The Moniteau County R-1 board heard a proposal from Amanda Tiberghien regarding the addition of a wrestling program to the district at its Dec. 10 meeting.
"Wrestling teaches athletes how to support and encourage each other, and to give life their all," Tiberghien said. "It also gives them the tools to overcome obstacles on the mat, and life, and to persevere."
Tiberghien said she has reached out to the community to gauge potential interest in the possible winter sport - this outreach extended to California schools as well. Sixteen high school students, 10 elementary students and 19 middle school students expressed interest in the program, she said. Out of the 45 students, 11 already have experience in wrestling through the newly organized Central Mo. Kids Wrestling Club in Jefferson City.
"The club started just last year and already had four kids go out to state," Tiberghien said.
She told the board that wrestling is a relatively cheap sport with minimal maintenance required. A few different fundraising options were offered to cover the alleged minimal cost, such as tournaments with a set entry fee, car washes and baked good sales.
The board heard the presentation, but will not make a firm decision until January.
Additionally, a California High School student earned his diploma and shared his plans for the future at the meeting.
Carlos "C.J." Torres told the board he plans to attend college in the near future and go into law enforcement. In the meantime, he will join the National Guard and perhaps make the military his career. After the military, he wants to serve as a border patrolman. He took time to extend his gratitude to Dr. Sean Kirksey, Coach Robb Hartman and MO Options teacher Lori Brauner for their encouraging words and hard work helping him to graduate.
A modification to the April 2020 bond issue ballot language was also made. However, superintendent Dwight Sanders said the change was slight. The language, which is based on a decision from the board and district, will mention the tearing down of the 1954 portion of the elementary school and the steel addition that holds the kindergarten and preschool classrooms. The board decided on a name for the project: "Proposition 2020: A vision for the future." Sanders said he and the Administrative Team is working with Incite Design Studio to "tweak the floor plan" and minimize wasted hallway space, ultimately adding more common space for students. Sanders made sure to emphasize there will be no tax increase slated for this proposition.
The board also accepted the resignation of FFA sponsor and agriculture instructor Lee Longan. Board member Derek VanLoo said this was "almost an administration position."
"We'll need someone very involved in FFA and ag related education," VanLoo said. " I mean, there are a lot of facets involved in this and it's extremely important that we follow this up when looking for a replacement for Lee."
The district is also switching lighting fixtures in each building from fluorescent bulbs to LED. Anyone interested in the old LED bulbs may contact the central office at 573-796-2145 to make arrangements for pick up.