April 16, 2024

The board first certified the results of the April 2 election.

Board Secretary Barbara Womack issued the oaths of office to Doug Wendel (center) and Mike Wolk (right) who won election on April 2 and to William Conway (left) who was appointed to the board to fill a vacancy last month.

The board then elected Doug Wendel to be Board President for the coming year, Mike Wolk to be Vice-President, Richard Fadler to be Treasurer, and Barbara Womack to be Board Secretary.

• FHS Special Olympics National Unified Champion Banner School
• Emma Stevens FHS Student of the Month
• FMS Map Assembly (including dance-off between Mr. Boyer and Mrs. Crites)
• FMS MoDOT Art Contest Winner
• 6th graders visit FMS
• Elementary Choir Concerts

The board unanimously passed the consent agenda. Items were:

• March meeting regular session minutes
• Bills payable for the month
• Financial Reports & Statement
• Ledger Subtotals
• First reading of BOE 2024A Policy Update: EHBD
• Approve summer school June 2024 Application and Handbooks (can be found on the Festus R-VI Website under the "District" section

• TAB dates are April 29 & 30
• Invited to the last theater production of the year. It will be Frozen Jr. on May 2, 3, 4
• Dinner for retirees is April 28
• Enrollment is currently around 3470.
• Important May dates: Senior scholarship night May 17, Kindergarten promotion May 21, and graduation May 21

BUDGET UPDATE

At the end of the 3rd quarter of the budget year, the district has received 90% of estimated revenue. One state payment is outstanding and that will cover the bulk of the remaining 10%. Expenditures are at 73% of budget. "That's a good place to be 75% of the way through the year." Projected to end the year with 32% reserves.

Investment report - In January of 2023, $14.5 million was invested in various accounts. Some has since been reinvested. At the end of July, the District is projected to have earned approximately $1.2 million in interest on those investments. That money will be used to pay for Middle School expansion project and Intermediate renovations.

Next year's budget - An early look at next year's budget shows that Fund 1 & 2 will end the year in the black. The District will deficit spend in Fund 4 (anticipated with construction beginning), but will still end in the positive. Projecting to end the year with 29% reserves.

Technology program review - 3 person department has seen an increase in ticket counts as more technology is added to the district. They have handled 1878 tickets in the past year. None of that includes the work T3 high school students performs on chromebooks. Dr. Ruess says the department "does a great, great job."

Library media program review - 4 librarians and 4 support staff. Library/media centers have taken on more in recent years as more technology has been added to the program. "They do a great job of providing opportunities and support for students."

BOE & Festus Bargaining unit MOU - It was a good process. Dr. Ruess called it a "true negotiation." Bargaining unit has already approved. Board approved unanimously. It will go into effect July 1.

Facilities Report and Recommendations - 5 bidders for the abatement project at the elementary school. 1 bidder did not meet all of the specifications of the RFP. Recommend accepting the bid from Thornburgh Abatement Company for $76,538. - Approved unanimously

The Festus R-VI School Board voted unanimously to hire Aaron Portell as Head Girls Basketball Coach for the 2024-25 school year. Portell will also teach science classes at Festus High School.

Portell comes to Festus from St. Pius X High School in Festus where he has accumulated a record of 286-171 while coaching girls basketball for 20 years at St.Pius. He also coached boys basketball while coaching the girls for six of those years. His record with the boys was 73-78, for a cumulative record of 359-249.

“Though I am extremely proud of what I was able to accomplish at St. Pius X, I am now ready for this new chapter of my life,” Portell said. “I look forward to working with these young ladies and continuing to build this program.” Festus Athletics & Activities Director Jason Therrell says Festus is excited to add Portell to the staff, “Aaron’s accomplishments as a teacher and a coach over the last 20 years speak for themselves. Aaron is a dedicated educator of outstanding character who will enhance any program he is involved with.”

Portell officially takes over the program on July 1.