Bob Foos
It was a packed house at the Webb City R-7 School Board meeting Tuesday. Not protesters, they were students being recognized for musical, sport and academic achievement.
Melinda Benham, the retiring choir director, introduced her students who had compete at state.
Band director Butch Owens also had a large number of state qualifiers in solo and ensemble categories.
Members of the state-champion unified track team were accompanied by a big trophy and their sponsor, Jeff Cole. He noted this was the first time that the Special Olympics event has been sanctioned by the MSHSAA. The Webb City team broke records in all six events. There was a cheer when it was announced that team members will receive rings.
Stacy Stockton, the high school gifted and enrichment instructor, introduced Missouri Scholars 100 members Carter Slinker and Jansen Pearce. She noted the honor means they are at the top of some 67,000 senior sin the state.
Slinker was also applauded for achieving National Merit Finalist status.
Even the light of budget uncertainty, the board resumed discussing the “need” to build a better learning environment for the third and fourth graders in Webb City.
Third graders now go to Mark Twain Elementary, and fourth graders go to Eugene Field.
Superintendent Brenten Byrd presented the option of expanding Mark Twain, where there is plenty of land, for both grades, but the board members appear to think a new school would be best.
Various funding options were also discussed. No decisions were made, while Byrd said he will initiate further discussion this summer.
He reported that state funding in the budget will be short, which will cost the district $1 million in state revenue. Local revenue cuts are also a concern.
To adapt, Byrd said the district is not filling 10 teaching positions that are being vacated by retirement.
In other action, the board:
• Received assurance from Byrd that the administration will look into selection of junior members of the National Honor Society in order to make the process more transparent. A parent has brought the matter to the administration’s attention.
• Heard plans for summer school for four grade levels.
• Approved American Construction’s bid of $66,500 to make the entrance to the middle school more secure. A portion of the office will be moved to the front doors.
• Approved the purchase of a Suburban SUV in the amount of $65,000 from a state-bid dealer. It’s primary use will be to transport small groups.
• Approved a $11,940 bid from Sign Designs to enhance the two-story panels on the east side of the junior high.
• Agreed to continue using the services of KNEO for streaming video of sports competitions – rather than develop a class to teach students how to do it.
• Accepted letters of resignation from:
– Carmi Hinman, Webster Primary Center first grade. One year with the district.
– Dawn Cullmber, seventh grade science teacher at the junior high. 17 years.
– Joseph Decker, physical education teacher at the junior high. Six years.
• Approved contracts for:
– Roger Doman, middle school sixth grade.
– Ella Gardner, middle school sixth grade.
– Jacobi Adelizzi, junior high math.
– Lucas Hatfield, junior high science.