Carthage R-9 Board hires four teachers, accepts two resignation, sets tax levy

(From the Carthage R-9 School District)

The Carthage R-9 Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, August 17, 2020, 6:00pm, at the Carthage South Technical Center. Present were Board members Jeff Jones, Niki Cloud, Bill Lasley, Karen Wilkinson, Patrick Scott, and Ryan Collier. Lee Elliff Pound was absent. 

Jeff Jones led the Pledge of Allegiance. New board member Karen Wilkinson (pictured) was recognized for completing the required CBM (Certified Board Member) training with the Missouri School Board Association.

The Board approved the Consent Agenda for the purpose of approving the meeting agenda, minutes of previous meetings, payment of bills, financial report, final FY20 budget, District 2020-2021 Assessment Plan, staff handbooks, and Special Education Compliance Plan. 

Mrs. Melony Houlihan, Pleasant Valley Principal, provided an evaluative report on Safety, Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) area G-8 (7). Safety protocols are in place for return to school. 

The district continues to upgrade and install security surveillance cameras. Niki Cloud provided a Carthage R-9 School Foundation update. The Foundation will hold this year’s major fundraiser, the 2020 Alumni Football Game, on October 3, 2020, at David Haffner Stadium. More information regarding participating or sponsoring this event can be found on the Carthage R-9 Foundation

Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/carthager9schoolfoundation.

Following a hearing on the district’s proposed tax rate, the Board established the total tax levy for 2020-2021 at $3.98. The tax rate remains unchanged from 2019-2020. 

The Board approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of $10,000,000 principal amount of General Obligation Bonds (Missouri Direct Deposit Program), Series 2020A, to finance the costs of the South Technical Center addition and North Technical Center remodel project. 

Dr. Baker updated the Board regarding the following items:

-In-person school will begin Thursday, August 20, 2020. The district continues to follow the CDC and Jasper Co. Health Department’s recommendations regarding hygiene/cleanliness, facemask/face coverings, and social/physical distancing for the return to school. 

-Currently there are 535 students enrolled in online/virtual education classes as a path of learning during COVID-19. Online learning begins August 25 or 26 depending on the grade level. 

-A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the South Technical Center Expansion on Tuesday, August 11, 2020. The anticipated completion date for the South Technical Expansion and the North Technical Center remodel project is July 2021.

-As a way to provide professional development to the Board of Education, Google Classroom will be discussed at the next board meeting. 

The Board met in closed session immediately following the regular meeting to discuss legal, personnel, student, and contract mattersin compliance with Section 610.021 (1), (3), (6), and (12)of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.In closed session the Board accepted the following personnel actions: Approved the employment of certifiedand support staff presented contingent upon receiving a clear criminal records 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:CertifiedStaff(effectiveforthe2020-21school)AnissaCatronFourthGradeIntermediateCenterSheilaNorwoodTitle1Reading(.25fte)PleasantValleySamanthaReevesThirdGrade-VirtualInstructionColumbianMarkSponaugleVoc/Career&AdultAccom.Coord.(.50fte)TechNorthSubstituteTeachers:KyleHughesSubstituteTeacherKierraLeeSubstituteTeacherAndreaMcGinnisSubstituteTeacherSupportStaff:SydneyCampbellStudentWorkerTechnicalCenterCarolCobaughBusAideRosaGarciaParaprofessionalMarkTwainMeganHeistenNurseAidePleasantValleyJanetJohnsonBusAideJasonLatzkoCustodianFairviewBrittanyLawhunBusAideGinaPraterCook6thGradeCenterLeaRiosHometoSchoolLiaison6thGradeCenterSubstituteSupportStaff:EverettBarrettSubstituteBusDriverKevinCadySubstituteBusDriverCharlesHowellSubstituteBusDriv