Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Carthage R-9 Board renews Baker's contract, accepts resignations, hires three teachers

(From the Carthage R-9 School District)

The Carthage R-9 Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, February 17, 2020, 6:00 pm, at the Early Childhood Center. Present were Board members Jeff Jones, Lee Elliff Pound, Niki Cloud, Bill Lasley, Tony Diggs, Elizabeth Streich, and Wayne Jones.

Carthage Early Childhood Center students led the Pledge of Allegiance and performed songs under the direction of Miss Emily Beaver, Early Childhood Center teacher. 

The Board approved the Consent Agenda for the purpose of approving the meeting agenda, minutes of previous meeting, payment of bills, financial report, date for Board reorganization, contracts for school buses, and approve request for proposals for employee health insurance services. 








Artist of the Month awards were presented to February winners. 

February 9 through 15 was designated as School Board Recognition Week. Dr. Baker presented each Board member a certificate of appreciation from the Missouri School Boards’ Association. Kirby Newport, co-chair of Carthage Chapter of the National Education Association (CNEA), and Jennifer Wagoner, chair of Carthage Community Teachers’ Association (CCTA), thanked the Board for its strong leadership and commitment to the children of Carthage. Donations from CNEA and CCTA were made to the Carthage R-9 School Foundation to honor the Board for their many sacrifices. 

After providing an opportunity for public comment for the proposed 2020-2021 school calendar in accordance with state law, the Board adopted the calendar as presented. The 2020-2021 school calendar is posted on the district’s website at www.carthagetigers.org or you may contact the District Office, 710 Lyon Street, 417-359-7010, to request a copy. 

Dr. Scott Ragsdale, Carthage Intermediate Center Principal, provided an evaluative report on At-Risk, Missouri School Improvement Program Areas I-3, G-6. The graduation rate continues to increase reporting 93.4% in 2018-2019. Attendance district-wide in 2018-2019 was 93.4%, which remains above the MSIP accountability measure set at 90%. 

The Virtual Learning Center served 323 students, including 162 students graduating with VLC credit. Summer school attendance district wide decreased from 2,128 students in 2018 to 1,952 students in 2019. There were 38 students enrolled in the Missouri Options Program with a 91% passing rate. The student learner/work program served 44 students. 

Dr. Mark Baker, Carthage Superintendent of Schools, provided an evaluative report on Personnel, MSIP Area TL-1. 

To attract and retain highly-qualified employees, the district seeks to provide competitive salaries and benefits for all staff members. The district’s 2018-19 base teacher salary of $37,000 ranked ninth out of 124 school districts in Southwest Missouri, fifth out of nine Central Ozarks Conference (COC) schools, and second as compared to ten area school districts. 

Comparing maximum salaries, the district was 22 out of 124 school districts in Southwest Missouri and seventh out of nine COC schools. Stipends and incentives are offered to bilingual certified and support staff based on their proficiency of verbal and writing skills. 








Mrs. Elliff Pound provided a Carthage R-9 Foundation update. The Carthage R-9 Foundation is in the process of reviewing scholarship applications. Award winners will be announced in May during Academic Awards Night. 

Dr. Baker provided a recap of the Carthage 2020 and Beyond meetings, priorities, recommendations, and community survey results. 

Dr. Baker discussed the need to add additional classrooms to the Early Childhood Center. Jane Goade, Parents as Teachers Director, and Kamie Bourgault, PAT teacher, discussed Parents as Teachers visits and the importance of early interaction between a parent and child. 

Kim Ensminger, Early Childhood Center Director, discussed the services offered to their students, the importance of additional instructional time, and the need for additional space. 

Brittiany Nixon and Michelle Hyder, Tiger Prep Academy teachers, discussed the success of the Tiger Prep Academy, the advantages offered to children participating in the program as they prepare them for kindergarten, and the need to expand the program. 

Dr. Baker updated the Board regarding the following items: 

 The Tiger Activity Center has proven to be a valuable resource for the district. Many groups including physical education classes, team practices, archery, and a career fair have utilized the facility. 

 Extended a thank you to the Board of Education for their service. 

 A South Technical Center expansion and North Technical Center remodel bond issue will be decided on the April 7, 2020, General Municipal Election ballot.

 2020 and Beyond discussions in March will include increasing civic and community minded attitudes, improve communication between home and school, improve communication regarding scheduling and required courses, and better promotion of school activities and achievements. 

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), (6), and (13) of the Revised Statutes of Missouri. 

In closed session, the Board renewed the contract of Dr. Mark Baker, Superintendent of Schools, and approved the following personnel actions: 

Employment 

Certified Staff 

Michael Crider Counselor Intermediate Center 
Daniel (Zach) Holden Library Media Specialist Intermediate Center 
Yessenia Viera Third Grade Dual Language Fairview 
All Administrators 

Support Staff 

Shawna Bailey Bus Aide 
Jennifer Monzon Paraprofessional Steadley 
Amy Pinkley Paraprofessional Steadley 
Sarah Polley Paraprofessional Steadley 
Philip Syching Custodian Junior High 
Lydia VanTassel Food Service Intermediate Center 

Substitute Teachers 

Sydni Beck 
Emily Brown 
Joshua Carter 
Lynne DeVrieze
Stasia Fisher 
Sydney Holden 
Mariah Stilabower 

Retirement/Resignation of Certified Staff

Retirements (effective end of 2019-20 school year)

Amy Atnip Third Grade Steadley 

Resignations (effective June 1, 2020)

Amy Ryder School Psychologist District 

Resignations (effective end of 2019-20 school year) 

Whitney Pekarek Special Education Junior High 

Transfer/Reassignment

Brittany Bridges Assistant Principal Junior High (Former- District Instructional Facilitator) 
Kenny Brown ISS High School (Former Social Studies/High School) 
Becky Chadd Assistant Principal Steadley .50 FTE/Columbian .50 FTE (Former-Instructional Coach -Pleasant Valley/Steadley) 
Caitlin Devillers Library Media Specialist Sixth Grade Center (Former Art/Steadley) 
Michelle Hensley Assistant Principal Fairview .50 FTE/Sixth Grade Center .50 FTE (Former-Instructional Coach/Fairview) 
Beth Jones EL Sixth Grade Center (Former-EL/Intermediate Center ) 
Lisa Moore EL Sixth Grade Center (Former-CIC/Sixth Grade) 
Lisa Morris Third Grade Steadley (Former-First Grade/Steadley) 
Stephanie Ray Head Softball Coach High School (Former-Asst. Softball Coach/High School)

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