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NMC R-1 names new middle school principal and TSC director
NEW MADRID, Mo. - Two new administrators will assume duties for the 2022-2023 school year in the New Madrid County R-1 School District.
During the February meeting, the R-1 School Board hired Joe Moss to serve as the Middle School principal for the next school year. Andrea Harris was named the coordinator for the R-1 Technical Skills Center.
Moss currently is the District’s liaison for student-teacher success, working with the Central Middle School and High School teachers. Prior to that position he worked three years as a school counselor for R-1.
An educator for the past 23 years in the District, Harris oversees the Teaching for Tomorrow program at TSC.
Dr. Sam Duncan, New Madrid County R-1 superintendent, noted several applicants were interviewed for the positions, which drew candidates from within and outside the district.
“We were thrilled with the quality of the applicants,” Duncan said. “Joe and Andrea will be tremendous assets for the school district for years to come.”
He added he was pleased the District had such qualified people within its ranks who could move into the administrative positions. “I consider it a blessing for everyone to have people here working with us that already understand our process and have already proven themselves as great people,” he said.
The superintendent expressed his thanks to all the applicants as well as those school personnel who served as members of the interview teams.
Also during the meeting, the Board re-hired the remaining members of the administrative staff for the 2022-2023 school year.
Other hirings approved at the meeting included Madison Sprouse as a special education teacher assistant; Lindsey Martindale with the Parents as Teacher program; Margery Waller , elementary music teacher; and Rhiley Smith, assistant track coach. Madison Appleton was transferred from elementary music to elementary teacher and Zachary Bowers was moved from District grounds maintenance/bus driver to District grounds maintenance/building maintenance/bus driver.
Resignations accepted by the Board were: Jarett Allen as assistant football coach at Central High School, Leslee (Shelly) Johnson as flag corps sponsor, Denise Woodside as the quiz bowl/academic team sponsor at Central High School, Thomas Drummond as the Central Middle School principal and Lindi Sprouse as the ECSE teacher at Lilbourn Elementary.
The Board set graduation for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, for the Class of 2022. Also approval was given for the 2022-23 school calendar. Duncan described next school year’s calendar as very similar to this year’s calendar. Classes will begin Aug. 22.
In other action by the Board:
• Heather Schuerenberg, the R-1 director of business and finance, presented a plan that will give all employees the opportunity to earn a $675 stipend (before taxes and retirement) for agreeing to view their choice of wellness-related videos. The plan, which was approved by the board, will have $96,000 of the stipend covered by a grant the District was awarded.
• The bid of $34,337.67 from HD Pro Media for the purchase of a football sound system was approved.
Duncan said the District began experiencing problems during last fall’s football season with the sound system.
“The sound system gets used a lot - for high school games, pep rallies, middle school games and occasionally some city league games. We appreciate everyone’s patience this fall,” he said.
The District is still considering its options on replacing the scoreboard, according to Duncan.
• Six new Blue Bird All-American buses will be purchased and the trade in of six 2012 model buses was approved.
The Superintendent noted the entire purchase of the new buses will be funded through federal funds the District will receive. The new buses will be complimentary to the other buses in the District’s fleet and will include two buses with an area to carry luggage.
• The Board nominated Kay Rebstock for the MSBA Region 14 position of Board of Directors representative for 2022-2024.
• Current CD investments were reviewed. The Board acknowledged the District’s strong financial condition.
• Work is continuing by the Board on a new R-1 District mission statement.
The statement is part of the Board’s efforts for the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.
• While the District has had to continue to contend with COVID-19 illnesses and recent problems with the weather, Duncan said he was very pleased with how well the school year is going.
“We continue to see our student groups grow and succeed throughout the grades and in every corner of the district,” he said. “I marvel at the leadership of the Board, our leadership teams, the building principals, our teachers, the dedication of our bus drivers and all of our staff. I’m proud of their efforts.”