R-8 Technology Director's farewell reception- it wasn't just cookies

During its July 22 meeting, the Joplin R-8 Board of Education approved the payment of $108 for cookies for a reception for departing director of technology Klista Rader.

While that is not a big amount compared to the $8 million in might-as-well spending that has required the board to seek long-term financing, it was still taxpayer money being spent for an employee who was not retiring after 30 years in the district, but was simply leaving after two years in her current position and 11 years in the district to start an educational consulting business.

The reception, cookies and all, came at a time when Superintendent C. J. Huff was eliminating a number of positions in the district, including all part-time reading teachers, and some cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and secretaries.

The board is being asked to approve yet another expenditure for Klista Rader's reception when it meets 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Administration Building at 32nd and Duquesne.

A list of bills submitted to the board for approval includes one for $35.34 to Hobby Lobby for paper goods and decorations.

That makes a total of $143.34 for the reception, which is still less than the $197.34 in taxpayers money that was spent to furnish a meal for the Board of Education July 22 between its afternoon work session and evening meeting.