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BOE Recap - Dec. 18, 2025

Posted Date: 08/11/26 (01:12 PM)


Board of Education

BOE Recap - Dec. 18, 2025

Opening of Meeting

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, and Mike Whannell. Absent: Matt Batson
 

Board of Education Student Representatives - Carsyn Goetz & Ruby Smith

Student Council representatives shared a positive update, noting that the semester has gone well and student engagement has remained strong throughout the year.

STUCO reported successful events including the Back-to-School Bash, Homecoming Dances, and Spike Wars. Students also shared that the no-phone law and district expectations have had a positive impact, helping with focus, teamwork, and participation during school activities and leadership events.

Representatives discussed attending a District STUCO meeting in Lebanon, where a guest speaker focused on confidence and leadership. Students shared that they were able to bring back meaningful ideas and strategies, especially around team building and engagement.

STUCO highlighted several service and community-focused efforts, including donating 23 boxes of toys through Operation Christmas Child, hosting two blood drives, and supporting the Golden Age Dinner, which was shared as a successful event.

This year, STUCO has expanded its culture-building efforts by recognizing both staff and student birthdays. For the first time, students are being celebrated as well. STUCO maintains a birthday spreadsheet, visits advisory classes, and takes photos to recognize each student, helping create a more welcoming and connected school environment. Staff birthdays are also recognized through an Events Committee, which created a display featuring staff photos and visits classrooms to surprise staff members with birthday recognition.

Looking ahead, students shared their desire to continue growing student involvement. They acknowledged that while ideas are plentiful, predicting participation can be challenging.

With support from Sam Towles, STUCO plans to work more closely with seniors and staff to raise awareness, promote activities, and ensure student voices continue to be represented across the school.
 

Consent Agenda

Unanimously Approved:
  1. Approve minutes
  2. Pay bills
  3. Classified Staff Changes (Attached)
 

Previous Business

Update on Facilities/Grounds by Steve Garner, Director of Operations, included:
  • Began the SRTC Welding Project; the ventilation company was onsite this week. The first phase of the project was completed this week, with final steps expected to be completed next week.
  • Met with Coke Products representatives, along with Ty Goetz and Ralph Meredith, to discuss a potential new district contract.
  • A meeting with Pepsi is scheduled to compare options before determining which company the district will move forward with.

Update on Academics by Dr. Isaac Sooter, Assistant Superintendent included:
Evangel University Masters Program:
  • Received 18 applications for the first cohort and selected 10 participants; applicants have been notified.
  • Evangel University representatives will visit on the 5th to meet with selected applicants.
  • Classes for the first cohort will begin on the 14th and will be held at the Central Office.
  • The selection process included review by the PDC Leadership Committee, which ranked applicants anonymously before administrators reviewed feedback and finalized selections.
  • This was the first year of the process; overall, it went well, with plans to make adjustments and improvements moving forward.

EDGE Leadership:
  • Continued work on the EDGE leadership framework for administrators, developed last summer to support leadership consistency.
  • The EDGE framework focuses on building trust through clarity and expectations, leading through challenges directly, maintaining emotional consistency, and modeling calm, steady leadership for staff.
  • Administrators revisit the EDGE framework monthly, with an emphasis on reinforcing and developing specific leadership traits throughout the year.

The Board reviewed Success Ready Monitoring (CSIP Goal 7).

The Board approved the FY25 Audit.
 

New Business

The Board unanimously:
  • approved the 2026-2027 SY device refresh bids
  • approved the 2026-2027 device refresh bid from Gov. Connect for the Food Services Department.

The Board reviewed the Long Range Facilities plan led by Steve Garner.
 

Important Upcoming Dates

  • Dec. 30: Candidate Filing Ends
  • Jan. 15: Monthly Board Meeting
  • Feb. 19: Monthly Board Meeting
  • Mar. 17: Monthly Board Meeting
 

Personnel Business

The Board approved:

Transfer of:
  • Brandice Shores, Librarian to MECC PreK, 2026-2027 SY
  • Travis VanHorn, MES Counselor to MECC/MES Library Media Specialist, 2026-2027 SY

Coaching Resignation:
  • Travis Stokes, MMS Girls Basketball Coach, effective May 2026

Resignation Letters Accepted:
  • Destiny Jalbert, MIS 5th Grade Teacher, effective Dec. 2025
  • Cristina Mayfarth, MES 2nd Grade Teacher, effective May 2026
  • Kathleen Hurst, MMS 8th Grade Teacher, effective May 2026
  • Emmah Mayberry, MES 3rd G. Teacher, effective May 2026
  • Nicole Coffey, MECC Counselor, effective May 2026