In addition to discussion surrounding the Dexter School District's adoption of a teacher evaluation tool (see accompany article), board members took action on several other agenda items Tuesday night, including approving the renewal of a three-year contract for Supt. Dr. Thomas Sharp. Other action included making a significant change in the manner in which the district's certified staff members are paid.
An adjustment unanimously approved by the board establishes the certified staff's monthly payroll to concur with the district's fiscal year, which is July through June. The current distribution period is from September to August.
"This has been recognized as a bookkeeping nightmare for a long time," Supt. Thomas Sharp told the board, "especially when it comes to new staff being hired."
Until the restructuring of the payment period Tuesday night, a teacher newly hired within the Dexter School District would work for one and one-half months before getting paid and two and one-half months before becoming eligible for employee insurance.
The board agreed that the change needed to be made, even though this transition year may involve a higher tax liability for the current changeover year. The change will enable new employees to acquire insurance in August and will provide them a payroll check beginning in July.
High School Coach Chad Allen addressed the board Tuesday night, asking for permission to utilize the Bearcat Event Center in late July to hold a basketball clinic for students, both boys and girls, from third grade through twelfth grade. Six area coaches would instruct the day camp. There were no objections to the request, but Allen is required to submit a written proposal to the board for this camp and for continuing the Rib City Shootout event also in the summer. Action on the dual requests will occur in an upcoming meeting of the board upon receipt of the formal request.
Make up days lost to Dexter students due to the recent inclement weather have been decided. Monday, March 17 and Friday, May 23 are now slated for student attendance. The two represent the only remaining days needed to be made up at this time.
The board unanimously approved a contract with Quality Roofing Contractors from Senath for $284,500 for a summer roofing project at Southwest Elementary.
A proposed calendar for the 2014-15 school year was presented by Sharp to board members. It calls for 10 days of no activity from July 23 through Aug. 3 to adhere to MSHSSA requirements. The calendar will be presented to staff members and will be voted upon at an upcoming meeting of the board.
An update on construction projects around the district was also provided by Sharp.
"We're looking very, very good," he told the board. "All projects should be complete by the end of the month with the exception of the corridor (that links the Ag Building to the main campus at high school.)"
The corridor is in use by students, but an issue exists with an unacceptable level of moisture in the concrete floor, prohibiting the contractor from finishing the floor with tiling.
"We're just going to leave it and continue the traffic on it, and in time it will sufficiently dry out enough to go ahead and finish," Sharp said. "It's not going to hurt anything to leave it like it is until that moisture level comes down."
Sharp also told the board that administrators had discussed the possibility of purchasing software which will enable the district to monitor use of school-owned computer devices.
"This will be particularly important for devices which will ultimately be used away from school premises," he said. The issue will be further discussed at a later date.
In other business, the board:
* was commended by Sharp for their continued service in light of Gov. Nixon's annual proclamation declaring Jan. 26 through Feb. 1 as School Board Recognition Week.
* was reminded of the Annual Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet set for Sat., Jan. 25 during which an Educator of the Year will be honored.
* heard from Sharp regarding this week's Safe Routes to School grant availability. The district hosted a meeting with MoDOT personnel. Further information regarding this 80/20 grant from MoDOT will be forthcoming.
* were reminded the next meeting of the board will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
In executive session, the board:
* accepted the resignation of Chris Bolin as middle school assistant boys basketball coach.
* accepted the resignation of Taryn Duncan as middle school cheerleading sponsor for the next school year.
* accepted the immediate resignation of Marti Pullium as high school dance co-sponsor.