Carthage R-9 Board approves four teacher retirements, two resignations, hires four teachers

(From Carthage R-9 School District)

The Carthage R-9 Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, December 11, 2018, 6:00 pm, at Columbian School. Present were Board members Justin Baucom, Niki Cloud, Tony Diggs, Jeff Jones, Bill Lasley, and, Lee Elliff Pound.

Members of the Columbian Tiger Crew introduced themselves and shared some of their academic achievements and future goals.

The Board approved the consent agenda for the purpose of approving the meeting agenda, minutes of previous meeting, payment of bills, monthly financial reports, contract to Mid-America Sports Construction for the activity center turf ($165,009.99), and approval of bus bid specifications.

Artists of the Month awards were distributed to December winners.



Anthony Steve Hernandez-Rojas was selected for the Missouri School Boards’ Association John T. Belcher Scholarship nominee. Anthony will compete for a regional scholarship; one regional winner will be awarded a statewide scholarship.

Mrs. Elliff Pound provided an update on Carthage R-9 School Foundation activities. Major Saver Cards sales went well. Half of the funds received are given to the school and the remaining half to the Carthage R-9 Foundation. Foundation scholarship applications are being accepted at this time.

Dr. Baker updated the Board regarding the following announcements:

 The first meeting of Carthage 2020 and Beyond was held on Tuesday, December 11, 6:30 pm in the CHS Commons area. The public was invited to participate in this planning session to discuss the future of our schools and identify new opportunities and challenges. Future meetings in 2019 are scheduled at 6:30 pm on January 24, February 11, March 11, and April 22.

 The Joplin Globe’s article written by Tyler Wornell regarding the districts’ SEE-TEL Grant has been published in the New York Times and U.S. News and World Report. The grant provides funding for training ELL teachers and programs promoting immigrant family engagement.



 Students will be dismissed for Christmas Break on Friday, December 21, at 1:00 pm and are scheduled to return to school January 7.

 Recipients of the 2018-19 Golden Key Awards, are Kiley Kyte, Bryan Shallenburger, Pamela Hitchcock, and Caleb Bayless. Winners will be recognized in January at the Chamber of Commerce Banquet.

 Quetha Bassham, Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools, who is retiring after 20 years, was recognized for her dedication and service to the Carthage R-9 School Board.

 In closed session, the Board accepted retirements/resignations and approved the employment of certified and support staff as follows:

Retirement (effective end of 2018-19 school year):

Certified Staff:
Lowell Catron Physical Education Steadley,
Sandra Hartley Algebra High School
Donna Maggard Instructional Facilitor/Title 1 Director District
Leigh Shoup Virtual Learning Instructor Tech-N

Resignation (effective end of 2018-19 school year)

Erin Roelfsema 1st Grade Columbian
Arienna Reynolds Special Education Columbian

Employment Certified Staff: 

Bob Holman Instructor – 2nd semester ½ day Virtual Learning
Morgan Robertson Fifth Grade Intermediate Center Support Staff
Rebecca Callahan Cook Junior High
Abbey Catron Paraprofessional Mark Twain
Wendy Estes Bus Aide Transportation
Bobbi Gober Paraprofessional Fairview
Laura Hall Paraprofessional Mark Twain
HyAzia Johnson Nurse Junior High
Lisa Macias Cook Intermediate Center
Hannah McCully Secretary Intermediate Center