Mexico 59 Board of Education Update

This monthly update will be sent prior to noon the day after the board meeting.

The sound on the YouTube video below is not ideal. I downloaded the file, fixed the sound, and uploaded it again into YouTube, and it's still not working well. This Google link will get you to a better quality sound. Apologies for the technical difficulties.

-Marci

1. We will be student centered.
2. We will presume positive intentions and model the expectations we have for others.
3. We will keep board business to: board policies, the governance (strategic) plan, legal requirements, and the evaluation of the superintendent.
4. We will be prepared and present for meetings.
5. With items presented on the agenda, we will ask clarifying questions or request additional information at least 24 hours before a meeting. If more information is needed, questions may be asked during the meeting.
6. All agree to adhere to the chain of command and will direct others to follow the chain of command.

L.J. Hart presented a parameters resolution to begin working on the Series 2025 Bond issue. A motion carried to approve the resolution for the sale and issuance of the Series 2025 General Obligation Bonds to L.J. Hart & Company. These bonds are part of the $28 million bond approved in last April's election.

Certified Staff: Sidny Groves, MHS Speech, Debate & Theatre Teacher. Her nominating colleague shared, "Sidny is an amazing teacher; she has done so much good with her students, all the students love her. She treats all students equally and does so much with them if not Theater, its Speech & Debate. Sidny gives all students an opportunity to show their talent, she works with them and is awesome at what she does. I am grateful for her and glad she is her with us staff and students.

Support Staff: Sam Hamilton, MMS Administrative Assistant. Her nominating colleague shared, "Ms. Sam goes above and beyond for MMS! Not only is she a wonderful attendance secretary, but she has been helping fill in as nurse and she is doing great! Even when things get a bit chaotic, Ms. Sam is ready to help with a smile on her face! MMS is blessed to have her. She is the glue that holds us together!"

• Board minutes from 2/18/2025 and 2/28/2025
• Bills Paid
• Treasurer's Report
• Summer School 2025. Summer school learning programs were approved.
• Surplus Property. Recommendation to declare the greenhouse at Hart Career Center as surplus property. The greenhouse will be auctioned via sealed bid. Bidders must be able to disassemble and remove the greenhouse by May 1, 2025.
• American Red Cross Agreement. In 2017, the district formed a partnership with the American Red Cross, allowing authorized district personnel, primarily nursing staff, to offer courses and certify staff members. Renewing this agreement will enable the district to continue providing training and certification on-site, while also receiving compensation for each participant trained. The agreement will be in place for 3 years at no cost to the district.

Dr. Lentz (13:45) discussed community engagement, facilities & bond progress, district finances, and a snow day update.

Ms. Lower (25:06) discussed elementary curriculum & instruction, including a math review update, reading success plans (RSPs), and literacy with Core Phonics. Secondary C&I discussions included an ELA and math assessment update and the training of MHS EOC test coordinators for tested subjects. Ms. Lower also shared about the monthly admin culture walk, which was at HAW this time, and commented on district assessments and a Panorama progress.

The report can be viewed in its entirety here.

Building-level Reports

MELC

EF

HAW

MMS

MHS

MEC

HCC

Communications Report

Approved a motion for a new forward lift school bus to Midwest Transit Equipment.

A proofrolling observation report was completed by a third-party at the advisement of our contractor, Byrne & Jones Construction. A loaded dump truck made multiple passes through the softball field site. As noted in the attached report, the proofroll failed. To continue construction, soil stabilization is needed.

Two options were recommended:

• Option 1: Stabilize at 12” deep using 5% cement = $71,220
• Option 2: Stabilize at 12” deep using 4% cement = $62,090*

Motion to approve the proposal from Bryne & Jones for playground equipment at McMillan Early Learning Center, incorporating the recommendations from Facility Solutions Group (FSG).

The base bid for the proposal is $502,140.
Additions to the price:

• One (1) Shade Structure: $13,227
• Two (2) Shade Structures: $18,537*
• Percussion Play: $12,853*
• Wear Mats- $3,000*

*Recommended by FSG.

Recommended approval amount with two shade structures, percussion play area, and wear mat allowance: $536,530

Approved the proposal from Bryne & Jones for playground surfacing at Eugene Field Elementary, incorporating the recommendations from Facility Solutions Group (FSG).

The base bid for this proposal is $274,865. Bid includes pea gravel under the swings.
Additions to the price:

• EWF (wood chips)- $26,822
• Rubber PIP (poured in place)- $74,453*
• Wear Mats- $3,000*

*Recommended by FSG.

Recommended approval amount with poured in place and wear mat allowance: $352,318.

Approved the proposal from Bryne & Jones for playground surfacing at Hawthorne Elementary, incorporating the recommendations from Facility Solutions Group (FSG).

The base bid for this proposal is $160,000. Bid includes pea gravel under the swings.
Additions to the price:

• EWF (wood chips)- $31,623
• Rubber PIP (poured in place)- $87,110*
• Wear Mats- $3,000*

*Recommended by FSG.

Recommended approval amount with poured in place and wear mat allowance: $250,110.

Approved the Memorandum of Understanding with Zenith Aircraft Company. This MOU offers a paid summer internship opportunity to two (2) students with an interest in aviation. This is funded by the PIM grant in partnership with C2C.

The temporary easements "provide for construction of improvements as part of the Grantee's (City of Mexico) Stormwater Improvements Project" along Wade St. near Hawthorne Elementary and the high school.

Recommended offering a $2,000 stipend to students who complete their student teaching within our district. Furthermore, if the student is hired as a probationary teacher, suggest starting them at Step 2 of the salary schedule. This incentive will drive student teachers to our district and encourage them to stay. The board made a motion and voted to approve this process.

Discussion on offering full-time preschool for children of all Mexico Public Schools certified and support staff. Currently, full-time slots are limited to the staff of McMillan Early Childhood Center. The discussion will continue with CO and MELC. It's likely a survey will go out to staff to see who would utilize the preschool.

Julia Lindsay addressed the Board regarding use of district facilities. Per policy BDDH-1, the board allowed the resident five (5) minutes to present their issue to the board unless the board president allots more time to the discussion.

Policy DCB: Political Campaigns

Policy KG: Community Use of District Facilities

The board made a motion to not allow school facilities to be used for political campaigns and the motion passed.

The following items were discussed and approved regarding next year's budget:

• Health Benefits. (01:11:30) Approved the health benefits as presented at a rate of $709.23/month per employee that qualifies for health insurance for the 2025-2026 school year. There is a 6.7% increase in the medical insurance monthly premium for the 2025-2026 school year.
• 2025-26 Salary Schedule approved (01:18:56) (pictured below)
• Administrator Salaries & Contracts (01:24:51) (zip file, download from agenda)

Approval of Personnel, including extra duties contracts:

• New employees
• Administrators Rehire
• Transfers
• Subs/Homebound/Tutoring/Bus Drivers
• Extra Duties
• Resignations/Retirements/Terminations

Approval to rehire Certified Staff eligible for tenure for 2025-26, as submitted by principals and the Director of HR.

Approval to rehire Probationary Certified Staff for 2025-26, as submitted by the principals and Director of HR.

Approval to rehire Professional Staff for 2025-26, as submitted by the principals and Director of HR.

The board meeting adjourned at 7:01 PM. The next regular session meeting will be held on April 15 at 5:30 PM in Central Office.

The best efforts are made to send this update prior to noon the day after the board meeting. These highlights are intended to offer information as a courtesy to stakeholders. This newsletter is not intended to replace board-approved minutes from the meeting. If there is something not mentioned for which you need more information, please email communications@mexico.k12.mo.us to be directed to the correct personnel. All board updates are posted to the district website.