Winston Board Seeks Community Committee

The Winston R-6 Board of Education discussed the direction that they will be taking in regards to future capital projects in the district during a special meeting held Oct. 23. The board will be establishing a community committee of citizens with a desire to help guide the direction of needed capital improvement projects in the district.

“Every school has various facility needs,” said Superintendent Brian Robinson. “With the age of buildings in our district ranging from 15 to 90 years old, the Winston R-6 school district is no different. By establishing a community committee, the school board will be able to gain a greater insight to the needs and desires of the Winston community for future facility needs.”

Pictured are Winston’s first and fifth grade Reading Buddies. This program allows students in upper elementary grades to partner with younger students a read for 30 minutes weekly. Sometimes the older students read, sometimes the younger ones read. [Submitted Photo]

September 2010 – $2.09 ~ September 2011 – $2.53 ~ September 2012 – $3.37 ~ September 2013 – $3.46 ~ September 2014 – $3.17

The auditor’s report for 2013-14 from CPA Kevin Hudson was accepted. The report showed that the district is in full compliance with all state regulations for public school financial accounting.

The board accepted a letter of resignation, due to health concerns, from teacher Kathy Henderson.

Superintendent Brian Robinson presented the Missouri Revenue Update. The Governor released $100.2 million of school funding. Those funds will be available to use in the current year. The formula remains short of full funding since 2007-08. Currently General Revenues Year-To-Date for Winston are 4.34% above last year; Prop C revenues are 10.86% above last year; but Gaming Revenue fell 3.64% behind last year.

Mr. Robinson attended a seminar in Plattsburg presented by an education attorney which covered: Guidelines for Children’s Internet Protection Act, Student Discipline, the EEOC’s new guidance, and Lawful Consent for Education Decisions.

Highlights of Superintendent Brian Robinson’s Report:

• Approval letter received for Annual Secretary of Board Report.

• Tax rate approved. Operating Levy at $3.0247 and Debt Service at $0.09 per $100 dollars.

• Winston R-6 has one of the lowest school district tax rates in north Missouri.

• Health insurance for employees renewed with Blue Cross Blue Shield at a 9.9% rate increase.

• Future Dates of Importance: November 11 – Veterans Day Assembly; November 15 – FFA Barnwarming 6 p.m.; Nov. 17 – Next board meeting at 7 p.m.; November 22 – PTO Vendor Fair to benefit Winston Backpack Buddies Program; November 26, 27, & 28 – Thanksgiving Break.

• Resolution approved in opposition of Amendment 3.

Highlights From Elementary Principal Pam Madison’s Report

• Backpack Buddies funding supporting 20 students. Donations continue to be received. Program will be reevaluated at Christmas to see about adding students.

• Elementary Student Council: President Skye Uthe, Vice President Teagan Caldwell, Secretary Hannah Hullinger, Treasurer Abby Rhoades. Food drive through Oct 31.

•Character Plus Elementary Committee Members are Paige Lang, Megan Christensen, Jacob Uthe and Tarryn Smith.

•Upcoming Events: Red Ribbon Week Fall Party – October 31 at 2:20 p.m.

Highlights of High School Principal Tiffani Collins’s Report

•Data Collection on Student Learning Objectives: Information collected from initial writing assessment used as “baseline score.” Teachers will apply this data throughout the year to determine the level at which students are performing.

•High School Parent-Teacher Conferences had over 70% of families for 7-12th grade students represented.