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BOE Recap August 20, 2026

Posted Date: 08/31/26 (04:45 PM)
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Monett Schools Board of Education

BOE Recap August 20, 2026

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, Walter Branch, Jared Wormington, Matt Batson, and Mike Whannell, Ryan Nestleroad, and Jennifer Lewis.
 

Board Member Training Completed

Congratulations to our Board of Education members, Jennifer Lewis & Ryan Nestleroad, who recently completed 18.5 hours of New Board Member Training through the Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA). The training provides board members with important knowledge and resources to support effective governance and informed decision-making.
We appreciate their commitment to continued learning and their dedicated service to Monett Schools, our students, staff, and community.
Two side-by-side photos show a man in a white dress shirt presenting Missouri School Boards’ Association Certificates of Achievement to two board members, a woman in a green dress and a man in a red plaid shirt.
 

Tax Levy Hearing

The Board reviewed the proposed 2026–2027 tax rates, received questions and comments, and approved the proposed rates as presented.
 

Consent Agenda

Unanimously Approved:
  1. Approve minutes
  2. Pay bills
  3. SRTC 2026-2027 Sending School Contracts
  4. Tooth Truck Agreement
  5. MRLC Cooperative Agreement 2026-2027
  6. Cox Health Scoreboard Agreement
 

Previous Business

Update on Facilities/Grounds by Steve Garner, Director of Operations, included:
  • Back-to-School Facilities: The district was in a great position heading into the first day of school.
  • Summer Facility Improvements: Projects included the MES playground sidewalk, cabinet installations, and wall improvements.
  • Custodial Team: Custodial staff worked throughout the summer to make sure buildings were clean and ready to welcome students.
  • Scoreboard Project Update: The smaller scoreboard has arrived, while the larger scoreboard installation will take more time due to extensive concrete work. The small scoreboard will be installed at the end of the first week in September. 
Update on Academics by Dr. Isaac Sooter, Assistant Superintendent included:
  • Strong Start to the School Year: The school year is off to a great start, with a strong sense of unity across the district and principals providing great leadership. Teachers were also given dedicated time to work in their classrooms, with training provided through both in-person sessions and Vector Training video resources.
  • Leadership in Action: The leadership team is beginning the year with a strong, shared focus on putting people first. By keeping students at the heart of every decision, district leaders are building a clear foundation for purposeful leadership, collaboration, and continued success across Monett Schools.
 

New Business

The Board :
  • Accepted Bids for Gator 
  • Approved Bid for Gator from Crown Power & Equipment 
  • Accepted Bids for Floor Machines 
  • Approved Bid for Floor Machines from Henry Kraft
 

Important Upcoming Dates

  • September 8: MSBA Regional Meeting, McDonald County
  • September 17: September Board Meeting
  • October 15: October Board Meeting
  • October 21-24 : MSBA Conference: Kansas City
  • November 19: November Board Meeting
  • December 17: December Board Meeting
 

Personnel Business

The Board approved:
Hiring of Classified Staff: 
  • LeAnna Jackson, MIS SPED Paraprofessional 
  • David Stockton, MIS Instructional Paraprofessional
  • Martin Rodriguez, Bus Driver 
  • Joy Bechtel, Sub Nurse 
  • Rylee Poole, MES SPED Paraprofessional 
Classified Resignation Letters Accepted:
  • Tosha Logan, MES Instructional Para