The California R-I School Board met a week early to see to the swearing in of new school board member Derek VanLoo for his first term and incumbent Rhonda Meyer for her second three-year term. The meeting was in the high school library media room April 13.
The board reorganized with new officers elected. They are President Craig Ash, Vice-president Philip Burger and Treasurer Jay VanDieren. Suzie Gorrell was appointed board secretary.
The board also approved several staff resignations, which will be effective at the end of the school year. Resignations were accepted from teachers Sarah Hays, Gwendolyn Hendrickson, Jeanne Beck, Brittany Healy, Clarice Nelson and Cathy Lovins.
The board discussed the future health insurance rates for school staff, with consideration of cost increases — about 8 percent — which will be made due to the loss-ratio of insurance. The PPO plan had the greatest loss-ratio — 123 percent. For every dollar paid in, the carrier paid out $1.23. The school also offered an HMO plan, with a loss-ratio of 120 percent, and an HSA plan, with a loss-ratio of 60 percent. Discussion with insurance carriers will continue, with a decision to made by the board later.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol informed the district, through a letter, about the department’s plan to have the troopers be more visibly present at the schools than in the past. The purpose is to improve security in the schools and create a more positive image for the patrol through interaction with the students.
The elementary school enrollment was at 627. Principal Daniel Williams reported that the students are preparing for MAP testing, with third- through fifth-graders practicing MAP-type questions through the DRC website. He reported some glitches are being worked through.
Middle School Principal Matt Abernathy reported enrollment at 283. The spring teachers’ conferences were a success, with more than 55 percent attending. A spring sports pep assembly was held with all student-athletes who had competed or are competing in a fall or spring sport. Abernathy took middle school students Johnny Garcia, Jacob Smith and Bruce Vines and high school student Dylan Vines to the Missouri Scholastic Championship Chess Tournament at Battle High School in Columbia. The middle school ranked 18 out of 32 at the competition. Abernathy signed the school up for the United States Chess Federation. This should provide access to websites, magazines and other information to help the students learn to become successful chess players.
Principal Sean Kirksey reported that all 14 students who participated in the University of Central Missouri Department of Art and Design Art Contest Day April 1 received a rating. Those receiving I ratings included Gabie Fields, Cristina Garcia, Aaron Pace, Lindsey Morris and Cord Mitchell. Those receiving II ratings were Abby Forsythe, Katie Imhoff, Jerumin Banda, Kelly Sommerer, Gabe Fernandez-Serrano and Byron Moseley. Those who received III ratings included Amber Strong, Monica Whitson and Jordan Wright. Of the 900 entries submitted for the 2016 UCM Art Exhibition, two by Lindsey Morris were among the 200 selected for exhibition. They were on display from March 15 to April 1.
The next regular board meeting is May 18.