Bob Foos
Six staff retirement letters were accepted months ahead of time on Tuesday by the Webb City R-7 School Board.
It’s an indication that teachers have gotten the message that the board will buy back their accumulated unused sick days if they make their retirement intentions known early. That way, the search for their replacements can begin right away when it’s believed the best candidates are available.
Yet, the board expressed regret losing a total of 122 years of experience with the district (162 years overall experience).
The retirement letters were received from:
• Darrell Hicks, assistant junior high principal and athletic director – 27.5 years with the district.
• Jeff Wilkie, high school principal – five years with the district, 34 overall.
• Beth Buford, middle school vocal music teacher – 14 years with the district.
• Leigh Miller, high school counselor – 30 years with the district.
• Mark Leaming, high school special education teacher – 15 with the district, 29 overall.
• Shawn Klosterman, aquatics director and swim coach – 27 years with the district.
Superintendent Brenten Byrd announced the formation of a group in reaction to proposed legislation that would adversely impact the district and public education in general.
The first meeting of the group was held Wednesday, in advance of the next legislative session that will start on Jan. 7.
Byrd cited Senate Bill 190 (Senior Tax Relief) of 2023, which credits retired homeowners for increases in their property taxes, as a law that has already reduced the district’s revenue.
Jasper County Collector Steven McIntosh has sent a letter to the district stating that the district’s total credit amount for 2025 is $95,619. That’s money the district would receive if Senior Tax Relief weren’t in effect.
State funding for private school vouchers is another issue he mentioned. The amount is currently $50 million, and he said there’s a movement to double that during the next legislative session.
Byrd said it’s been calculated that the $50 million going to private schools instead of public schools includes $1.2 million that could have otherwise gone to all school districts in Jasper County.
“Your tax money is paying for them to go to private schools in St. Louis – where the tuition is $30,000,” Byrd said.
“We have to pay attention to what our legislators are doing.”
Whether the legislature fully funds the K-12 foundation formula is an issue that comes up every year.
Open enrollment is another concern Byrd mentioned, noting that it is regrettably being initially supported by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
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In other action, the board:
• Received the 2026-2027 school calendar for review. Byrd noted, “We cannot start school until Aug. 24” because of the state law protecting tourism that requires the first day of school be no more than 10 days before Labor Day (Sept. 7, 2026). “That makes the calendar very tight,” he added.
• Received an update regarding the district’s virtual education program and adoption of Paper to assist students with their homework. Angie Broaddus, director of virtual instruction, noted that virtual students must meet in person with instructors every two weeks to make sure they are learning the material instead of just using artificial intelligence to complete their work.
• Learned that the Webb City Schools Foundation has selected Lisa and Jeff Montgomery to be honored as the distinguished citizens during the annual foundation banquet, which will be held at 6 p.m. March 2.
• Was informed that the MAP Banquet to honor students who excelled on the MAP test will be held at 6 p.m. March 30. A dinner for the honorees and their parents will be held prior to the awards ceremony.
• Spoke to three Webb City students participating in MOSO CAPS, while as part of an update about the career program.
• Approved consent agenda items, including the selection of Kathy Harris as the new softball coach.