R-3 hears report on building progress

Superintendent Julie Kirby reported on the progress of building improvements during the regular meeting of the North Daviess R-3 Board of Education held on June 18 at Coffey.

Siding for the front gable on the south side of the elementary building will be purchased at $600 and window replacements at $1,325 from Bill’s Home Improvement.

Work has begun on the trophy cases. The Jameson Alumni Association made a donation of $700 to help cover the cost of the trophy cases.

A bid was approved by Ellison-Auxier for $2,500 to design the fire escape.

The district made about $500 from the Community Betterment Auction of surplus property.

A teaching contract for Richard Warner for the 2001-02 school year was approved.

A position was offered to Lois Sanders as elementary teacher.

The board conducted an evaluation of the past year’s speech services. Michelle Mitchell was offered a contract for 1/4 time speech therapist for $8,800.

Ms. Kirby reported on Callie Hekenbach’s progress in becoming certified as a braillest from the U.S. Library of Congress. There was some discussion of compensation. Action was tabled until the next meeting.

Applications were opened for the position for high school secretary. Applications were also opened for an LPN or RN for one day per week during the school year.

Ms. Steinman has begun work on her master’s degree in elementary administration and Mr. Willhite is now working on the education specialist degree in the superintendency.

The financial statements as presented by Julie Kirby were approved and bills were approved as presented.

The 2000-01 budget was amended to actual expenses and revenues.

The board conducted an evaluation of the past year’s health services and heard two proposals to provide health services for the upcoming school year.

The first summer school session ended on June 2, generating an eligible pupil count of 6.82.

Changes to the policy notebook were approved.

Elementary Principal Ms. Steinman reported that the elementary had been approved to receive a grant from the Missouri Department of Conservation to create an outdoor classroom. The grant is for $2,491.42.

Ms. Steinman is also working on a grant for Practical Parenting Partnerships. The grant amount is $2,500 and the district will be required to provide a 10% match.

Ms. Kirby reported she had secured a grant in the amount of $2,400 for teacher training. Six staff members will attend The Teaching and Learning Conference in Columbia with the grant moneys.

Ms. Kirby reported the district must start planning to comply with the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA) in order to continue receiving e-rate grants during the fourth program year. A motion was accepted to support CIPA and start the process of hearings and research on internet blocking software for both school buildings.

North Daviess R-3 School Board members present at the June 18 regular meeting were Rhonda Sweet, Kelly Hightree, Beverly Hunter, Debbie Ray, Bob Griffin. David Iddings and Donald Baker were absent. Also present was Superintendent Julie Kirby and acting board secretary Rhonda Sweet, Sheri Steinman and Todd Willhite.

The next meeting was set for July 16, 2001, at Jameson.