarah will receive a $1,000 scholarship. 

This achievement places Sarah among 16 regional winners across the state who will now be considered for the MSBA State FutureBuilders Scholarship. 

We are proud of Sarah McDonald for this accomplishment!

The Board of Education recognized and thanked our STUCO representatives, Carsyn Goetz and Ruby Smith, for their service throughout the school year. 

These students have played an important role in sharing feedback from the high school, offering suggestions, and helping keep the Board connected to the experiences of our students. Their perspective has been especially helpful in conversations and decision-making across the district. 

We are grateful for their time, leadership, and willingness to serve.

Update on Facilities/Grounds by Steve Garner, Director of Operations, included:

Update on Academics by Dr. Isaac Sooter, Assistant Superintendent included:

The Board unanimously approved the Monthly Program Evaluations (per CSIP) - Continuous School Improvement Plan:

Students at the Monett High School will soon have a new opportunity to grow their skills and apply their learning in real-world settings through the Seal of Biliteracy program. 

After participating in a real-world learning exploration in Kansas City and learning how other districts implement the Seal of Biliteracy, a team of teachers identified it as a strong fit for Monett Schools. This work has been led by Tamara Stadter, MHS ELD Teacher, Jessica McNichols, MHS Principal, and Daphne Hensley, ELD Director, whose dedication and hands-on leadership helped bring the vision to life. 

The Seal of Biliteracy is a nationally recognized distinction awarded to students who demonstrate proficiency in two or more languages. In Missouri, students must meet specific criteria that show they can read, write, speak, and understand a second language at a high level. Students may earn the seal in a variety of languages, including English paired with another language, as well as American Sign Language, which opens additional opportunities for students. This recognition is noted on a student’s transcript and serves as a strong indicator of communication skills that are valuable in college, careers, and the community. 

What makes Monett’s approach unique is the focus on real-world application. The program will include a structured student selection process, similar to GO CAPS, and will be embedded into the school day through a double-blocked schedule. During the first semester, students will build foundational skills such as communication, professionalism, and confidentiality. In the second semester, students will transition into internship experiences, where they will have the opportunity to work within the community and apply their language skills in real-world settings. This program is open to any student who meets the qualifications and is interested in developing and using their language skills beyond the classroom. 

As part of the program, students will also develop a portfolio to reflect their learning and demonstrate growth. This portfolio will be submitted to the state as part of the Seal of Biliteracy process. 

The Seal of Biliteracy program is set to begin in the 2026-2027 school year. 

Monett Schools is excited about the Seal of Biliteracy and the opportunities it will create for students to grow, connect, and contribute within our community and beyond.

The Board approved: