Cardinal Theatre looks different without seats. The demolition phase of its renovation appears to going quickly.

 

Amanda Eggleston promoted from being an assistant to become the principal at Webster Primary

Bob Foos

Amanda Eggleston was approved as the new principal at Webster Primary Center Tuesday by the Webb City R-7 School Board.

Eggleston is an assistant principal at the high school. She succeeds Sarah Lee, whose retirement letter was accepted at the last board meeting.

Nathan Dingman, an instructional coach at the high school, is being transferred to become assistant principal at the middle school and Webster.

Courtney Escoto was hired to fill the vacancy left by Eggleston at the high school.

DeeAnn Allen, a lab technician at Webster, is transferring to a public relations position at Central Office and work in the Webb City Schools Foundation office.

Cardinal Theatre renovation begins

Josh Flora, assistant superintendent for business operations, reported that construction of the high school addition that’s visible behind the swim center is nearing completion.

Renovation of Cardinal Theatre began almost as soon as the curtain went down on the last spring play that was produced there at the end of April.

Both projects are being funded by an $11 million bond issue approved with a 76% majority on April 4, 2022.

Buss Buddies program to start next school year

Flora also reported on Bus Buddies, a new mentor opportunity for volunteers on school buses.

He said the mission of the program, beginning next school year, will be to build mentor relationships while students are on the bus.

Southwest Missouri Alliance has chosen Webb City as the pilot school for Bus Buddies. The organization will pay for background checks of volunteer applicants.

$400,000 safety grant

The district will be able to continue improving safety at schools now that a $400,000 grant for that purpose has been received.

Among other things, Flora said the grant will fund construction of two more double entries, the installation of more card-reading locks on exterior doors for first responders, safety shield on more glass-door entrances and 20 more security cameras at entrances.

In other action, the board:

• Approved a new five-year contract with Copy Products to provide and maintain 33 copiers at a total cost of $3,552 per month. Flora said the district will save money by switching from a three-year to five-year contract.

• Hired Environmental Works to ensure the district is in compliance with a new state law mandating that water from every faucet in all schools be tested for lead content. The estimated cost of $51,500 does not include corrective steps if lead is found.

• Heard about plans for summer school, which will be held Thursday, June 1, through Wednesday, June 28.

• Recognized many students appearing in person who have excelled in music, academics, and speech and debate.

• Accepted seven letters of resignation from:

– Angie Howard, special education teacher at Eugene Field Elementary.

– Lisa Baldwin, junior high math teacher.

– Amanda Perry junior high writing teacher.

– Michelle Hunter, second grade teacher at Webster Primary Center.

– Paige Goggins, third grade teacher at Mark Twain Elementary.

– Mary Landreth, junior special education teacher.

– Madyson Wakeland, second grade teacher at Harry S Truman Elementary.

• Offered 12 contracts to:

– Brayden Wilson, junior high special education.

– Bradly Hershey, junior high special education.

– Ashlea Large, junior high math.

– Marissa Foley, junior high special education.

– Julia Linder, fourth grade at Eugene Field.

– Hannah Green, fourth grade at Eugene Field.

– Victoria Smith, fourth grade at Eugene Field.

– Reagan Hayes, kindergarten at Bess Truman Primary.

– Esmeralda Alberto, third grade at Mark Twain.

– Carli Miller, special education at Mark Twain.

– Shannon Stanton, second grade at Webster Primary.

– Michael Thomas, special education/behavior at Franklin School.