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, Mike Whannell, and Jennifer Lewis.
Absent Members: Matt Batson and Ryan Nestleroad |
Unanimously Approved: - Approve minutes
- Pay bills
- MSU Dual Credit Agreement
- Approve SRTC Health Occupations Vaccination Bid
- Approve Bus Routes
- GO CAPS Sending School Contracts
- STARS College Network and Monett Schools: College Advisor Program Partnership
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Update on Facilities/Grounds by Steve Garner, Director of Operations, included:
- New Scoreboard Project: Installation is scheduled to be completed by October 9. Weather could cause delays to the project timeline.
- Central Office Sidewalk: The sidewalk in front of Central Office is being extended. The Maintenance Department is completing the project.
- JROTC Obstacle Course: Construction of the new JROTC obstacle course is primarily being completed by Construction Technology students, with support from the Maintenance Department. The project has also received many donated materials, and we appreciate everyone who has contributed to help make this possible.
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Update on Academics by Dr. Isaac Sooter, Assistant Superintendent included:
Missouri A–F School Grading System - The Missouri State Board of Education approved a new A–F grading system that will assign a letter grade to each public school and district.
- Dr. Mark Drake (Monett Schools), Dr. Adam Friga (Oran R-III), Dr. Kerry Sachetta (Joplin Schools), and Dr. Matt Goodman (Pattonville R-III) presented on behalf of Missouri school leaders, sharing concerns and recommendations for strengthening the proposed framework and asking the State Board to slow the process before grades are released publicly.
- One major concern is that the grading scale can become harder over time. Once 65% of Missouri schools earn an A or B, the score needed to earn each letter grade will increase by five percentage points the following year.
- The letter grade may look simple, but the formula behind it is complex and includes several measures of student achievement and growth. Some of the technical details are still being developed, making it difficult for schools to fully explain how a final grade will be calculated.
- District leaders are concerned that one letter grade may not tell the full story of a school or accurately reflect the progress students and staff are making.
- Monett Schools will continue monitoring the process and helping families understand the information behind any future letter grade.
Student Academic Progress - The district recently received its August student assessment data, and results continue to show positive academic growth.
- Reading performance continues to improve, with the district seeing increases over multiple years. STAR assessment data is also showing continued growth.
- Math performance is improving as well. Growth has been gradual, but this August's results were the district's strongest August results to date.
- Early literacy remains an important area of focus. The district will continue strengthening early learning opportunities and encouraging families to read with children at home, especially during the early childhood and elementary years.
- Overall, district leadership shared that Monett students continue to show academic growth, while also recognizing areas where continued focus and support will help students keep moving forward.
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State Education Funding - The Missouri State Board of Education reviewed the state’s Fiscal Year FY 2028 education budget, including funding for public schools through Missouri’s foundation formula.
- The Missouri State Board of Education voted to keep the foundation formula request at the FY 2027 level of approximately $4.28 billion. DESE estimates that amount is about $270 million less than what would be needed to fully fund the state’s formula.
- Monett district leadership expressed concern about what continued underfunding at the state level could mean for public schools, particularly districts that rely more heavily on state funding.
- Monett Schools will continue to monitor state funding decisions and their potential impact on our students, staff, and long-term financial planning.
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The Board Approved: - Success Ready Monitoring
- Early Childhood Evaluation (Daycare, PK, PAT)
- Safety & Security Plan
- Transportation
- Facilities Plan and Adoption Including Long Term Plan
- Building Improvement Plans
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- Student Check-Ins: The SRO program has had a busy and productive start to the school year, with continued focus on school safety, student support, and relationship building.
- Community Partnerships: Officers are working with the juvenile office and other community partners to help ensure student needs are being addressed.
- DARE Program: The district plans to continue the DARE program, and Officer Delaney is expected to join the SRO team this winter.
- Staff Safety Training: SROs will continue providing ALICE safety training for staff and have also completed Stop the Bleed training.
- Emergency Response: SROs play an important role in the district’s emergency preparedness and response, working alongside school staff during medical and safety-related situations.
- Student Safety Education: Officers are providing age-appropriate student safety education, including Eddy Eagle safety and other public safety topics.
- Morning Safety Presence: Each morning, officers are assigned to areas with heavy bus and student traffic to provide an additional safety presence.
- MHS Crosswalk Safety: The district is continuing to review concerns at the Monett High School crosswalk and explore additional safety measures to improve visibility and driver awareness.
- SRO Program: District leaders shared that the SRO program continues to strengthen, with officers focused on keeping schools safe, building relationships with students, and continually reviewing safety protocols and practices.
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The Board: - Accepted bids for a fence around the SRTC obstacle course
- Approved a bid from Dore Fence for a fence around the SRTVC obstacle course
- Accepted bids for a blacktop on the MECC playground
- Approved a bid from Cesar's Asphalt for the MECC playground
- Accepted bids for a snow truck bed
- Approved a bid from Sancrest Trailer Sales for a snow truck bed
The Board Discussed: - 2027-2028 Calendar Exploration & Development
- Reviewed the MSBA 2026B Update
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- October 12: No School Professional Development Day
- October 15: October Board Meeting
- October 21-24 : MSBA Conference: Kansas City
- October 26-28 Parent-Teacher Conferences
- October 29: Early Dismissal (Noon Dismissal)
- October 30: No School
- November 19: November Board Meeting
- December 17: December Board Meeting
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The Board approved:
Hiring of Classified Staff: - Nathalia Perez, MES Paraprofessional, Official Start Date: 9/8/26
- Janet Strong, Substitute Bus Aide, Official Start Date: 8/25/26
- Taylor Neilsen, SPED Para, Official Start Date: 9/28/26
- Yajaira Villa Barrientos, MECC 4 year old PreK Para, Official Start Date: 9/22/26
Classified Resignation: - Gabrielle Villasenor, Food Service, Last Day: Sept. 4, 2026
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