December 20, 2024, 2024

The Festus R-VI Board of Education has unanimously approved the hiring of Matt Gurnow as the new Festus High School Assistant Principal, effective July 1, 2025. The decision was made during the board's closed session following its regular monthly meeting on December 19.

Gurnow, a 2009 graduate of Festus High School, has been a social studies teacher at the school for the past eight years. He is currently the Social Studies PLC team leader. During his time at Festus, he has also served as an assistant varsity softball coach, a junior varsity baseball coach, and the sponsor for the Future Teachers of America and Fellowship of Christian Athletes clubs. Before joining the Festus School District, Gurnow worked for three years in the West Plains School District and one year in the St. Clair School District.

He holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Missouri and a Master’s in Educational Administration from Missouri Baptist University. Gurnow is currently pursuing a Specialist in Administration degree from Southeast Missouri State University, which he expects to complete in December 2025.

Gurnow will succeed Joel Roth, who is retiring at the end of the 2024-25 school year. "I am looking forward to continuing to serve our staff, students, and community in this new role," said Gurnow. High school principal Dr. Karl Shininger says Gurnow will be a good addition to the administrative team, “We are excited to bring Mr. Gurnow on board as our next Assistant Principal. He has been part of the Festus community almost his entire life and has shown leadership in his various roles over the past eight years.”

Gurnow officially begins his new role on July 1, 2025.

Ron Harrington with the Douglass High School Alumni Association thanked the board for donating Shropshire Park, the old site of the Douglass High School, to the alumni association. He says the group has big plans for the property.

• Katelyn Reece - FHS December Student of the Month
• Winter Wonderland at FHS was a huge success
• Chase Karr earned the 1st alternate tenor saxophone seat in the all-state jazz band
• Coach Wes Armbruster was named the Class 4 Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year
• Middle School teacher Kelly Genova has earned her doctorate in education from the University of Missouri
• Mr. Zustiak's 8th grade PAWS choir sang carols for family and friends and raised more than $600 for the Jefferson County Foster Children's Christmas Fund.
• Mrs. Jokerst's middle school FACS class made stuffed toys for Mrs. Munoz's kindergarten class based on the kindergartener's drawings.
• Dozens of 5th & 6th graders participated in the annual Festus Fitness 3K.
• 2nd grade held its annual Thanksgiving Day parade through the hallways.
• First grade classes got a visit from a fur trader. The students had the opportunity to ask questions and touch the furs.

The board unanimously passed the consent agenda. Items were:

• Regular session meeting minutes from November.
• November Financials
• December Ledger Subtotals
• Frist Reading MSBA Policy 2024D updates - BBBB, BDC, DFI, GCBA, IC, IGBD, IGCDA, JEA, JED, and JHDF
• Gifted (Quest) Program Evaluation
• Contract with Walsworth to print the Middle School Yearbook

• Superintendent's Report

1. Winter break is from Dec. 23 - Jan. 3. Classes resume Monday, January 6
2. The District calendar committee will meet on Jan. 7 to begin looking at the calendar for the 2025-26 school year.
3. Enrollment is up from last year at 3503, all attributable to new students at the Early Childhood Center

Report to the Board in the District APR. Will be presented to staff in February.

Elementary Board Report

Intermediate Board Report

Fall Athletics Board Report

Facilities Report

The District is seeking RFQ's (Request for Qualifications) for demolition of the two houses and engineering and construction of a new middle school parking lot.

The District received word this week that the new access road to an apartment complex being built behind the American Legion will run next to the Early Childhood Center property line. Dr. Ruess will look into better fencing around the playground.

Approved bid for $33,960 for a 3-year contract with UKG to implement a new digital time clock for hourly employees.

Employees would clock in and out using an APP, computer or kiosk at place of employment.