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. |
Unanimously Approved: - Approve minutes
- Pay bills
- AMI Plan ( Alternative Methods of Instruction)
- Lease Agreement - Creative Therapy Center
- Surplus Bid
- Surplus List
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Update on Facilities/Grounds by Steve Garner, Director of Operations, included: - A new fuel tank has been installed at the bus terminal and is now operational. the district's maintenance team is using it, and it is expected to reduce fuel costs over time.
- The HVAC units at MMS have been replaced. A report is being prepared to determine the cause of the previous equipment issues.
- Annual safety inspections of the district's bleachers have been completed. The bleachers passed inspection, and the district will address any maintenance recommendations identified in the inspection report.
- The Board discussed the possibility of adding handrails at EE Camp. The district will evaluate the need for additional railings to improve accessibility and safety.
- Student meal account balances will carry over into the next school year. The district will continue notifying families with outstanding balances.
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Update on Academics by Dr. Isaac Sooter, Assistant Superintendent included: - Dr. Isaac Sooter shared an update on the district's Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP). Over the past several months, district leaders have worked to align the plan with Monett's mission and core values while simplifying the format. The updated CSIP transitions from traditional SMART goals to operational goals, making it more practical and user-friendly. The Board will receive the document for review and feedback.
- Members of the district's master's degree cohort are currently completing special education coursework. As part of the program, participants will present improvement projects to the Special Services Department, with many of those ideas expected to be implemented throughout the district.
- Since March, Dr. Sooter has met with more than 120 teachers, primarily in Pre-K through eighth grade, to gather feedback. Common themes have emerged that will help guide district priorities, support professional development, and shape the upcoming school year. Highlights from those conversations will be shared during the Back-to-School Rally.
- Dr. Sooter reviewed spring benchmark assessment data using the STAR assessment, explaining that while benchmark assessments do not capture every aspect of student learning, they provide valuable information about student progress in reading and mathematics throughout the year.
- Reading data showed significant growth across the district, while mathematics performance remained strong with continued improvement. Dr. Sooter credited the district's curriculum, teachers, and student support systems for contributing to these positive results.
- The district continues to monitor discussions at the state level regarding the future of Missouri's assessment system. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is piloting benchmark assessments that could eventually replace the current state assessment model, with possible implementation in the 2028-29 school year.
- Preliminary indicators from this year's MAP and End-of-Course (EOC) assessments are encouraging. While official state assessment results will be available this fall, early data suggests positive performance, including strong attendance measures and improved indicators of student success.
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The Board unanimously approved the Monthly Program Evaluations (per CSIP) - Continuous School Improvement Plan: - Federal Programs
- Facility Needs and Employee Compensation Review (Goal 1)
- Technology Plan
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The Board: - Approved the 2026-2027 District Tuition Amount
- Approved FY26 Budget Adjustment
- Approved the FY27 Salary Schedules
- Approved the FY27 District Budget
The board discussed what they learned at the Summer Summit at Lake of the Ozarks on June 14-16, 2026. |
- July 30: July Board Meeting, 6:00 pm
- August 17: Opening Meeting for All Staff - (8:00-9:15 am Breakfast) 9:30 -11:00 am - PAC
- August 20: August Board Meeting & Facility Walkthrough
- August 25: First Day of School
- September 17: September Board Meeting
- October 22-24: Fall MSBA Conference in Kansas City
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The Board unanimously approved:
Coaching Hire: - Joseph Spittler, MS Softball, 2026-2027 SY
Hiring of: - Kenneth Carney, MHS SPED Teacher, 2026-2027 SY
- Brittany Freeman, MECC Kindergarten Teacher, 2026-2027 S
- Jamie Gazaway, MECC SPED Teacher, 2026-2027 SY
- Sydney Walker, MECC PK-3 Year Olds, 2026-2027 SY
Classified List is attached. |
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