Board Report - December 21, 2023

• Bryson Rhine state band AND state choir along withs who made all-state choir
• Festus athletes names All-State
• Cross Country Coach Bryant Wright named NFHS Section 5 Boys Cross Country Coach of the Year
• FHS Key Club Giving Tree
• Shop with a Cop
• Lainey Coplin - FHS December Student of the Month
• FMS Morgan Anderson Kindness Club and NJHS help with setup for Jefferson County Foster Children's Christmas Party
• FMS Morgan Anderson Kindness Club Random Acts of Kindness
• FMS PAWS Choir concert for Jefferson County Foster Children's Christmas Fund
• Elementary and Intermediate School Green and Silver Days
• Current Miss Missouri Teen USA Madison Beck spoke with 4th graders
• Christmas choir and band concerts

The board unanimously passed the consent agenda. Items were:

• November meeting regular session minutes
• Bills payable for the month
• Financial Reports & Statement
• Ledger Subtotals
• Rocketry Team National Finals Trip Proposal
• 2024 Varsity Softball Tournament Trip
• Discarded books from Elementary & Intermediate School
• First Reading of MSBA Policy 2023D Updates - GBEBA, GBEBB, JFCH, JFG, JG-RI, JHCD, KK

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

• Late Start Wednesday on Jan. 3
• Board filings close on Dec. 26 (at the time of the meeting Mr. Wolk, Mr. Wendel had filed for re-election. Mr. Eric Fjone filed to run as well)
• I-55 Cooperative (Festus, Herky, Windsor, R-7) is holding preliminary discussions about disbanding. Currently R-6 houses K-3 autism classes, R-7 houses 4-8 classes and Dunklin houses life skills high school program. It is roughly 30 students total. R-6 students are currently 71% of that population (used to be 40%). No decision yet. Nothing will happen until next school year at the earliest.
• The Performing Arts Center will host the Jefferson County Leader's Senior Expo on June 26
• The District will begin looking at the calendar for next year. First meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 9
• Air purifiers have been delivered to small offices and counseling center. They were received as part of a grant in the spring.
• 32 families received letters notifying them that students will not be allowed to return 2nd semester without submission of proof of residency in the District

Dr. Ruess presented report on student performance and APR which will be part of the Data Tours later this semester

FACILITIES REPORT

• Ameren has requested an easement - no issues - approved
• Recommendation for refinishing gym floors - 15,000 sq. ft. total. $6255 - approved
• Bid documents went out on Dec. 21 for the Middle School expansion. pre-bid meeting on Jan. 2. Bids will be received until Jan. 23

There are 2 versions. Version 1 would allow admin to require drug and/or alcohol testing if the admin has a reasonable suspicion of use.

Version 2 includes that provision and would allow for the random drug testing of students who participate in extracurricular activities. The board approved this version. As stated in the meeting, approval does not mean it will definitely be implemented. Approving this version gives the Board the option to implement random testing. If that were to happen a company would need to be selected and protocols established.

District Assessment Plan - approved

District Assurances Checklist stating the District is in compliance with all federal and state laws - approved