Carthage R-9 Board accepts three teacher resignations, hires assistant band director

The Carthage R-9 Board of Education met in regular session on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 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, and Mr. Patrick Scott. Ms. Maria Sanchez was absent. Ms. Niki Cloud led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Board approved the Consent Agenda for the purpose of approving the meeting agenda, minutes of previous open session meetings and work session, payment of bills, district financial report, and
student ridership count for 2025-2026.

Jason McVey, Carthage community member spoke to the Board of Education regarding the Beacon Autism Center and Pleasant Valley Elementary School.

Dr. Luke Boyer, Superintendent, provided the Board information regarding the revised policies and
regulation for their consideration of adoption.

Mrs. Crystal Brown, Carthage R-9 Foundation Director, provided a Carthage R-9 School Foundation
update stating the major saver campaign and trivia night fundraiser were a success. For information
regarding the Flanigan speech contest, Boylan art and writing contest, and Raise The Curtain campaign contact Mrs. Brown.

Dr. Holley Goodnight, Assistant Superintendent for Business, provided the Board information regarding the retiree health and Guardian Insurance automatic payment via ACH forms.

The Board approved April 20, 2026, as the date for the annual reorganization of the Board of Education.

Dr. Goodnight presented the school districts acceptable usage policy to the Board.

Dr. Boyer shared Gift of Life – Learn Life Savers information with the Board.

Dr. Boyer and the Board discussed district restructuring options.

Dr. Boyer presented his report to the Board.

Dr. Boyer and the Board amended the 2025-2026 Board of Education meeting schedule with changing the March meeting to Thursday, March 12, 2026.

The Board met in closed session immediately following the regular meeting to discuss legal, personnel, and student matters in compliance with Section 610.021 (1), (3), and (6) 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

Alicyn Quick, assistant band director, Carthage High School

Support Hire

Leasa Evans, practical nursing instructor (part time), Carthage Technical Center-North

Briana Camfield, special education paraprofessional, Steadley Elementary

Shelda Dudley, special education paraprofessional (autism), Columbian Elementary

Delanee Chapman, special education paraprofessional, Steadley Elementary

Damaris Sonnier, administrative assistant-bilingual

Lola Wilhelm, operations administrative assistant (part time), Administration

Tiffany Judd, cook, Carthage Intermediate Center

Substitute Hire

Aubrie Fewin

Certified Transfer

Ryan Mankin, special education teacher, Carthage High School

Grant Collier, physical education teacher, Carthage Intermediate Center

Shanna Pugh, instructional facilitator (literacy emphasis)

Support Modification

Kelli Tandy, bus aide

Doug Ritchie, HVAC instructor, Tech Center-North

Christina Bunker, substitute bus driver

Certified Resignation

Courtney Martinie, FACS teacher, Carthage Technical Center/Carthage High School

Melissa Earl, second grade teacher, Steadley Elementary

Roxanne Shrewsberry, special education teacher, Sixth Grade Center

Substitute Resignation

Kyle Reed