At the regular board meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 17, the board approved the 2013-14 audit report as presented by Evers & Company, CPAs. The audit results were "exceptional." The usual recommendation of greater segregated duties in the Central Office was included, however the auditors recognize the extra personnel required would be a problem for smaller districts.
No vote was taken on a proposal to allow two-hour late starts on inclement weather days. The board discussed at length adding this option to the administrative possibilities, however, the matter died without a motion. The board members appeared to be of the opinion that the problems created for parents, students and buses outweighed any benefits.
The Board approved the Summer School schedule of May 26-June 19. Also approved was the Mid-Missouri Mission Team (3MT) use of the middle school from June 20-27. At the November meeting, Dr. Kevin Kohler presented information on the 3MT with a request to utilize school facilities. The decision was deferred until this month. The organization will use the middle school gym and about 20 classrooms for accommodations for about 200 volunteers during the organization's annual volunteer work effort. He explained that the volunteers began by painting for people who need assistance, but has expanded to landscaping, cleaning out garages and basements. Recently, the volunteers assisted in roofing work at Senior Housing.
The board approved updates to the Board Policies from the Missouri School Board Association after review of the recommendations. One of the changes involves federal food guidelines. For several years, the policy following the federal guidelines was that any foods "available to the students" at the school had to follow the federal nutritional guidelines. The changed policy reads any foods sold by the school to the students must follow the federal nutritional guidelines. This change should allow parents to bring food items which do not necessarily follow those guidelines to the classroom for birthdays or other special events. In addition, fundraiser items sold during the school day, such as candy bars, can be sold up to five times a year in each building without violating the policy about nutritional standards.
Elementary School Principal Daniel Williams reported the enrollment at 606, two students more than last month. The fifth grade students organized the Circle of Sharing charity this year raising nearly $4,300 which was donated to Kiwanis for purchase of food cards. A number of community partners have donated to the Buddy Pack program. Durham School Services organized a "Stuff the Bus" food drive. Elementary students also contributed to the "Fill a Ford" food drive, assisted and sponsored by Sakelaris Ford. This food is going to the Cargill Food Pantry in the Moniteau Christian Ministry Center (MCMC). Several families are being sponsored by teachers, community members and businesses.
Dawn Cook provided additional training to several grade level teams within the area of reciprocal teaching. California Kids, under music teacher Stacy Friedrich, did caroling at several locations in the city.
Middle School Principal Matt Abernathy reported 312 students enrolled. The middle school choir traveled to Sedalia to perform at the "Jingle on the Green" event Dec. 4, then at their Winter Concert on Dec. 8. The Middle School band performed at the Dec. 15 concert. Students traveled to Washington Park for ice skating Dec. 18 for the STARR Party.
High School Principal Mike Hight reported 415 students enrolled.
It was reported that Paul Bloch and Jay VanDieren have filed for the upcoming school board election.
The next regular monthly meeting will be Jan. 21.