Carthage R-9 School District has 102 new staff members

(From the Carthage R-9 School District)

The Carthage R-9 Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, July 19, 2021, 6:00 pm, at Carthage Junior High. Present were Board members Lee Elliff Pound, Jeff Jones, Ryan Collier, Bill Lasley, Patrick Scott, and Karen Wilkinson. Niki Cloud was absent. 

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Lee Elliff Pound, Board President. Board of Education Work Session provided information regarding Plans for a Healthy and Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan (SRCSP) for the 2021-2022 school year. Refocusing moving forward from a rapidly changing global society to in person classes was also discussed. 

The Board approved the Consent Agenda for the purpose of approving the meeting agenda, minutes of previous meetings, authorize payment of bills, approve district financial report, set date for Tax Rate Hearing, award contract for North Technical Center remodel project, and approved  change order #3 South Tech Center expansion. 

Janeane Myhre, Food Service Director, provided an evaluative report on Food Service, Missouri School Improvement Area G-8(9), including providing free nutritionally balanced meals available to all students in accordance with federal and state Child Nutrition Program regulations and guidelines. Ms. Myhre also discussed data analysis findings from free/reduced meals throughout the previous years. 

Jeff Fries, Transportation Director, provided an evaluative report on Transportation, Missouri School Improvement Area G-8(10), including determining transportation needs necessary to accommodate future expansion and to continue to reduce the number of traffic accidents involving bus drivers. Mr. Fries also expressed the dire need for bus drivers. 

Dr. Baker updated the Board regarding the following items: 

 • An update on the budget 

• New district website 

 • School starts on a Monday NOT a Thursday 

• 102 new staff members for the 2021-2022 school year. 

The Board met in closed session immediately following the regular meeting to discuss legal and personnel matters in compliance with Section 610.021 (1), (3), and (13) of the Revised Statutes of Missouri. 

In closed session the Board accepted the following personnel actions: 

Approved contracts and employment of certified and support staff 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 Staff: 

Stephanie Keck Kindergarten Teacher Mark Twain 

Allison Hawkins 5th Grade ELA/SS Teacher Intermediate Center 

Kimberly Culp School Psychologist District 

Darleen Moore Part-time Practical Nursing Instructor Technical Center 

Support Staff: 

Melissa Dunnic Administrative Assistant Technical Center- South 

Amanda Witt Administrative Assistant Technical Center- North 

Leslie Loyola Grijalva Administrative Assistant Administrative Office 

Ayla Christie EL Paraprofessional Intermediate Center 

Christina Rose (Letterman) Administrative Assistant, Special Services Administrative Office 

Abigail Rose Cook Intermediate Center 

Laura Nichols Cook High School 

Jennifer Swinehart Administrative Assistant Junior High 

Michelle Kurz Title I Paraprofessional Steadley 

Meagan Adams Administrative Assistant Steadley 

Audrey Webster Bus Driver Transportation 

Robin Root Bus Driver Transportation 

LeAndra Nevills Bus Aide Transportation 

Susan Oliverio Bus Aide Transportation 

Noemi Granados Technology Liaison to Students Technology 

Additional Duties: 

Amie Riley Assistant Girls’ Swim Coach High School 

Melissa Youngworth Assistant Boys’ Swim Coach High School 

The Board was notified of the following personnel changes: 

Resignations 

Dayli Alvarez School Liaison/Translator Fairview 

 Preston Weathers Custodian Intermediate Center 

Christopher George Custodian High School 

Jessica Linder SPED Paraprofessional Steadley 

Scott Brauburger Bus Driver Transportation 

Karla Shumny Administrative Assistant High School 

Priscilla Pettie Nurse Mark Twain 

Resignations Additional Duty 

Brynn Skaggs Assistant Boys Swim Coach High School 

Brynn Skaggs Assistant Girls Swim Coach High School