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 Matt Batson. Absent: Mike Whannell |
Our students shared a thoughtful and engaging presentation about the district’s Gifted program, offering insight into both what the program means to them and what a typical gifted day looks like. Through student quotes, they explained that gifted helps them focus for the rest of the week, gives them a place where they can truly be themselves, and encourages them to keep going when learning feels challenging.
Our students walked the Board through their gifted schedule, which begins with brain warm-ups such as puzzles, Sudoku, and Skyscraper challenges designed to get their minds ready for learning. They shared hands-on building activities, such as KEVA structures, where creativity and problem-solving are tested. Students also highlighted Genius Hour, where they research topics of interest, practice public speaking, and build skills that prepare them for the future. Throughout the day, students engage in strategy games that strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving at varying levels of difficulty. They also described the affective portion of the program as a safe space to explore who they are and build confidence. The day often ends with STEAM projects that allow creativity to flow and ideas to come to life.
Additional details are included in the attached presentation. The students did a phenomenal job sharing their experiences and learning.
Students:
Maggie Hoyt
Eva Davis
Aarilyn Conner
Hazel Dearing
Teacher: Kristy Berger
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Kat Gervais provided an update on Care to Learn – Monett, sharing how the program continues to support students by meeting urgent health, hunger, and hygiene needs. The presentation highlighted the impact Care to Learn has across the district and how quickly support can be provided when a need is identified. Funds raised in the community stay in the community and are used directly to support Monett students.
The Board was also informed of a generous $70,000 donation from the Fuldner Family Foundation, which will significantly strengthen Care to Learn’s ability to meet student needs, especially during the winter months. The donation supports holiday assistance, clothing and hygiene closets, classroom snack programs, and other immediate student needs across the district. This gift, along with continued community and staff support, allows Care to Learn – Monett to continue ensuring students feel cared for, confident, and ready to learn.
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Unanimously Approved:
- Approve minutes
- Pay bills
- Classified Staff Changes (Attached)
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Update on Facilities/Grounds by Steve Garner, Director of Operations, included:
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SRTC Welding Ventilation Project: The welding project has been completed, and the bay doors are now fully closed. Oberman did an excellent job with the implementation. A company from Wisconsin assisted, and all necessary adjustments were made to ensure the project was completed correctly.
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Operations & Custodial Teams: The operations, maintenance, and custodial teams are doing a great job supporting district facilities and daily operations.
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IT Infrastructure Improvements: Maintenance added new 30-amp power circuits to the IT closets at the High School, Intermediate School, and Elementary School. These upgrades support new battery backup systems for district servers and were completed in coordination with the Technology Department.
Update on Academics by Dr. Isaac Sooter, Assistant Superintendent included:
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First Semester Reflections: District leadership spent time reflecting on the first semester, including what went well, challenges faced, and areas of struggle. This led to meaningful discussion that helped provide a clearer picture of what is happening across the district. The conversation acknowledged the human side of the work, recognizing that while things do not always go perfectly, continuous improvement remains the focus.
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START Reading Updates: Reading growth was reviewed across multiple grade levels, showing strong progress overall. Improvements were connected to effective instructional practices and curriculum alignment.
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Districtwide Reading Perspective: Overall reading proficiency continues to trend in a positive direction, with encouraging growth across the district. The progress reflects strong instructional focus and provides momentum moving forward.
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Math Updates: Math growth was reviewed by grade level, with notable gains in several grades. The data highlights both areas of strong growth and opportunities to refine instruction, helping guide next steps for continued improvement.
The Board unanimously approved the Monthly Program Evaluations (per CSIP) - Continuous School Improvement Plan:
- Success Ready Monitoring (CSIP Goal 7)
- High School Graduation and Employment Report (Goal 11)
- Homeless
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The Board:
- Approved to establish Graduation Day as the second Friday of May each year
- Reapproved the Conflict of Interest Policy BBFA
- Accepted bids for Stadium Scoreboard
- Approved a bid from Nevco for the Stadium Scoreboard
The Board reviewed the MSBA 25E Update, and no action was taken.
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The Board received an overview of the planning process underway to explore a future video display scoreboard for Burl Fowler Stadium. Student presenters shared that the current scoreboard was last updated in 2014 and no longer reflects the experience many schools now provide for students, athletes, and the community. The discussion emphasized that this project is not about adding something “new and shiny,” but about strengthening school culture, increasing student engagement, and creating opportunities that encourage participation and pride in district programs.
A key focus of the presentation was the involvement of Global Business and Entrepreneurism students, who were deeply engaged in researching and developing the project. Under the leadership of Ty Goetz, Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at MHS, students learned how to create a request for proposal (RFP), research potential vendors, and evaluate options based on district needs and long-term goals. Senior Adam Martinez and junior Jacob McCall shared how students narrowed vendor options, coordinated presentations, and gained real-world experience in understanding the scope, cost, and planning required for a project of this scale. Students expressed appreciation to the Board and district leaders for the opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways while developing skills that extend beyond the classroom.
The presentation also highlighted how a video display scoreboard could serve multiple purposes beyond athletics, including student recognition, community events, live streaming activities such as graduation, and partnerships with local businesses through advertising opportunities. These advertising partnerships would be the primary means of funding for the project, making it a fundraiser-supported initiative rather than a district-funded expense. Additional possibilities discussed included enhanced sound coverage, use during track meets, multimedia and broadcasting opportunities for students, and potential connections to postsecondary pathways.
Following discussion, the Board approved a motion to move forward with the bid from NEVCO, contingent upon fundraising progress and a review at the March Board meeting. A preliminary timeline and financing approach were also shared, outlining a multi-year plan that remains subject to future Board decisions. The discussion emphasized long-range planning, meaningful student involvement, and how the project aligns with district culture and community engagement.
Student Presenters:
- Jacob McCall, Junior MHS
- Hunter Taylor, JR Wheaton HS
- Adam Martinez, SR MHS
- Malachi Wagers, SR MHS
- Benjamin Lamar, SR. MHS
Teacher: Bill Whitman, GO CAPS Global Business and Entrepreneurism
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- Feb. 19: Regular Monthly Board Meeting
- Feb. 28: Fine Arts Festival
- March: School Board Recognition Month
- March 17 (Tuesday): Regular Monthly Board Meeting
- April 21 (Tuesday): Regular Monthly Board Meeting
- May 20: Last Day of School
- May 21: Regular Monthly Board Meeting
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The Board approved:
Hiring of:
- Tyler Ash, MS Head Baseball Coach, effective Feb. 2026
- Lacy Waters, MES Teacher, effective 2026-2027
Transfer Accepted:
- Megan Gidney, Instructional Coach to MECC Interim Principal, effective Jan. 12, 2026
Resignation Letters Accepted:
- Adelaide Roethemeier, MES Special Education Teacher, effective May 2026
- Amber Mourning, MECC K Teacher, effective May 20, 2026
- Courtney Burnside, MRLC Special Education Teacher, effective June 26, 2026
Retirement Letters Accepted:
- Denuse Defendall, MIS 4th G. Teacher, effective June 26, 2026
- Blair Powell, MES PE Teacher, effective May 22, 2026
Contract extensions were approved for:
- Lauralie Powell, Director of Tech (1 year extension)
- Daphne Hensley, Director of ELD (1 year extension)
- Carrie Smith, Director of Elementary Education (established 2 year contract)
- Heather Romine, Director of Secondary Education (established 2 year contract)
- Dr. Isaac Sooter, Assistant Superintendent (1 year extension)
- Steve Garner, Assistant Superintendent of Operations (1 year extension)
- Jenifer Graves, Executive Director of Student Services (1 year extension)
- Dr. Mark Drake, Superintendent (1 year extension)
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