School is out, construction is in at R-1

NEW MADRID, Mo. - It will be a busy summer at each of the school buildings in the New Madrid County R-1 School District.

At the May 13 New Madrid County R-1 School Board meeting, approval was given for summer improvements. The work was made possible through the passage last June of Proposition Safe and Secure Schools, a no-tax increase bond issue.

Planned work includes new entryways for each building to provide more secure reception areas. Already dirt work is complete for additional visitor parking at the New Madrid County Central High School and work has begun to widen a culvert to reduce flooding problems at the campus’ entrance.

Dr. Sam Duncan, superintendent, reported the District was officially awarded the Federal Emergency Management Agency grant. The grant along with matching funds from the bond issue, will be used to construct a building at the Middle School to serve as an emergency shelter for students from the Middle School and High School and as a multi-use area for the Middle School.

Duncan said the District is now entering the design-phase of the FEMA building. Once the design receives government approval then construction will begin, possibly this fall.

“That will be the last project to wrap up,” Duncan said. “We want to make sure we make good on every promise we made to voters on Proposition Safe and Secure Schools.”

Heather Schuerenberg, director of business and finance for the District, presented the rate chart and summary schedule of benefits from Consociate Insurance for July 1 through June 30, 2022.

According to Duncan, there are no major changes to the insurance program. The $500 deductible remains the same and the District will continue to cover 100 percent of the premiums

“We really want to provide good, affordable insurance that gives them the healthcare they need when they need it the most,” he said.

Director of District Operations Anthony Roberts updated the Board on the school resource officers. Also he presented a video from one of cameras now installed on the outside of school buses.

The Board employed Victoria Duenne as assistant track and assistant girls basketball coach at New Madrid County Central High School; Jamie Kimball as assistant volleyball coach at New Madrid County Central High School and Matelyn Bolen as wrestling coach at Central Middle School. The resignation of Jamie Higgerson as flag corps coach at New Madrid County Central High School was accepted.

Also during the meeting, approval was given for the annual contract with Kenny Rogers Children’s Center to provide physical and occupational therapy and the Board reviewed the CD investments.