The Puxico School Board approved four program evaluations and MCE (Missouri Consultants for Education) updates.
The program evaluations were presented by superintendent Cindy Crabb. The first program was the Instructional Climate Program Evaluation which includes the A+ Program, At Risk and Code of Conduct. Crabb said the A+ Program is a qualifier for the Holigan Scholarship. By completing certain criteria in the A+ Program, students can also qualify for the A+ Scholarship. The goals of the program are for students to complete challenging high school studies with identified learning expectations. Additional goals are for students to graduate and move on to college, post-secondary vocational, technical school or high wage job.
The At Risk program goals are to identify district students who are at risk of educational failure and/or dropping out of the educational system. Further goals are to collect and disseminate information which will enable staff to more effectively understand and meet the needs of these students. As part of the programs the district partners with educators, outside agencies and parent's intervention plans and strategies to make a positive impact on a student's progress. The district looks to increase the number of students who successfully complete high school and leave with skills needed to meet career and job goals.
Crabb said the district has been successful with the program. The district has had an average proportional attendance 90.42 percent over the last four years. This is well above the state average of 83.76 percent. The district has had an average graduation rate of 93.05 percent over the past four years. This also is higher than the state average of 89.53 percent.
The code of conduct is used to maintain a code of conduct that is easy to understand, manageable, consistent and effective.
The second program is Educational Persistence which includes the Attendance, Dropouts, Grade Promotion and Retention programs. The goal of the attendance program is for all students to attend school regularly to ensure they receive the maximum benefit from the instructional programs offered. The district also hopes to instill a sense of responsibility in students that will serve them as they move toward becoming productive members of society.
The goal of the Graduation and Dropout program is to ensure all students graduate, and the goal of the Grade Promotion and Retention program is to identify students who will be retained or promoted the next school year.
The final program Evaluation was the Facilities and Safety Program. The goals of the Facilities and Safety Program is to establish and maintain a safe environment for students, staff, parents and community members. The goal is to maintain the best education environment possible.
The Puxico School Board approved updates from the Missouri Consultants for Education (MCE). Those updates are:
Regulation 0320-School Board Elections-this has been updated shortening the time a candidate may file for the board.
Policy 2673 – This updates the process of reporting violent behavior to teachers and staff A Behavioral Risk Assessment Risk Team (BRAT) will be established to identify, assess and prioritize key risk issues that may exist kjin district schools and facilities.
Policy 3155- At DESE’s request, wording has been changed to read, “if” a Federal award allows for advance payment, those funds will be deposited and maintained in insured interest bearing accounts.
Policy 3230-Expenditures for certified staff. This replacement policy brings this area current with DESE regulations.
Policy 4130-The update changes PSRS requirement for participation from 4 hours per day to 17 hours per week.
Policy 4412-Active Shooter Training-New Policy - The new policy suggests staff participate in in-house training related to responding to active shooters. Active shooter simulations led by law enforcement are required.
Regulation 6190-Virtual Education-Less than full-time equivalent. The part-time virtual removes the due process requirements and removes the restrictive language that defines “for good cause” reasons.
Crabb updated the board on congressional information that could affect the district. The State has approved the Governor's Grant to extend for the 2023-2024 school year to address teacher salaries. The transportation budget is expected to be fully funded at 75% of allowable costs.
A bill has been introduced to put back in a minimum number of instruction days that must be provided in public schools. Currently the district is a five day week district and operates on the hours based calendar for 168 student days with additional P.D. days for a total of 175 days. The district hosted a welcome luncheon for the HJ staff this week.
Crabb said the district's teachers have attended professional development sessions in preparation for the upcoming year. Southeast Missouri Schools join GOCSD and will attend a regional workshop in Branson at the beginning of August. Crabb also said the new school nurse has attended CPR/First Aid instructor training, the principals attended their respective conferences for their buildings and the curriculum/instructional coach attended the state conference for curriculum directors.
The district has several employment opportunities. All employment information can be found on the district website: www.puxico.k12.mo.us
She then updated the board on some projects on campus: The new scoreboards have been installed in the Arnold Ryan Gymnasium, thanks to donations from First Midwest Bank. The floors have been removed in a few of the elementary classrooms, the upper level of the special education building, and the special education office. New flooring will be installed. A meeting room has been added to the special education building. New signage has been ordered for the ball fields, the junior high classrooms, and district directive signage. Puxico CEA, in cooperation with the district school board, has received the new school banners. First grade will receive new student furniture. Some of the furniture and seating will be replaced in the junior high. Two classrooms in the high school will have new furniture for the upcoming school year. Necessary classroom technology upgrades are being installed. District security cameras requiring replacement are being installed. The district will work with experts to address the legislative requirement on water testing. This last item may require the district to seek bids.
The board approved the Puxico School District's Hazard Mitigation Statement. By approving this statement the district is adopting the Stoddard County Hazard Mitigation Plan which will be used in the event of a disaster in the county.
The board approved the start of the bid process for the repair of storm damage in the district caused by a recent storm. Among the damage on campus is damage to the elementary roof and the ball field. Crabb said a complete damage list is be compiled and the district's insurance has moved quickly to address the damage.
The board set the annual tax hearing date for August 17 at 6:45 p.m.