(From the Carthage R-9 School District)The Carthage R-9 Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, December 15, 2025, 6:00 pm, at the Carthage South Technical Center – Community Room. Present were board members Ms. Niki Cloud, Mr. Ryan Collier, Mrs. Lora Phelps, Dr. Mark Westhoff, Mr. Jeff Jones, Ms. Maria Sanchez, and Mr. Patrick Scott. Ms. Niki Cloud led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mrs. Jennifer Simpson and Mrs. Delayna Honaker, Mark Twain Elementary second grade teachers, and students shared details on the school’s coffee shop and hot cocoa bar at Mark Twain Elementary.
Mr. Brian Crigger, Head Cross Country Coach, and student runners shared their successes during the cross-country season.
Mr. Braden McBride, Head Swimming Coach, and student swimmers shared their successes during the swim season.
The Board approved the Consent Agenda for the purpose of approving the meeting agenda, minutes of previous open session meetings and work sessions, payment of bills, district financial report, and
amendments to FY26 budget.
Mrs. Cathy Steverson, Director of Information Technology, provided the Board information regarding
the Missouri National Data Privacy Agreement.
Dr. Matt Huntley, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, and the board discussed the preliminary
academic calendar for 2026-2027.
Dr. Holley Goodnight, Assistant Superintendent for Business, presented the City of Carthage (Police
Department) School Resource Officer, Memorandum of Understanding to the Board.
Dr. Luke Boyer, Superintendent, reviewed and discussed the legislative priorities with the Board.
Dr. Boyer presented the MSIP 6 Standard: Finance evaluative report to the Board.
Daniel Carreto Martinez was selected as the district’s Missouri School Board’s Association John T.
Belcher Scholarship nominee. Daniel will compete for a regional scholarship: one regional winner will
be awarded a statewide scholarship.
Ms. Maria Sanchez provided a Carthage R-9 School Foundation update stating the trivia night fundraiser will be held on February 7, 2026 at Specialty Risk Insurance.
Dr. Luke Boyer, Superintendent, presented his report to the Board.
The Board met in closed session immediately following the regular meeting to discuss legal,
personnel, student matters, negotiated contracts, and evaluative personnel reports in compliance with
Section 610.021 (1), (3), (6), (12), and (13) of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.In closed session the Board approved the following personnel actions:
Approved the employment of certified, support, and substitute staff as presented contingent upon
receiving a clear criminal record check from the Missouri Highway Patrol and Federal Bureau of
Investigation, and a clear check of the Adult Abuse/Neglect Registry maintained by the Missouri
Department of Social Services for all employees new to the district:
Certified Hire
Annie Calhoon, business teacher, Carthage Technical Center-South, is being recommended for rehire under PSRS Critical Shortage for the remainder ofthe 2025-2026 school year. Mrs. Calhoon retired after many years with the district as a Math Teacher at Carthage High School.
Riley Hawkins, second grade teacher, Mark Twain Elementary is an experienced early childhood professional. She has completed extensive classroom experience through student teaching in Webb City and observation hours across multiple elementary settings. Riley holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Missouri Southern State University, along with a K–12 English Language Learners certificate, and has been a consistent Dean’s List honoree.
Support Hire
Stein Anzjon, bus mechanic
Keisha Borland, evening custodian
Briana Burns, special education paraprofessional, Carthage High School
Rickey Hirshey, school resource officer, district
Substitute Hire
Adelaide Goracke
Amanda Beedle
Joanne Russell
Kylie Mueller
Misty Osterdyk
Lily Bolander
Riley Hawkins
Kaley Fallis- substitute counselor
Certified Transfer
Myranda Dunham, special education teacher, Steadley Elementary
Salvador Prado, band director, Carthage High School
Jason Vance, principal, Steadley Elementary
Support Transfer
Tiffany Brooks, special education paraprofessional, Columbian Elementary
Emmie Giles, Title 1 paraprofessional, Columbian Elementary
Emilia Renteria, cook, Carthage High School
Certified Retirement
Kelly Avise, virtual learning teacher, Virtual Learning Center
Certified Resignation
Sara Mendell, science teacher, Carthage Junior High School
Jacob Golden, machining teacher, Carthage Technical Center
Support Resignation
Kaylee Rissman, special education paraprofessional, Columbian Elementary
Patricia Caulk, special education paraprofessional, Columbian Elementary
Jessiah Riner, HVAC technician, maintenance
Kloie Taylor, special education paraprofessional, Fairview Elementary
Abigail O'Brien, cook, Carthage Junior High School
Jessenia Baird, special education paraprofessional, Columbian Elementary
Kevin Hinojoza, administrative assistant, Welcome Center
Lauren Petticrew, nurse, Sixth Grade Center
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