Winston R-6 Superintendent Brian Robinson reported that this year is the second year in a row the district has been able to maintain fund balances while increasing salaries, improving facilities, and replacing busses.
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The Winston Board of Education heard at their meeting held Oct. 17 that the finance department at the Department of Elementary and Second Education (DESE) issued an approval letter for Winston’s 2015-2016 Annual Secretary of Board Report. Ending Fund balances were $1,213,377.44, with Unrestricted Ending Fund Balance (Incidental + Teachers Funds) at 45.97%.
In other business, Winston received the $20,000 reimbursement from the Environmental Protection Agency for the grant awarded to replace one of the districts old school buses last spring.
Diesel fuel costs to run the buses has decreased compared to the past several years: September 2016 – $1.80; September 2015 – $1.94; September 2014 – $3.17; September 2013 – $3.46; September 2012 – $3.37; September 2011 – $2.53.
Counselor, Brenda Pliley, gave a presentation to the board about standardized testing results, how testing has changed and how future testing is expected to change.
The board approved extracurricular duty assignments for football supervision.
Superintendent Brian Robinson spoke to the board about the DESE Future Assessment Plan and Implementation Schedule for 2016-17. There is no change to Grade-Level or End of Course (EOC) assessments. Implementation of new Missouri Learning Standards has begun. Test development continues. English language arts (ELA), mathematics and science field tests have begun. Civics education exam goes in effect the spring of 2017. In 2017-18 there will be new assessments in ELA and mathematics. In 2018-19 there will be new assessments in science. And in 2019-2020 there will be new assessment in social studies.
Mr. Robinson discussed Amendment 3, stating that Raise Your Hands for Kids is not what it seems. The Missouri Association of Rural Education Executive Board (MARE) is one of several organizations in Missouri that are opposed to the passage of the initiative “Raise Your Hands for Kids.” The MARE organization very much supports the need for early childhood education but has some serious concerns about some of the language found within this ballot issue and the effect its passage would have on rural school districts in Missouri. Amendment 3 is a smoke screen that uses children to sell cigarettes. The Missouri Ethics Commission records show that an affiliate of RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company has provided over $3.5 million in funding for three front groups pushing a tax increase that uses children as pawns to sell more cigarettes. And, a recent newspaper article quotes Reynolds spokesman saying that they will spend $5 million more for the campaign.
Mr. Robinson noted that in a press release on Monday, Sept. 19, a large bipartisan coalition of state representatives (91) and senators (19) from across Missouri are encouraging voters to vote “NO” on this controversial constitutional amendment that contacts several troubling provisions. In addition, both candidates for governor have come out in opposition to this amendment.
The Tax Rate approved by the board in August has been certified by the State Auditor’s office at $4.2493 per $100 dollars.
Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance rate renewal came in at a 5% increase. This is the lowest increase that the school has had in several years. If the school were to switch to the Affordable Health Care Act plans the district would see a 29.24% increase.
High School Principal reported the Student Council Chapter attended the Northwest District meeting at Park Hill South High School. Student Council is taking a bigger role in Friday morning assemblies and has instituted a “School Spirit Punchcard” that students will fill up for a chance to enter a drawing for a Tablet at the end of the year.
Mrs. Pliley, guidance department, has been setting up several college and military representatives to meet with students. She also organized “My Success Event” for sophomores, college fair trip for juniors and seniors, and MAP reward trip for all students who scored proficient or advanced on all of the state tests last year.
Freshmen FFA members attended the FFA Greenhand Initiation in Gallatin. Mrs. Martin will be taking six students with her to National Convention this year.
Character Plus group has been busy organizing Red Ribbon Week activities.
The district hosted another Professional Development day for teachers. High school focused on the writing of teachers Personal Growth Plans as well as beginning to work on plans for Student Learning Objectives. Both the Growth Plans and the SLOs are mandated by the State of Missouri and will be a part of the overall evaluation of teachers.
Ms. Wilmes traveled to Missouri Western State University with selected art students for Visual Arts Day. FCCLA attended the Fall Leadership Conference at the Lake of the Ozarks.
October 17 marked the end of the first quarter. High school has an enrollment of 86 students, incidents of discipline are down, and current attendance rate is 97.55%.
Elementary Principal reported14 elementary students participated in the MAP reward trip.
PTO raffled off the Preferred Parking spots.
Book Fair was one of the school’s best by far. Each teacher received $40 worth of books for their classrooms and $100 for the library.
Recent upgrade to STAR and AR programs will allow multiple assessments for reading as compared to the purchase of only three Gates Reading tests as previously used. It also allows early literacy assessments to kindergarten students, and customized assessments for use at a later time. In addition to reading assessments, teachers can also give math assessments. These assessments give specific intervention suggestions based on the test results. Teachers are hoping to use these assessments to assist in a more formalized tutoring program, while utilizing A+ students afterschool. The new AR program for grades K-12, teachers and students have the ability to access articles at the click of the mouse. Teachers can share out the articles to classes, and there are additional suggested assignments teachers can use.
September Students of the month were: kindergarten: Jasmine Marcott and Aailah Leonard; first grade – Justin Gadberry and Eli Riddle; second grade: Slade Lee and Vanessa Weigand; Third grade: Justin Davis and Destiny Londo; Fourth grade: Levi Youtsey and Shealyn Karlee Goll.
Grades 4-6 recently attended the Lathrop Living History Festival. Students were able to see live demonstrations of field work with draft horses, see various shops and crafts in addition to other demonstrations.
During Red Ribbon Week elementary students participated in daily activities and dress up days based on this years theme: “YOLO” You Only Live Once. Fall Celebrations will wrap up Red Ribbon Week as our students participate in a Costume Parade, fall parties and an award ceremony for student participation in Red Ribbon Week on October 31.
The next regular board meeting is Monday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m.