BOE Recap - May 21, 2026

The board meeting was called to order by President Ken Gaspar followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Board Members present: Ken Gaspar, Walter Branch, Jared Wormington, Matt Batson, and Mike Whannell, Ryan Nestleroad, and Jennifer Lewis.

During the May Board of Education meeting, Kanika Meadows shared information about Monett Schools’ partnership with Evangel University, which provides school employees the opportunity to earn a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at no cost to participating staff members. 

This partnership was launched in the 2025-2026 school year as part of the district’s commitment to investing in its employees and providing opportunities for professional growth. During the presentation, Kanika Meadows, MECC Kindergarten Teacher, highlighted the positive impact the cohort has already had on participants and expressed their desire to see this partnership continue into the future years.

This program represents an investment in both professional growth and student success by removing financial barriers that can prevent educators from pursuing an advanced degree. Through the cohort model, Monett Schools participants engage in graduate-level learning while continuing to serve students in Monett classrooms and schools. 

Beyond the coursework, this program helps teachers identify their individual strengths and learn how to use those strengths to become more effective leaders within their current roles. 

Leadership in education extends beyond administrative positions and can be found in classrooms, grade-level teams, departments, and throughout the district. By understanding and developing their strengths, teachers become more confident decision-makers, stronger collaborators, and more effective communicators. 

The cohort model also creates valuable opportunities for collaboration among Monett staff members. Participants learn alongside colleagues, build stronger professional relationships, and develop a shared vision for instructional excellence. As educators grow together, they bring new knowledge, ideas, and leadership skills back to the schools and students. 

Mrs. Meadows shared that opportunities such as this not only strengthen teaching and learning, but also support employee recruitment and retention by demonstrating Monett’s commitment to developing leaders from within the district. 

This partnership aligns with the district’s commitment to continuous improvement and high-quality learning experiences for students. Strong schools require strong educators, and providing opportunities for professional growth helps ensure Monett teachers have the tools and support needed to make a lasting impact in the classroom. 

As Monett continues to be Student Focused and Future Driven, programs like the Evangel University Master’s Cohort help strengthen the leadership capacity of educators and support a brighter future for the students they serve. 

The Board of Education received an annual update on Cub House, the district’s afterschool program serving students in Pre-K through fifth grade. Funded by the Missouri Comprehensive Afterschool Learning (MOCAL) grant, Cub House provides a safe and engaging environment for students after school while supporting working families throughout the community. During the 2025-2026 school year, the program provided an estimated childcare savings of more than $1 million for Monett families, highlighting the important role Cub House plays in supporting both students and parents.

Students in Cub House participated in a variety of activities designed to support academic growth, creativity, exploration, and social development. In addition to receiving an evening meal, students had access to homework assistance, academic enrichment, and recreational opportunities each day after school. 

Throughout the year, students engaged in hands-on learning experiences through partnerships with organizations such as the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library, Missouri 4-H, the University of Missouri STEM Mobile Lab, and Wonders of Wildlife. These experiences allowed students to build solar cars, hatch eggs in incubators, explore science engineering concepts, participate in literacy activities, and learn about animals and conservation. 

Family engagement remained an important component of the afterschool program. Cub House hosted a variety of events throughout the year, including family STEM nights, MECC-oween, an art show, and special activities celebrating families and student learning. These events helped strengthen connections between our schools and families while creating opportunities for students to share their experiences. 

Cub House staff members, many of whom are also district employees, were recognized for their dedication to supporting students beyond the regular school day. Throughout the year, staff participated in professional development opportunities, including specialized training, CPR certification, safety training, and statewide afterschool learning conferences. MIS Site Director, Layla Minton, was selected to present at the annual statewide afterschool training conference in Osage Beach, where she shared strategies focused on understanding student behavior and promoting student success.

District leaders expressed their appreciation for the staff, community partners, and families who contribute to the success of Cub House each year. The program continues to provide students with opportunities to learn, grow, build relationships, and discover new interests while supporting families throughout the community.

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

The MSBA 2026 A Update was approved.

The Board:

The Board approved: